Dodging the biting wind laced with snowflakes, I ducked inside the Roscoe gymnasium yesterday morning to join another early spring tradition, the Catskill Cane Revival. This year’s event was dedicated to the late Mike Canazon who had been the driving force behind it.
This is quite simply an informal gathering of rodmakers, bamboo fly rod fishers and enthusiasts and those interested in learning something about the beautiful implements born of a split and glued Chinese grass that is the fountainhead of Catskill fly fishing. American rod making reached a zenith nearby with the Payne and Leonard rod companies and spread across the country.
There are still a few superb professional rodmakers in this region, though time gradually thins their ranks. There are also many amateurs working upon their craft for the love of it, some of whom may one day become the next generation of professionals.
Hancock’s Dennis Menscer is one of the top professionals keeping the Catskill rodmaking tradition alive. In his rod shop beside the West Branch Delaware, Dennis creates beautiful, remarkable rods that have been fished all over the world, rods like the gorgeous eight-foot three weight he handed me in early February. I had the chance to cast his seven-foot wand for a number three line yesterday, and found it to be another gem, particularly for smaller waters where shorter rods shine. Like my eight-footer though, it will allow long casts with finesse and easy grace.
Another attendee brought an interesting rod to share, a Fario Club model from Pezon et Michel. A “true parabolic” action, I found the rod to be powerful while offering easy control. Many anglers describe parabolics as difficult, but I found this classic to be invariably friendly.
I particularly enjoyed the chance to cast a rod that is not often encountered. Jed Dempsey was featured in the wonderful film Chasing the Taper as a Catskill Museum trustee, though without mention of his considerable skill and talents as a rodmaker. His resume includes time working at the legendary E.F. Payne Rod Company. Dempsey’s seven-foot four weight was beautifully executed in design, fit and finish, casting smoothly and accurately to any required distance, a rod I would love to add to my collection. Jed is a close friend of Dennis Menscer, who deserves thanks for bringing the rod to our gathering and giving all of us a chance to enjoy the work of a quiet master of the craft.
In keeping with the spirit of the day, I even planed a little bamboo myself, trying a bit of rough planing on one of the strips that will be glued, bound and finished into my friend John Apgar’s next rod. John began with the Catskill Museum class a few years ago and produced a first rod that was truly remarkable, impressing enthusiasts and experienced makers alike.
Were it not for arthritis, I would be sorely tempted to attend a class myself. I take comfort in the fact that I dedicate my time to fishing the wonderful creations of a number of masters of the art of rodmaking!
Bright Waters Catskill 