How can I get a catalog?
I've broken my rod, what do I do?
What is the difference between Boron II and Boron III?
How will the action of the GVX compare with the higher performance Boron rods?
Why are bamboo rod actions so soft?
My rod sections are stuck together, how do I get them apart?
Why is there a gap in my WT or LT rod?
What is the best line for my rod?
Where is my nearest Winston dealer?
How do I care for my Winston rod?
How does Winston's history factor into all these new materials and technologies?

Answer: To request a catalog either submit our online catalog request form, visit your local Winston dealer, or call us directly at 406-684-5674 or email us at winstoncs@3rivers.net.

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Answer: Go to our Warranty section for complete instructions on how to return your rod to us for repair.

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Answer: Winston first introduced Boron technology in our rods back in the fall of 1997 with the BL5 Series. The unique design and versatility of this series allowed for an incredibly high line speed without the need for a stiff tip. Since the BL5 series, Boron technology has improved with each generation. With these improvements Winston has designed the most performance driven rods within the industry. The Boron II technology (2nd generation boron) was much lighter and stronger than the 1st generation Boron allowing Winston to design a very strong, yet light-weight rod that was versatile enough to handle virtually all fishing applications it encountered. But with the advancement of the Boron III technology (3rd generation boron) and the greater flexural and tensile strength, and improved compression strength, Winston has designed the most versatile rods in the industry by blending incredible line speed, power and that coveted Winston action. Essentially, the Boron III technology gives the rod greater quickness to generate better line speed and stronger compression to provide better fish-fighting power.

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Answer: The taper and the design of the GVX are very similar to the higher performance Boron rods but the primary difference is found in the butt section of the rods. While our high performance Boron rods utilize boron in the butt sections the GVX is a 100% graphite rod. This means that since the GVX is designed with the same taper as our high performance Boron rods yet the butt section is 100% graphite the angler can expect the perfect blend of performance and tradition in the same rod.

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Answer: The simple answer is the material. Modern rod designs use man-made materials such as graphite, boron and fiberglass. These materials can be manipulated to achieve a desired response from that material. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a grass that is limited by the nature. Since the natural flex of bamboo is deep and the natural recovery of bamboo is slow the end result is a slow, yet very delicate and precise fly rod.

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Answer: You want to get the ferrule as cold as possible so the material can contract. If you have access to a chest freezer – put the stuck sections in for an hour or so. Or you can wrap the ferrule in ice. Once the ferrule is cold, try pulling the sections apart using rubber gloves or rubber jar openers, so your hands don't slip and damage the guides. It can be easier to do this with two people. Avoid twisting the sections as this can damage the ferrule.

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Answer: First, it is important to understand that the gap is supposed to be there. Many rods have come into our repair department because the sections of a rod were "crammed" together. Rods which have a single taper, such as the WT and the 5-piece LT, use a spigot ferrule design to ensure proper energy transfer through the rod. Without this gap the caster would feel a hinge or flat spot in the rod. Because of the design characteristics of a single-taper rod, each ferrule is basically a graphite version of the mandrel that part was rolled on. This means the ferrule itself contains the exact same taper and diameter and the blank it's inserted into resulting in perfect fit. Over years of use this gap will eventually wear, meaning proper fit will be lost. Once this occurs simply return the rod to our repair department for inspection and ferrule replacement. We'll replace the ferrule and return it at no charge (except shipping).

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Answer: There are many great lines to choose from for your Winston Rod. Since line selection is very subjective there is no right or wrong answer. Because everyone's casting stroke is different the way a rod performs for each individual can be either helped or hindered by the selection of the line. With few exceptions, every Winston rod is designed to perform its best with the line weight that is written on the rod. A good rule of thumb is to remember that the stiffer the rod is the easier it will handle some of the over-lined fly lines within the industry. There are many choices available for all types of fishing applications. It isn't possible for us to try them all when we design a rod but we can explain the guidelines used for each model. These guidelines do not mean this is a preferred line for the rod. We simply used the same line for consistency in the design stage.