I just won a Montague Rapidan with 1 tip off Ebay for $42.60 did I get ripped? It looks to be very nice and original. I hope it will be a nice functional rod to use. I am not looking for a show pc or a collectors item just something to get into bamboo. It will be used on big trout waters and maybe try to catch some smallies on it. So what line will this probably use? I hope a WF 5 or 6wt. One more ? will it be ok to use it with just the factory 7 guides? I hate to rewrap it, the wraps and stuff look solid but if it is worse than it looks in the pics I will and will put 9 or 10 snakes on it. Thanks for the help.

STU

Fish it as is, fish it hard and don't worry about it. Not sure what line it takes but try a 6 and a 7. Have fun with it.

Mike

If it looks good I would put a coat of wax on it and go fishin'.
Yes , more guides would probably be an improvement and if the rod NEEDED to be refinished I might put a few more on it, but if it looks good I would fish it as is.
I have a pre WWI 9 foot rod of undetermined blood lines. Only 6 snake guides for a 9 foot rod and one of those snakes is the "stripper". But , the wraps are BEAUTIFUL, and the varnish is good. I fish it as is and it is an awesome cannon of a rod.
Check the ferrule/bamboo connection. It is not unusual for the old glue to fail. Check this as you fish it -- this is when it is most likely to fail. If the glue fails, it Must be fixed. Not a big job but necessary.
AgMD

i got a similar rod off ebay several years ago.....for a round 50, and it needed to be redone (reelseat, grip, guides, wraps, and varnish). i bought it with the intent to refinish. i think your money is well spent. load it up with various lines and fish the one that feels right. that rod will chuck out some large flies for thoose smallies.
matt

Thanks for the help guys. I look forward to using it.

STU

Well guys it is official if you have a Rapidan it is worth a bit more today. Since mine went to the big boo graveyard in the sky. I got this message from the seller today.
"the montague was returned today. The tube was smashed right down the center, breaking all 3 pieces. Looks like it was run over or maybe stomped on. I will send you a refund because it was not insured. Sorry abt that."
I am so bummed. I guess I am in the market again now. So if you see anything yell at me. I would like a 7 to 8ft 4-6wt. Nothing expensive, just a decent rod. Thanks guys for the help but seems it was a waste now. Bummed out and going to pout.

STU

A bunch of similar production rods here:

http://www.codella.com/handyman.htm

The loss of any rod under any circumstances hurts, but to loose your first one before you even got it----OUCH.
Take heart, "never run after a bus, there will always be another" and so it is with bamboo.
AgMD