Help on a 2 piece fishing rod

[Machias]

I bought a fishing rod many moons ago, 25 years ago, got home and after a couple of weeks realized the rod did not completely slide together.  There is about a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch gap.  It's an 12 foot pike rod from England.  I bought four rods and this rod was in a case and I made the mistake of taking one off the shelf without inspecting this particular rod.  Anyways, I think it's a fiberglass rod.  Can I do some light sanding without ruining it?  I've never actually used it, been in a cloth case and hard pvc pipe for 25 years.  It's in mint condition   , but it would be perfect for a blue cat/striper/muskie rod. So I want to go ahead and see if I can sand it down just a tad and make the fit better.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

[Button Nubbs]

The ferrule piece looks like steel in the pic. If that's the case go for it. If it is fiberglass yes you can sand it, but go slow and do not get the rod hot. Do more fitting than sanding and keep in mind the female piece of the ferrule is tapered so the male piece should be tapered too. If the piece is fiberglass do not use acetone to clean it afterwards. You may just want to take it to someone who does repairs, it sounds like that rod has a lot of history behind it.

[Machias]

It's not steel, just looks shinny due to the flash.  The only history is it's been following me around all these years in my garage.  Always cased and always in the pvc pipe.  I'll take it real slow, thanks!

[Button Nubbs]

Forgot to add I would go with a fine grit sand paper

[Machias]

   Thanks!

[Morse_FJ40]

Try a little Vaseline on it.

[Machias]

Try a little Vaseline on it.

Will give it a try and let you know.

[Machias]

Got some really fine sandpaper and sanded just a bit at a time and now the rod slides together perfectly!!  Going to make an awesome big blue catfish/striper/muskie rod!!  Thanks for the suggestions!

[Button Nubbs]