Does Sunlight/heat damage Rods?

[Riverside.bassin]

I recently purchased my own boat, and like most, I leave my rods laying on the deck so I can easily grab them when needed. It is HOT and SUNNY where I am, and I noticed how hot my rods get while laying on the deck, even with rod sleeves on.

 

Do you think long exposure to direct sunlight weakens/damages rods over time?

[Tywithay]

The blank, no. Wraps and epoxy, possibly. 

[Fishnski48]

I live in Phoenix where summer temps get to well over 100 ..granted I'm only on the water 6 hours during the summer time.  The rest of the year they are exposed to warm temps and sunshine and I haven't seen any adverse effects on them  Now your line can be a different story,  I keep my replacement line spools in the house (garage temps can be 100) but my rods and reels stay out there.  Generally change my lines end of September each year.  Fall Winter and Spring weather doesn't hurt them. But always check for nicks and such after each fishing trip.

Keep the rods and reels clean and I thing you'll be OK

[king fisher]

Yes it will, but it will take a long time.  The first thing to go will be the the guide raps.  The clear coat on the blank will eventually start to bubble and turn white.  The blank can eventually become weak and break, but it takes a lot of sun.  The rods I have seen damaged by the sun have been on off shore boats, and have been left out in tropical conditions for weeks at a time.  As long as you store you rods out of the sun between fishing trips, they should last a life time.

[Mat_ski]

UV light exposure can cause oxidation of many polymeric materials, including resins and epoxy used for rod-building. Typically it takes a long while before it becomes noticeable, but it varies.

[FishTank]

I have been fishing for several years now and have not seen any of my rods damaged by exposure but my fishing partner's old G. Loomis GL2 rods are starting to do funky things.  The have become more flexible and the cork is pretty much shot.  They still catch fish but I have been trying to get him to move on and get new.  He seems to like what he likes. 

[OnthePotomac]

I have a KVD spinner bait rod and a Rick Clune top water rod, both 15 years old, that have laid on my deck all summer each year in 85-90 degree heat and there is no difference in them.

[Fishnski48]

If you are still concerned you can always wipe your rods down with 303 UV protectant once in awhile.

 

https://www.amazon.com/303-30313-CSR-Protectant-Plastic-Fiberglass/dp/B00KN0UOEE