[MikeB]

I took a trip to BC for a week this February and mangaed to catch fish on my spey rod, but I also managed to scratch the blank. The scratches are only in the finish, but that nice brown on my Sage 8150 is now complimented by some 'lovely' white streaks. I know its only cosmetic and won't affect the rod, but is there any remedy(eg polishing?) to fix the effect its having on me?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[pescaphile]

Leave 'em there and wear 'em proudly as mementos of the first fish that you took with that stick. In time those scratches will be supplemented by others (if you're lucky) and you'll have long lost any desire to make your rod look new and pretty. In fact, you may be a little proud that your gear shows it's been used a time or two.

My Marquis reel has dings all on its back from when I backed over it with 3/4-ton PU (Yea I know I'm lucky and Archuleta's Reel works does good work too) and I wouldn't trade my frayed-on-the-edges Barbour for some pretty new rain coat. Some things just improve with use.

Or you could always try buffing compound and a soft cloth...

pescaphile

 

[Ghillie]

Over the years all my rods have accumulated some "war wounds" from doing battle with brush and tree bark, or in banging around in my car. They appear to be only cosmetic blemishes. What I do, is to paint on a little drop of thinned clear lacquer -- ie. the fly head cement I have at my tying bench. That remedy blends the scratch mark with the finish of the rod blank. It is a quick, easy, low-cost solution which works well for blending/hiding cosmetic scratches.
If the scratches appear to be more than cosmetic you may have to go to an epoxy type rod finish product to fill and bond with the rod finish.
Remember, even if you use your rod as intended you will get some "owies" in due course. So, appreciate them for what they are, badges of honour honestly earned. The only way to keep your rod in mint condition is to keep it in its case. And that's no way to treat a good Spey rod. . . Rods need to breathe!

Cheers!

 

[pmflyfisher]

Right on those fly fishing battle scars, have some small rips
in vest and hat from trekking down steep banks and trail etc.
in Michigan, along with rod scratches.

Battle wounds, makes you look like a real steelheader or what ever type of fly fisherman you are.

If you buy something make sure you make it look older or worn some how before going on the stream

Read the Steelheader article I posted yesterday on this subject.

 

[Whistler]

MikeB, congrats on your first fish on your new rod.Good choice on the rod too, by far my favourite stick out of an embarrissingly large quiver. Mine has more wounds than you've ever seen, friends cant believe it stays together. Point being, this particular blank design seems to be one of the most durable speys put out by sage. I still can't believe they killed it, though it now has an almost cult-like following. Where did you fish when you were out here? Strongly recomend you keep the sandpaper in the closet.
Brian Niska

 

[MikeB]

Now I don't feel so bad!!

Thanks for the encouraging words, I knew it in my heart but I guess I just had to hear it from someone else as well. In response to Whistler's post I fished for a week on the Gold River on the Island. It's a beautiful piece of water but quite a chore to fly fish, especially when the water goes up 2-3 feet overnight. I managed to take some fish on flies early in my trip when the water was down and the temps. were up!!

Mike:hehe:

 

[Ghillie]

I thought that was you. . .

Hey Mike,
Great to hear that you caught some nice fish on my home waters -- the Gold river. There aren't many folks swinging the two hander on the Gold -- most still fling gear -- so when I see the long rod dapping the drifts I take note.
You are right-on in your assessment of the Gold being a pretty river, and a tough one to fly-fish efficiently/effectively. It does take some doing to cover the lies well, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
I doubt you could find a finer place to pop the cherry on your new rod and I'm sure the wounds were well earned. Drop me a note the next time you're heading over this way so we can set something up -- I'll take you to some little fished, good fly water on the Gold (and Muchalat too).

Cheers!

 

[MikeB]

Thanks

Thanks for the offer Ghillie, it was my third time out and each year I have gone in early-mid february but may be looking at going a little later next year to try and get some warmer water and more active fish. If I'm heading out next year I will definitely let you know.

Mike