The Catskill Chronicle

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (September 20, 2012) – The Catskill Rodmakers Gathering, held annually at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, has grown from a small group of 15 individuals in 1995 to 170 attendees this year.

This years event was held September 8 – 10 and drew the finest amateur and professional  bamboo rodmakers together from 29 states and three countries.

Similar gatherings, held over the world, are designed to have a place to share and exchange ideas, techniques, and history on the craft of bamboo rodmaking.

In addition to bamboo rodmaking clinics and specific workshops, world expert Jeff Hatton presented a slide show on the world history of fly fishing and Philip Krista and Joan Wulff provided demonstrations on fly rod casting.

This year several returning military Middle East servicemen were present to take advantage of learning opportunities in this craft.

Reel craftsman, Michael Hackney provided a reel making workshop that is a first step in the development of the first Reelmakers Workshop in the future.

The Hudson Valley is recognized as the cradle of American bamboo rodmaking originating in the late 1800’s with the Catskill streams playing an important role as the testing ground to measure quality.

The most famous rodmakers in the world, Leonard, Paynes, Gillums, and Garrison, were students of this delicate craft in the Hudson Valley rod shops. Like makers of fine violins, these rodmakers have a following by those who use them.

This annual event will expand in 2013 as the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum plans on opening The Catskill Rodmakers Workshop and Heritage Craft Center. This new addition, supported by this group, will make this area a destination for rodmakers from all over the world.