[PhilR]

Picked up a CL find today. Nice old gentleman was selling his father's rod, since he can't get out on the water any more. I'm looking forward to getting it out on the water myself.

Montage Fishkill, 7.5 ft, 2/2. One of the tips has a split, about 5 inches long. I'm thinking titebond and waxed dental floss, followed by a couple of clear repair wraps - unless there are better ideas. Thanks.

 

[para_adams]

I refinished one just like it. But only one tip. A very good casting 5 weight. id apply gorilla glue and wrap it tight for a day, then remove the thread or floss and layover white silk thread and apply varnish to make it go clear. Enjoy it! Ron

 

[Tom Bowden]

Nice old rod with lots of character.

I recommend Elmer's Glue-All Max polyurethane glue. It's very similar to Gorilla Glue, but seems to "foam" less. Lots of rod makers, including me, use it. The Home Centers don't carry it anymore, but I can usually find it at Fred Meyer. Make sure you moisten the area you are gluing before applying, and bind the glued-up area with cotton string for at least 24 hours.

Tom

 

[Flyguy65]

Here's my .02, I use Titebond III and then nylon tyraps let sit overnight. White thread coated with a finish for a transparent repair wrap. If you're going to add guides (Classic flyrod forum post) it would be beneficial if there was a guide over the split. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[PhilR]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the tips. For the repair wrap, how long should it be? About the same size as a guide wrap, or should I cover the whole split?

 

[Flyguy65]

Entire repaired area plus some on each end for insurance. With thin thread and a light coat, hardly noticeable. I do this with my scarfs too.

 

[PhilR]

Thanks Steve. I'll post progress when I get to it.

 

[para_adams]

Thanks Steve. I'll post progress when I get to it.[/QUOTE]
Show us your first fish caught too! The possibility that this is a very rare "Light Trout" version is very cool. My standard version has a very enjoyable taper that will fish a 5 or a 4 weight line and give me a long cast too (up to 55-60'). I've tried casting a few other 7-1/2' 5 weight bamboo rods that I felt were incapable of reaching over 40' on my best casts. The Fishkills definitely have a large fan base judging by posts on the CRF and you can count me as a fan. Mine was a basket case when I got it with chewed up handle, broken seat and most wraps falling apart. I took it down to the bare bamboo and refinished it in the general look of the original but with more guides and lighter color silk.

 

[PhilR]

Dang, Ron. That's beautiful.

 

[para_adams]

I thought long and hard about taking Monty Man's advice and adding guides in-between the originals but eventually chose to place guides in new positions. Keeping the rod original is a great choice too. In the end you can't go wrong either way and whatever you do with your new Fishkill it'll be a great rod.

 

[PhilR]

Plenty of time to play with guides. Nothing with fish that small open for a while.

 

[PhilR]

Actually, while we're on the topic, can you send me the spacing you used? Thanks.

 

[para_adams]

Actually, while we're on the topic, can you send me the spacing you used? Thanks.

Here's what I used, from the tips...
Tip piece
4-1/4
9-1/4
14-7/8
20-3/4
27-1/4
34-1/2
42-3/8
Butt
6-7/8
16-3/4

1/2" from the guide wraps for each Fishkill style flanking trim wrap

 

[Tom Bowden]

I like Ron's approach of keeping the original character of the rod, but also adding functionality. Adding guides, larger guides to accommodate modern fly lines, and a better cork grip will really improve performance of old production rods.

Tom

 

[Flyguy65]

PhilR,
Any work done to the rod? If so, post some pictures. I prefer two piece bamboo rods now days. This rod is going to be a fun one to cast/fish!

 

[PhilR]

Not yet. I wanted to find a good line and play a little with it as is before doing too much. That said, I've picked up a wulff 4 wt bamboo line, and the silk thread I need to put on the new guides. I figure I'll put the extra guides on when I do the repair to the broken tip. Maybe over the holidays.

Thanks for checking in.

 

[Flyguy65]

Too bad you don't live closer, I'd let you try my 4wt Sylk! My buddy Lue and I swear by Cortland Sylk on bamboo....what reel are you going to hang under this rod?

 

[PhilR]

Thanks Steve. Most folks I know don't go below 5 wt. The sylk might be the next thing to try.

Not sure about the reel, probably something basic. I have a pfleuger clicker that came with a cheap outfit about ten years ago, or I have a basic Albright reel.

I have to confess, I can get excited about rods, but I just can't get too fired up about reels. Although, I did bid on that triangular abu in an auction once. That's a cool reel.

Might have to run up there if you guys do another boo bash.

 

[Flyguy65]

I missed the boo bash myself.....went fishing with bamboo instead!

 

[Tom House]

And here I was thinking I was one of the few guys, other than collectors that wants to actually use a triangular Abu reel. If I ever come across one in good condition for few dollars I'll be fishing it.

TC