Lightning and Antique Metal Fishing Rods: A Safety Inquiry

Question
Hi,

I'm a writer who would like to know if the old antique metal rods ever attracted lightening, striking the person holding it.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Greetings,

I don't know of anybody using metal fishing rods any more.

I am not old enough to have been exposed to any tails about it happening either.

However, most new rods are made of graphite which is conductive. I know a guy who was fishing when a storm rolled in. He went to shore and lightning hit a tree he was by and he got hit too. He said it caused him a bunch of health issues for a while. Lightning while fishing is something to take serious and everyone should take great care when a storm is approaching.

Hope this helps,
Joe