Contributed Story
SULLIVAN COUNTY — March 2, 2010 — At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 10 at Roscoe’s Junction Pool, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) and Roscoe Chamber of Commerce First Cast hosts will welcome special guest fly fishers Sally Jesse Raphael, her husband, Karl Soderlund, and New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.
They will continue the tradition of the ceremonial First Cast of the trout season. Come early, take part in the festivities (if not the fishing) and have a hot beverage and breakfast snack provided by the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce. Arrive early and get a good spot to watch the group. This is a day to reacquaint yourself with friends, businesses and neighbors. Stay after to fish or talk to Sally, Karl and Aileen or snap a few pictures. It is a full day of fly fishing fun.
Sally was the celebrity fly fishing guest back in 2000 and continues to enjoy casting a fly.
Following the First Cast, J.B. Martin and Jack Ganz will again visit the grave of Pop Robbins for the annual presentation of the memorial wreath.
The CFFCM will open immediately following the streamside activity to officially show off the new exhibits and the recent over-winter remodeling.
Agnes and Tony will have the coffee on and Agnes’ world famous cookies and soup will be on the table. Ted Patlen will once again launch the Saturday Guest Fly Tyers Program and share his centerfold in the February issue of the Italian fly tying magazine, Sedge & Mayfly, il piacere della pesca a mosca. Sally, Karl and Aileen will be there to warm up and meet and greet visitors. Roscoe’s premier wildlife artist, Jack Yelle, will be signing and selling his limited edition “2010 First Cast” print until noon.
Mike Canazon and the bamboo boys will once again be at the Livingston Manor Central School gym from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to cast off some of the winter dust. They’ll feature some classic rods, new creations and old favorites to cast. They’ll familiarize non-cane members with the beauty of natural bamboo rods. They encourage everyone to give it a try and will offer some casting tips and techniques for the new season ahead.
At 6 p.m., the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce will once again host the traditional “Two-Headed Trout” dinner at the Rockland House. Reservations can be made directly by calling the Rockland House (607-498-5765), Annie’s Place (607-498-4139) or Catskill Flies (607-498-6146).
In between the scheduled events is the perfect time to visit some of your favorite fly shops such as Catskill Flies, Frank Kuttner’s, Dette’s, Fur, Fin & Feather and the Beaverkill Angler. You will be sure to run into someone you know.
Take a moment and check out your favorite spots on the rivers, look for hatching Gordons and rising fish, or join us in the museum for a chat with friends.