Blue Marlin Rods

[speartackle]

I have looked through the forums and have not found one that would better address the issue that I have a question for, so here goes:

I bought a new 13ft Blue Marlin rod, specifilaccy for the purpose of Gallie fishing at the start of last season.  I was surprised, on Saturday, when taking it out of the garage, off its wall mounted rack, that there was what seemed an inordinate amount of rust on the eyes as well as the steel clasps to the reel seat.

Antway, off to Cape point we went, second cast the tip broke off from its welded ponts on the steel "sleeve" that fits over the shaft.

The reel seats, as said, have become so rusted that they look like untreated steel. 

i took the rod to Tucker's today for a new tip to be fitted and they took a look at the rod and suggested that I complain to the manufacturers.

Before I do that, I would like to know whether I am asking too much of a rod that obviously carries an entry level price, and buyer beware.

I would hope to gain some insight to this matter by any insight / advice that you guys can offer.

It is obviously the last Blue Marlin that I will ever buy.

I did btw also take in my 22 year old Butterworth ( remember them ?) rod for complete refurbishment, which after all of these years looks in a much better state that the Blue Marlin does.


Thanks.

 

[Marthin]

Have u used the rod before? Did u rinse it after u used it last?

This does happen, but to R130 rand elbe boat rods and only after about 2 seasons or more?

My one blue marlin did eventually show a little rust around the bottom BM trademark thing. It lost an eye or so over the years. Its about 10 years old now, been redone but a quality rod.

 

[Simen]

Now this an answer that might get me shot, because some will agree and some not.

Buying an entry level rod is going to have some minor or major shortages that a more expensive rod should not have.

The biggest shortage here is obviously component quality.

The guides, seat, etc will not be the quality of an expensive rod.

Even expensive rods guides and seats do rust if not looked after, it might just rust a little less in the same time.

I think a lot of guys will agree with me that washing and caring for rods after a days fishing is priority nr. 1 for having a rod for a long time.

Now not for one moment am I saying that you do not care for your equipment, but an entry level rod might just require a lot more care.

An expensive rod might suffice with only a good fresh water wash, were a middle cost rod would want freshwater and soap and an entry level will want freshwater, soap and a tackle protection spray.

Regardless of the make of rod, I predict you will have much the same problem with all as most of the add on's (guides, seats etc.) are the same used by all. Only the actual blank is custom to the manufacturer.

Yes, query the rod at the agent/manufacturer and see what comes from it.

Blue Marlin is a reputable manufacturer and will stand behind their products.

All the best and keep us posted on the outcome.

 

[Enigma]

Always my argument. You get what you pay for.

There is a reason Fuji uses 316 surgical stainless steel with either Chrome or Black powder plating, it doesnt rust and this is used on the guides and reel seats on all levels of guides, except of course the Titanium frames which are untreated as on a molecular level the top level binds with oxygen and forms and absolutely impenetrable oxidation shield.

This you pay a price for. In fact the same rod you have when fitted with a Fuji Reel Seat and Alu Oxide guides will cost R400 more and then with Alconite another R400 (so R800 more)

The guides etc on the rod are good with 302 S/S but with coating and the reel seats have an alloy and not S/S hoods.

It sounds like this rod was used and washed down but in the coastal surrounds oxidation will occur if it lays for a year with no further treatment or application of a Tackle Guard, normally a silicone spray.

I can almost guarrantee that the re-done Butterworth is fitted with Fuji components or possibly Pac Bay.

I would unfortunately not place the blame at the manufacturer. As you said Buyer be Warned in this case and there are hundreds if not thousands of these rods out there that are either as with Marthin's one still in great nick or as in many, many cases have been refurbed by rod builders like myself with Genuine components.

Genuine components come at a price.

Retreads vs ZZ rated tyres.

 

[speartackle]

Well, if I imagined 3 persons opinions that I would ask for...then they have been given.  Thank you guys.

I have given up up Blue Marlin, they were good rods many years ago. I have 2 other in my stable and they look as good as one could expect after the service they have offerred.

I have 2 custom rod racks in my garage, 16 rods in all, and now 11 reels in all. They are all treated as my children, there are no favorites, they are all loved equally. This is to say that no rod goes unrinsed after a day out, nor a reel for that matter.

This particular BM has regressed beyond what any other rod has. 

That said, I took the plunge and bought a L&F today, along with a new Diawa 20 for my Gallie season.

I do not feel that it is best to spend excessively on gallie pusuits, it is, at the best of times a tackle hungry game.

So, thank you Big 3 for your input.

 

[PatrickC]

My experience with the L&F shockwaves is that their guides oxidise quickly even after a rinse.

Rince dry and give a burst of silicone spray.