Cane Day

Well Cane Day has come and gone and we must say it was a success in every sense of the word. As it was the first day of its kind and we did not have our new fly fishing Centre completed as hoped, we kept it low key not really promoting it too hard. But that did not stop people from showing up.

A small but dedicated group of fly fisherman gathered throughout the morning all gently handling the collection of fly rods on display. A bunch of Hardy's, a Baginski and even a few locally made, by legends the likes of Bluey Powell. Geoff and Kjell even showed off some of their own creations!

But the rods were not the only characters on show. Steve got up at 2am to make the drive from down on the Shipwreck coast in Western Victoria and Ian dressed up in full Tweed jacket and cap and brought along a cane creel. The company was at least as interesting as the fly rods that brought us all together..

The nostalgia was somewhat thick in the fly fishing Centre that morning! The examining of rods, and discussions of craftsmanship and parabolic actions. This was only the beginning. Soon stories of days on the stream with these beautiful creations dominated the group and more than a few tales of the fish that got away were retold, to a pretty enthusiastic crowd.

It was then out for a fish, something that was quite an experience. To have such a selection of fine rods to try out was something special, each with its own charm and personality. A few fish were caught on our lakes before the group was broken up and we went out onto the river.

Although the fish were taking caddis they were not easy and most had to wait until evening to connect with a trout. David's group all managed a fish while Geoff and Steve only saw a few oncers as the cool wind slowed things down late on in the day. However this was not the point and just participating was what it was all about.

It was a wonderful day for all who participated. A day to mix with like minded individuals and share the cane experience is something that you don't get to do everyday. In the eight years we have been operating it ranks up there as one of the most enjoyable days we have held and the response has been overwhelming from those who participated and those who wish they had.

Dates for the next Cane Day will be announced soon so check back for details or subscribe to our online newsletter. I have included an extract from an email of thanks regarding Cane Day below.

To David, Geoff and Antony,

Thanks ever so much for an absolutely fabulous day spent at your wonderful lakes and the River. The morning rev up seeing all that wonderful 'boo was almost too good to be true.

Enjoyed the "Caning" that I got in the presence of my brother Pete and Kjell Anderson from Sweden.

David you are an absolute wonder to watch when casting and we enjoyed your company so much.

The fishing was great having almost lost Kjell's prized cane rod to a fish in the lake that just wanted to pull the darn thing out of my hands, still I hung on and the smile I had must be seen to be believed.

Once again many thanks and I look forward to the next CANE Day look forward so much to the next one, but will have to make an excuse to come up earlier than that.

By the way I was fishing with an ABEL reel... SIGNIFICANCE ... Cane and Abel a good combination.

Christopher J. Kriekenbeek.

Melbourne Australia

For more details phone Free Call 1800 458 111 or check back for more details soon!