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BKill,

I think the Manitous and Red Wings were fairly similar in construction, and should compare fairly closely to one another. The main thing to keep in mind is that both of these rods were made in multiple weights - Light Trout, Medium Trout, and Bass Weight. You should refer to this earlier discussion to get up to speed on this issue - http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/reply/121937#reply-121937 . You'll need to be careful to compare apples to apples, otherwise you'll be disappointed in your comparison. It sounds like your friend probably has a Manitou Medium Trout model, since it fishes well with a 6 wt. line. I'd suggest that you try a Red Wing Medium Trout model for a similar action. Medium Trout models are the most common found today. Probably 90% of the high-end Montague rods I've seen have been Medium Trout models. If you want help finding one, drop me a line.

Dustnstuff,

We need to catch up and compare notes. I've collected quite a few advertisements since we last spoke, and I've made several interesting discoveries. Up until recently, I was under the assumption that the Manitou and Red Wing models were introduced around 1932. I recently found both models advertised as early as 1928. For now, I'm assuming this was the start of their long-lived production. I have a hunch that Varney may have left Montague around the same time. I believe that Montague never switched to a retail, direct-to-consumer approach. Instead, I believe they increased their marketing efforts towards building a strong brand name, and directing customers to the dealers. Their advertisements appear to be consistent from early on, and continuing until the end, with messages such as this one, from an early catalog -


This type of message appears to be consistent throughout Montague's advertising before, and after 1932. I think there was a change in the early 30's, in the form of expanded marketing campaigns and spending more money on name brand recognition. My guess is that the purpose was to drive buyers to retailers, not a push for direct retail sales. By this point, Montague was already wildly successful as a manufacturer/wholesaler, and there would be no advantage in going around their retailers by selling direct to the consumer. These are just my opinions, based on a cursory study of their advertising campaigns.

. . . Rex
TheMontyMan

Now that's a sweet looking bait rod!!

The Landman style reel seat is a beauty!! This seat probably dates your rod to the late 1920's. I love the dark cane. I have a Manitou fly rod with nearly identical cane coloring, signature windings, and ferrules.

Thanks for sharing!!

. . . Rex
TheMontyMan