Passing the rod


By DOUGLAS F.W.POLLARD Every spring, a few dozen fishing and


shooting enthusiasts gather for their annual “Cast and Blast” at Kenauk Nature, just north of Montebello. They cast for trout and blast away clays. They also raise much-needed cash for conservation and education projects. For some years now, the event has focused on helping youngsters learn the art of angling, and in particular, supporting Canada’s Junior Fly Fishing Team. In 2015, the Team gave a good account of themselves at Vail, Colorado. Tim Bezanson has been my hunting


38 BOUNDER MAGAZINE


and fishing companion for more than three decades. Now a resident of Hudson, invariably he is at the centre of Cast and Blast, and 2015 was no exception. Following a write-up about the event in the local newspaper, Tim got a call from another Hudsonite. Ron had inherited his father’s split cane fly rod, and


wanted to display it in his home as a reminder of good times. When he opened its metal tube, he found the contents in a sad state. Did Tim know anyone who could restore such a rod? Tim tried several acquaintances, but summer came and went and suddenly we were staring down the barrel of Deer Camp 2015. Concerned no progress had been made, he emailed me pictures of the rod, asking for advice. A week later, I packed a bobbin of green thread and headed out of Victoria for Hudson. The rod appeared soon after my arrival


at Tim’s home. Clearly, it was a rod of some quality; it had unusual double wraps, in green thread, every inch along its length. Half the wraps were damaged or missing and varnish had been lost, yet for its age, sixty years plus, it was remarkably lively and straight.


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