Is This Rod Still Usable?

[TotalNoob]

It's a Johnny Morris signature series rod, it was my Dad's - I don't know how old it is but I would estimate somewhere in the 10-15 yr range. 

 

I know for sure that it stood against the wall in my uninsulated (Colorado) garage for about 3 years (unused/untouched). Prior to that it's probably safe to assume it was in an uninsulated environment for it's life, though, likely also saw very little use.  

 

For at least the 3 years it stood in my garage (and probably before this time) the reel was spooled with 12lb mono, through the guides, and attached to the rod's hookkeeper by a crosslock snap or something. I believe it was fairly snug. I didn't know much about fishing by the time I reached for it last year. 

 

So I don't know if the line put enough pressure on the tip/blank for all that time that I shouldn't even consider using it?

 

On the last line guide, I noticed (when I ran my finger over it) that there are a couple little divots (tried to get pics, below) - presumably from the line but I'm not sure. They would definitely be abrasive to line running through the guide. Is there a way to fill these in?

 

Is there any way I could confidently use this rod? 

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

Simply replace the last guide/tip. Google tip replacement & you will find a video or two describing how to do it. 

[Deleted account]

Yeah, throw a new tip on that thing and put it through the paces. Or send it to me, I'm carbon fiber disposal certified.  

[TotalNoob]

Well that's terrific news! Though, seems like no concerns about the prolonged exposure to extreme annual temperature swings in an uninsulated environment? Combined with the years of line being snugged up pretty tightly by the reel to the hookkeeper, putting the tip & blank in a sort of "sustained flexed" state (albeit not extremely flexed)? 

 

Ultimately it seems like the integrity of the tip and/or blank might be a concern given the prolonged state of the rod? Don't get me wrong! ... I don't know exactly how many millions of modules is "good" but 85 seems like a solid number!

 

And this rod would certainly fit the bill for me this year. That's why I'm trying to figure this out now .. if I should replace the tip and go with it or look for something comparable during the upcoming spring classic event at BPS. 

[Fishingmickey]

A lighter, hot melt glue and a pair of needle nose pliers. Five minutes later the rod will be dang near good as new. You may have to cut/scrap the old epoxy off of the stem of the tip top guide. Do not overheat the guide. it should come off easily with 10-15 seconds of heat applied.

FM

[Jigfishn10]

Great advice @BaitFinesse and @Fishingmickey.

[WRB]

Any reputable tackle shop can replace a rod tip giude for about $7. Like everything it's easy when you know. You BPS rods were made in China using inexpensive guides, replace with Fuji tip guides.

Tom

[BASS302]

The BPS 2010 catalog states that the Johnny Morris Signature Series rods had Fuji Concept Titanium Frame SiC guides.  Your picture looks like there's some stuff on the tip top (or maybe he tried fixing/replacing it himself).  Maybe you should try cleaning it first, then check for damage.  Maybe one of the BR members who build rods can weigh in on how to clean the tip top or check for damage.

[soflabasser]

Looks like you need to change the rod tip. It is very easy to do you can do it yourself.

[CrankFate]

Aside from needing a new tip you’re probably 10 or 15 million years away from its half life. 

[Spankey]

I'd replace the tip and catch a few fish with it. Your dad would probably be glad you did.

 

A trip to Bass Pro Shops is always a good thing also. No doubt you'll find something else there. Nothing wrong with that either.