source for cane poles

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I am helping a couple of freinds set up a fishing outing for some kids at a private pond. Does anyone know of a supplier of cane poles that would have a good price on a qty of fifty or so. The idea is that each kid gets to take it home with them so they have a basic fishing rig.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 08, 2000

Answers

I have a couple of patches of tall river cane. About the right size for a youngster to handle. You would have to come up to Waverly, cut and haul.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), November 08, 2000.

Don't know if all the stores carry them--but when I was in Idaho a couple months ago they had cane rod fishing kits for kids that were only $4.97. Neat looking things--pretty sturdy, I would think on a quantity like that if they still had them, they could make an even better price for you! good luck--sounds like a lot of fun--but then I love fishing!!

-- Lynn Royal (homesteadmama@yahoo.com), November 08, 2000.

What a great idea! Sounds like a lot of fun! Maybe you could get a few local Bait & Tackle shops to donate or discount some poles after all you are creating future customers for them. Maybe a local Farternal organisation such as Moose Lodge, Jaycees,Elks, Eagles Club would kick in a few bucks. Just present them with your idea and maybe they will get involved. Good Luck!!!

-- Mark in NC Fla (deadgoatman@webtv.net), November 08, 2000.

Thanks for the ideas. Waverly is a good piece away from Hartselle, so I'll check the other options first, considering the cost of "go water" these days.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 09, 2000.

Jay, I would think your area has native cane growing in the creek and river bottoms just like it is here. I know the vegetation near Birmingham is very similar to ours in NE TX because my grandmother used to live there. Perhaps you could drive around in areas near rivers and creeks and try to locate some canes, then locate the landowner and ask permission to cut enough for the fishing project. Most folks here just treat them as waste that is too much trouble to cut and gladly let people use them. Maybe some of your friends that hunt could look out for some growing too. The canes will not last as long if they are not cured, which of course they will not be if they are used immediately. If you are doing this for a project in the spring, cut the canes now and store them under cover (shed, barn, or even on boards underneath a building) for a couple of months to allow them to dry out well. They need to be someplace that is dry and will allow air to circulate around them. Rotate them occasionally to allow the ones in the center of the pile to dry better. Commercial poles are varnished, but I've never done that. Mother loved to fish better than anything, so she planted cane out on the sink drain. They are everywhere now and there is no shortage, so we just use them until they wear out and get another one. Good luck, Jay.

-- Green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), November 10, 2000.


ThanksGreen. I'll get in touch with a freind of my fathers that has some land by the Tenn/Elk river fork and check out his place.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 11, 2000.

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