My relationship with Cane and Silk and Mike Kattner originated back in 2016 when I purchased one of his fiberglass fly rods. It was a short rod designed for small stream fishing. That rod and a few more have been with me on almost all of small streams I've fished since receiving that first rod. Last July in a conversation with Mike about some fly tying tools that he makes, which by the way are beautiful, he mentioned he was making me a bamboo rod. The rod was based on my blog "Small Stream Reflections" and it was going to be one of three that he would make in that style. Well let me tell you I have been waiting so patiently since I was told of this rod and finally on Monday it came.
The rod is based on the Leonard "Baby Catskill" rod with some differences. It's a 5'1" for a 2/3wt. The blonde finish cane is striking. Mike incorporated the meaning of "small stream reflections" "simplicity" in every aspect of this rod. His detail is awesome and can be seen in the colors chosen to compliment the rod.
The wrapping of silk near the handle are the colors of the brook trout...green, red, black and white.
The cork is fine, and the hardware is silver and is tastefully embossed.
The green wraps are a fine compliment to the rods blonde finish. As with all of Mike's work this rod is first class. Now all I'm waiting for is that warmer weather and my chance to fish this fine rod. Mike makes a variety of bamboo rods and can be seen on his site. Any questions you may have can be answered by giving him a call. Thank you Mike for your thoughtful gift.
Wow - what a thing of beauty. Elegance. Grace. It will be a joy to have afield Alan... A JOY!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Hibernation
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Will I'm waiting to try it on one of the streams. It will be different for certain.
Hibernation said it best. I think WOW covers it.
ReplyDeleteMark Kutz
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Mark wow is powerful. C'mon spring.
I can't wait for the first fishing reports! That's a beautiful rod, Alan.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike the time to fish it will be here soon hopefully to enable me to use it.
Ordered a 7 1/2 5/6wt glass from mike
ReplyDeleteMy small stream rod is a 6' 1.4oz one piece Glasstec
Made by Dennis Franke from Wisconsin
Unknown
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Your glass rod will be everything you expect and them some. I have several of Mikes glass rods and love them. That 6' is a great small stream rod.
Having a rod custom built for you by a skilled artisan and friend is the ultimate. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMatt Harding
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Matt it is truly special. I'm a bit anxious to give it a try, but will wait it out 'til warmer weather.
You are blessed. Beautiful rod, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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Mike blessed indeed, and very grateful for that.
Nice rod but a word of advice- don't fish it until winter is over because ice build up on the tip will break a bamboo rod quickly. There are many reasons why bamboo rods always came with 2 tips! Take it from a life long bamboo boy.
ReplyDeleteMillers River Flyfisher
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Ken I was not planning on fishing it until better temps are with us. I have much to experience with a cane rod and I can't wait to start.
Al R.
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Al, your comment is appreciated.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThis new instrument is everything the folks mentioned above and more!! I think simple and elegant sum it up best! Bamboo has a character....no, personality that seems to be more amplified within its creation than glass or graphite! It truly does become a living thing in your hands! Of course, we will expect a full and very photographic report from your outings with this beauty! We hope the weather cooperates in your state so you don't have to wait too long! A wonderful post Alan! Thank you for allow us to share in your joy!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I have read that bamboo is as much a living thing as the fish you seek. I'm sure it will prove that when the time comes to test it. I wonder what will be the first fish to come to hand with the "rod"...and what might be the fly that is first cast to accomplish the catch?
Enjoyable times ahead.....
Boy what a nice gift, Alan. I know you will enjoy that rod.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam I'm enjoying it right now, and I have not cast it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI've always thought anyone who fishes Bamboo has gone to the ultra level in fly fishing---you're there my friend fishing this fly rod, truly outstanding!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill there is a progression that fly fishers take. We have that starting point and then we push to reach the top. It is all set for us. Do not fall into that progression, I never did and I try my best to avoid it everyday....
Alan - that rod look absolutely beautiful. Let us know how it performs when you actually fish it!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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I sure will buddy. March has been tough fishing. Slow, slow,slow.
MaineFly207
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I'm sure looking forward to that first outing with the new rod. I keep tossing the thoughts of what will be the first fly I choose, and the first fish. A taste of spring is at hand in the next few days. I hope you'll experience some of it also.