Montague rods

[ctroy36]

Need some advice from a bamboo expert.

Looking at some Montague rods on ebay. One said to be a Fishkill, one a Sunbeam and one called Clipper. I know about Sunbeam as I have had one for eons. However, don't know about the other two.

Anybody know where they used to fit in Montague's line?

[AgMD]

Sinclair's Restoration Handbook tells us that in 1952 the fishkill sold for $29.95. Only the Red Wing and Manitou were more expensive. The Sunbeam sold for $13.95 and the Clipper sold for $11.95.
The Fishkill was equipped with nickel silver ferrules with soldered welts , serrated tabs, and water sealed. The wraps were green w/ gold tipping.
The sunbeam had chrome plated brass and the Clipper had nickel plated brass ferrules.
All three rods are listed as far back as 1932 and may have been made even earlier.
In 1952 the Fishkill was listed as a two piece rod and was probably a two piece throughout it's history, but you can never tell.
Looks like the Fishkill is far and away the better rod.
AgMD

[ctroy36]

Thanks for the info. I thought you would know.

There's two Sunbeams that I'm looking at where the auctions end soon. The Fishkill has several days to go and I expect that it will be rather expensive by then. I may just make a bid on one of the Sunbeams and see how the Fishkill goes.

Again, thanks.

[FishinCane]

There's a really nice Red Wing on E-bay right now. A bit pricey but it looks to be in great shape.

cgi.ebay.com/Montague-Red-Wing-Bamboo-Fly-Rod_W0QQitemZ300081330568QQihZ020QQcategoryZ11144QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item300081330568

[ctroy36]

Yep, saw that Red Wing and it's way out of my range. I'm afraid that the Fishkill might end up at that price as it is in good shape also. Truth is, I'm looking for something that's not trashed or has a serious set and that could use some restoration.

[ctroy36]

So here's how it worked out.

I ended up buying an 8.5 ft Sunbeam that looked to be in good shape for $53. It had a bag and two tips. Montague Sunbeam decal present and clear. Seller said all pieces were "straight as an arrow."

There were five others I was watching on ebay and they sold for all sorts of prices. As low as $10.50, as high as $202. No rhyme or reason to such a wide range other than maybe folks get into bidding war and won't stop till they've won.

I also made a bid on a Sunbeam Rapidan -- which was supposed to be a few clicks up the scale from a Sunbeam but not near a Red Wing or Fishkill. It was a little beat and the tip had a bad set.
I was really interested in it as a fixer-upper, but the eventual buyer kept topping my bid so I figured he wanted it and would keep doing it. I quit at $60 and he bought it for $61, which convinced me that he was willing to keep upping the bid.

The Fiskill is still there and is at $30, but with two more days to go. And, as with all Ebay stuff, the real bidding doesn't get under way till the last hour.

I'm anxious to see what the Sunbeam really looks like and I'll let you know as soon as I do.

[ctroy36]

Guess what? I just bought the Fishkill.

Some guy was bidding it up so I thought I'd throw one in to see how far he'd go. He topped that, so I said what the heck, I'll toss in another and see how far he really was willing to go. Next thing I knew, he dropped out and I got it for $103. 8.5 ft, 2 tips, original aluminum tube with label and bag. Rod looks in great shape -- label still intact and what looks like a good finish. All original windings except one.

Now I have to decide whether to keep both or sell one. An embarrasment of riches.

[AgMD]

Sounds to me like you did pretty good there. $100 for a higher end production rod in fishable condition is GOOD.
Hang on to them both until you have fished them both for one season. By then you will know which you like , or maybe even find out that you like them both too much to sell either one. ;D That is the way it works , you know.
AgMD

[bscanman]

I almost guarantee that you will LOVE that Fishkill! If it's in nice shape you got a steal at just over $100. I've had an 8.5 foot Fishkill for several years and it is an excellent rod for these parts. It seems to handle best for me with a WF5 line. Have fun with it and remember to rotate those tips.

[ctroy36]

The Sunbeam arrived today and it's in great shape. All sections perfectly straight as advertised, no blemishes in the finish. Only fault I can see is that the windings color is rather dull, probably from age or exposure to UV. Not sure whether I should leave them alone or try to revive the colors. At this point I don't think I want to refinish and replace guides and windings.

Still waitng for the Fishkill.

[ctroy36]

Fishkill arrived today. It's one great looking rod. Feels entirely different than the Sunbeam, much stiffer. Can't wait till we get back in April and get out on the river with it. I'll try a 6-weight line that I have and see how it works.