Rough guides

I'd look for a wire bottle brush and stick in in a drill then run it through the guides to knock some of the bigger stuff down.
After that hit it with some wet/dry sandpaper all the way up to 4000 grit.

I'm following this. I have an old rod I saved from my fathers estate in the same condition.
Lots of good advise. Please post your results.

Thanks,
Al

 I would use a small paddle wheel on a dremel. Its a emery cloth layered 90 degrees out on a mandrel. Just knock off the high spots so as not to cut your line. Then when you have time, try your hand at replacing your eyes. Check out mudhole.com. They will have everything you need to build new or refurbish your old pole. Pluss lots of helpful tips on how to. I just did one of mine and it turned out cool!

 LBSteve

mudhole looks like an endless world of "how can i make am angry with more projects"  jk. looks like a good way to go.