Here is what I know about this rod: It is a 9’ hexagonal bamboo with “Western Special” hand written on it. The original guides are black. The guides and tip top on the tip section have been replaced with new larger guides. Cork is original. Reel seat is an original slide lock style. Wraps are bright red with black borders and in very good condition. Ferrules appear to be nickle-silver and are wrapped to the boo. One ferrule has a small crack that appears to have been repaired. All ferrules are tight, no clicking during false casting. There is no delamination, splitting or fraying of the boo. No dings either. The finish appears to be original and in very good condition.
Any idea on identifying the rod maker?
I was considering Cortland Sylk line for this rod. I am a little uncertain as to what weight and taper to go with. It casts pretty good with a DT-6-F Cortland 333 that I have but would a 5wt Sylk line be better? The stripping and mid section guides are the original small guides.
I am also considering putting my Horrocks & Ibbotson Vernley Trout Reel on this rod.
Guess you folks can add another to the boo addiction. I seem to have been bitten by the vintage boo-bug.
Eric;
I put a SYLK DT5F on my Elkhorn and like it very much. Rainbow tried it and thinks I would be able to cast the whole line!
I added a G. Loomis venture reel and it is a great looking outfit too.
Sorry about the red face, old habits are hard to break!!
Don’t forget the Michigan Fish-In August 14th to the 20th. The Holy Water’s of the Au Sable await you!!
Cactus
[This message has been edited by Jack Hise (edited 05 July 2006).]
Look at the node spacing pattern & is it light, medium or dark cane ? Anyway to determine if it’s an impregnated rod, varnished, etc.? Is the reel seat Bakelite, nickel silver or other & up or down-locking ? Seems Orvis had a Western Special back in the 1980’s but it was a graphite rod.
Here are some pics of the rod. I apologize for the quality. I am very exhausted right now and will try to get better one later this weekend.
This rod is straight as an arrow, honey colored and appears to have a nickle silver down locking reel seat. Does not appear to be stainless steel but how so I tell the difference? Also looks like it has the original varnish and in very good condition too.
Many thanks for the help. Will check out the other site for certain, too. I paid a fair bit less than $100 for the rod.
Oops, forgot there is a small crack in the winding check too.
Boy am I tired!
Eric “nighthawk”
American veteran and proud of it!
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 06 July 2006).]
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 06 July 2006).]
Rod appears to be a trade rod using either Montague or Montague Chubb components. IF the action of it feels good to you and you like the way it casts pay close attention to the ferrules since the grip check is cracked as you so stated the ferrules may do so as well. This would be a medium grade rod as were most of this ilk. There are replacement ferrules available which would increase the cost of the rod but make it far more fishable without having to worry about a fractured ferrule hurting the cane. Good luck restoring it and enjoy fishing it…
I believe that Banjo nailed it. The ferrules are Montague for sure, and the Winding check looks like some of the checks used on some of the rods that came out of the Montague custom shop. I think that they are plated brass and if so, cracks usually show up in them. Finding the ferrules is not that diffucult, I have a few of them left and that looks like it may be a 19/64ths or 20/64ths. Montague, made a lot of rods and even made rods for companies like Orvis, South Bend, and dozens of private labeled trade rods. I have a few that are pretty decent rods to fish too, just very heavy for my liking.
Eric, shoot me an email with your adress in it and I will send you a spool of that scarlet silk used on that rod.
I believe that Banjo nailed it. The ferrules are Montague for sure, and the Winding check looks like some of the checks used on some of the rods that came out of the Montague custom shop. I think that they are plated brass and if so, cracks usually show up in them. Finding the ferrules is not that diffucult, I have a few of them left and that looks like it may be a 19/64ths or 20/64ths. Montague, made a lot of rods and even made rods for companies like Orvis, South Bend, and dozens of private labeled trade rods. I have a few that are pretty decent rods to fish too, just very heavy for my liking.
Eric, shoot me an email with your adress in it and I will send you a spool of that scarlet silk used on that rod.
Aaawww, shucks. J.C. went and made me blush right in front of Amy. Seriously, I appreciate the kind words and all of the help. I paid $59 and change for the rod including shipping. I was so tired last night I couldn’t recall exactly how much I paid. Varicose veins can really wreck your sleeping pattern. I feel much better today but I did call off of work. Oh well.
Leo, you’ve got mail.
Eric “nighthawk”
American veteran and proud of it!
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 07 July 2006).]
Yup, looks like a Montague. And the “Western Special” marking makes me think it was some sort of custom job. I’d think it would throw a 6wt line nicely, but if that seems to load too quickly, go with the 5wt SYLK. Also, are the ferrules pinned? If so, and you decide to replace them, you might consider replacing the pins as well (or have some rod restoration person do it for you).
Pj4,
No the ferrules are not pinned. My first thought on seeing this rod was like yours. It appeared to be a custom built rod. The fit and finish of the rod have the appearance of special attention from a skilled rod maker. Kind of like buying a firearm from a big manufacturers custom shop. Not to put down their mass produced models, I normally buy them, but the same models from a manufacturers custom shops have all of the little details that make them that much better. If you know what I mean.
Sorry about the ramble. Some day I will be able to order a Kusse or a Clouser but this old Montague has me excited. Like a kid at Christmas. There’s just something about bamboo, no matter who the rod maker is.
There’s just something about bamboo, no matter who the rod maker is.