How to Care for Cork Grips on Your Saltwater Fly Rod
Preventive Maintenance, Saltwater Cleaning & Everyday Care in Harsh Conditions
When you're sight-casting redfish in the marsh or battling tarpon on the flats, your fly rod grip is your lifeline — literally the only point of connection between you and the fish. And while cork is the gold standard for comfort and grip, saltwater environments are brutal on it.
At LOWco Rods, every MARSH MX and custom build features hand-shaped, premium-grade cork grips, sealed in-house to protect against moisture and grime. But even with that added protection, cork is still a natural material, and it deserves the same respect as any other high-end component on your rod.
A little care goes a long way — here’s how to keep your grip fishing like new for years.
Preventive Maintenance — Stop Salt Before It Does Damage
Salt is cork’s worst enemy. It dries from the inside out and leaves behind abrasive residue. Even though LOWco grips are sealed, proper care keeps that seal lasting longer.
-
Rinse your rod with fresh water after every trip — including the grip. Don’t pressure wash it or soak it — just a gentle rinse or wipe.
-
Avoid sunscreen and bug spray on your cork. These chemicals stain and break down the surface. Wipe your hands or wear sun gloves before fishing.
-
Don’t shove your grip into marsh mud or sand. Set it on a gunnel, cooler, or shoulder — embedded grit leads to permanent wear.
-
Want extra protection? You can reapply a light cork sealant once a year to refresh the factory finish. Just avoid any thick or glossy coatings.
Routine Maintenance — Clean Every Few Trips
Even with sealing, saltwater grime will eventually work into your grip. A quick clean every so often keeps it looking sharp and gripping well.
What You’ll Need:
-
Mild dish soap or Magic Eraser
-
Soft toothbrush or sponge
-
Damp cloth
-
Towel
Cleaning Steps:
-
Lightly rinse or wipe with fresh water.
-
Scrub gently with soapy water using a toothbrush or sponge.
-
For deeper stains, use a Magic Eraser — gently.
-
Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
-
Dry completely before storing.
Never close your rod in the tube while the cork is still damp — let that grip breathe.
Everyday Care While Fishing
-
Shake excess water and sweat off your hands before gripping. Body salt is just as corrosive as seawater.
-
Avoid resting your grip in rod holders filled with saltwater residue.
-
Inspect for cracks. Natural cork may pit slightly over time — this is normal. If needed, small holes can be filled and sanded smooth.
Treat It Like the Custom-Built Component It Is
Your LOWco cork grip isn’t mass-produced — it’s shaped, fitted, and sealed by hand, and built to fish hard. Take care of it, and it’ll serve you for years of drag-screaming runs and push-pole stalk missions.
Rinse it. Clean it. Respect it... Built for the Salt
