graphite ferrule

Ferrules

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"Ferrule" is the name for the rigid connector points where rod pieces are joined together.  There is one such "ferrule" on each adjoining rod section; a "female" (or socket/receptor) segment and a corresponding "male" (plug) connection.

The basic purpose for ferrules is to enable the rod to be broken down into shorter sections that can be practically transported and stored.

There are 3 types of ferrules:

1. metal . . . like those pictured here; found on many older rods of all materials, & currently used on bamboo rods; usually of nickel silver or brass

2. built up . . . the dominant process in graphite rods that is basically a reinforcement of the rod sections at their connecting points

3. glass taper . . . the process used in most fiberglass rods; the male portion is tapered

Once again, this component is not one the "over-the-counter" fly rod buyer need concern themselves with . . . as it isn't a selection criteria in production fly rods.  Nor is it a factor in buying a rod blank with which to build your own rod.

Metal ferrule