I owned several Big Sticks years ago. Two things I remember most about them. If it’s been in the weather at this late date the fiberglass will eat your hands up if you’re not careful. I’d wear gloves and shellac it before doing any handling. They won’t handle much power. There’s a small capacitor and coil located under the chrome cap that attaches the stinger section. If there was ever any power over 100 watts applied to that antenna, plus you can’t get your SWL down, chances are those components are fried. That chrome cap is glued to the fiberglass and difficult to remove without damage. You will then need to fabricate a new coil and replace that capacitor. Let’s hope those items are good, if not I’d say trash it. I pounded one into the ground that was given to me, and placed a pipe flange on top. It now sports one of our bird feeders.