Have you cleaned off the rust?
1. If yes you have cleaned off the rust so Sage could not see it, I would
take the reel fishing one more time and then disassemble it and look for
rust'
a. if you DO find rust after one more use go to 2 below.
b. if you do NOT find rust, then presume the original rust was due to
not oiled originally. Watch the reel closely for rust and if rust reappears
after cleaning go to 2. below
2. If you have NOT cleaned off the rust,
Immediately take the reel back where you bought it and ask for your money
back or substitute another reel.
3. Go fish and then look for rust on your new reel. Go to 1 above, if you
have rust.

Good luck!
Go fish.
John

wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello just bought a Sage 1201 it's a smaller reel with an offset
gears.. I fished with it twice and really think it is a great solid
little reel. But when I took the spool off I noticed that the main
shaft gear had rust on all the teeth. I fished in a light drizzle with
it other than that kept it as dry as I could given the fact that I'm
standing in water and my line is wet from water etc. etc...the reel
still operates fine. Just wondering if I should be concerned? or if
there is anything that I could apply to prevent/remove further
rusting?
Any Tips appreciated.
Brian