Removing Rod varnish

[Panman]

I bought an Eagle Claw fiberglass spinning rod at a junk store for a buck. It appears that the previous owner(s) placed several coats of varnish on the rod that I would like to remove.
I considered using paint remover or something along that line rather than all the sanding. However I am concerned that the removing agent might damage the blank.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated and I wish to thanks you in advance.

Tim