I now have 4 spinning rods that are either missing tips or are broken of somewhere above the ferrule. (Not all my fault) I don't have receipts for any of them as they were all gifts. What can I do?
They are:
Okuma Connoisseur CQ-S-66 (No tip) This was a heartbreaker
Shimano Clarus CSS-66M-2 (broken then lost tip) I want this back too
Shakespeare UglyStik SP1100 (broken by car door) I don't care if I get this back
Berkely something or other(I don't have it here with me)(snapped @ ferrule casting weight at top of reccomendation) I like this better than the U-stik but not much
Who do I contact, how and what can I expect?

Help,
Wade

Shimano has a lifetime over the counter replacement warranty on the Claris rods. Take it to them in Irvine, and they should give you a new one on the spot.

As for the others, don't count on anything. This is the main reason to buy quality gear from reputable local companies.

I live in San Martin (just S. of San Jose). Is there someplace I can take it around here or an address I can mail it to?

Tight lines,
Wade

I will check on the Okuma for you.But I would like to know a few things. How long have you had the rod? Where did the tip break? Did you lose any of the rod length

John Lake
Okuma Prostaff (another reputable manufacturer)

The Okuma came loose at the ferrule and the top 1/2 was cast into the water. Then the line broke in a snag. I was bank bound, and swimming wasn't an option. This was a birthday gift for February '01 from a now dead Uncle. I'd like to just get a new tip for it, to maintain some of the sentimental value by keeping the same bottom 1/2.

Thanks for any help,
Wade

Wade,
The Shimano over-the-counter warranty on the Clarus rods means that you can take it back to the retailer you bought it from, and they will give you a replacement from their stock. No questions asked. If you did not buy it from a dealer in your area, just call Shimano at 949-951-5003 and they will refer you to a dealer in your area that handles the Clarus line and can give you a replacement. It is the dealer's job to send in the broken rod, so don't let anyone tell you different.

If you lost half the rod it will be tough but under the circumstances I will try and pull some strings and get ya a set up.

Thank you both!

John,
I got it for X-mas this year, not B-day last year.

If your dealer doesn't want to give you a new Clarus over the counter (they don't have to, most do), call Shimano toll free @ (877)577-0600 and they will have you send it in and replace it. Either way, you are covered for a new rod.

Gotta love Shimano's return policy on these rods.
I sent them the part of the rod I had left (the bottom minus 2 to 3", it snapped below the ferrule), and even broke it in half further to fit in a cheaper shipping package. They sent me a new one UPS Ground and it got back to me in 12 days from when I sent the broken one.
I still don't have contact info for Okuma, and haven't heard back from John Lake(Heavy Hint), so I can't say how that will turn out yet.

Tight lines,
Wade

I told you Shimano would take care of it. Now that's great customer service!