The 31st Catskill Rodmakers Gathering convened on September fifth at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum with enthusiasm high! As always, there were a variety of rods to cast and admire, tapers and techniques to discuss, and old friendships to renew.
This was just my second Gathering, having attended in 2022 as an aficionado, then peeking in last year to enjoy Dr. Peer Doering-Arges’ presentation on Lo o bamboo. This year I qualified, having completed my first hand-made split bamboo fly rod just a week earlier. I enjoyed the chance to have several of my mentors cast my rod and offer their impressions.
My long time Pennsylvania friends and influences, the guys I have referred to as the two Toms, Tom Smithwick and Tom Whittle, both bestowed their approval upon inspection and casting. I met both of these gentlemen in the early 1990’s at Falling Spring Outfitters, my small fly shop in Pennsylvania’s iconic Cumberland Valley. Each has influenced and supported my immersion in the world of split bamboo. My rod was made to a taper designed by Tom Whittle, and he was interested to experience the result of combining his design with the new Vietnamese Lo o bamboo, which has different physical characteristics than the time-honored Tonkin cane.
My dear friend John Apgar, the Steward of the Catskill Rodmakers Workshop as chosen heir to the legacy of the late Mike Canazon, was my primary guide and instructor during the eight months I worked on my rod. Our friendship traces back to Falling Spring Outfitters as well, and this was his first chance to see the finished rod and give it a cast. He offered full approval as I spoke of the magic of that first trout taken on a rod born in my own hands.
We were treated to a number of presentations, both historic and practical. Virginia classic tackle dealer Paul Kearney of Thornton River Fly Tackle gave a thought-provoking talk centered upon the year 1915, making a substantial case for the events of that year marking the birth of the modern fly rod. Angler’s tastes were changing, and rodmakers such as H. L. Leonard and F.E. Thomas were responding with shorter, lighter and faster cane fly rods to meet their demands. The fever for the dry fly was spreading!
Legendary rodmaker and author Hoagy Carmichael delighted us with reminiscences of his time with Everett Garrison, and spoke about his experiences with several of the other masters of the craft. Mr. Carmichael remains one of the most knowledgeable collectors of classic tackle, and displayed an array of gems including a pair of $10,000.00 Garrison rods!
Several of us enjoyed good fun by participating in the casting contest sponsored by the Bellinger Company. I borrowed a unique vintage Leonard Model 66ACM eight-footer and took my shot as the winds blew. I set no records for distance, but chided the scorer that there should be extra points awarded for consistency, as my four scored efforts landed side by side within inches of 66 feet. He told me he had never seen that before, but I replied that I am a fishing caster, a discipline where consistency counts more than maximum reach!
The Catskills seem caught in a cycle of cold nights, and warm dry days, looking and feeling like both summer and autumn. A little rain teased us during the Gathering weekend but worked no magic for our trickling rivers. The magic in the air was all provided by comradery and a deep interest and passion for the craft of split bamboo rod making. Can’t wait until next year!
Bright Waters Catskill 