Hi,
I was wondering if anyone in this forum has experience using snake brand black nickel guides on rods for saltwater and what the disadvantages are or if anyone has experiences with rust as I have seen some conflicting information.

I recently built an epic 10wt bandit that had the black nickel guides and they are stunning. I want to use them for a new build as well. Epic says:
“ all our Carbon fibre rods have Titanium strippers and black nickel snake guides (about as saltwater proof as is possible)“
Source: [swiftflyfishing.reamaze.com]

And Snake Brands results from their salt fog tests had good results for the black nickel guides as well:
[www.snakeguides.com]

However, on the snake brand website it says black nickel not recommended for saltwater use.
[store.snakeguides.com]


Does anyone know why/have heard of issues?



Thanks in advance,
Tim

Call Mike McCoy and ask him why his web site does not recommend the black snakes for the salt. Mike's a super nice guy you will enjoy talking to.

A wise angler will thoroughly rinse his rod, reel, line, and flies in fresh water immediately after EVERY use in salt water. I have followed this rule religiously and have fly rods built with ordinary guides used mostly in salt water for the last 20 years that are as good as ever. Trouble is, just one omission of the rinse and corrosion will occur and it can't be reversed or concealed.

Both Donald and Phil are, IMHO, offering good advice here.