Fishing has long been a part of the
Adirondack’s culture. It was an easy way to get food and later became perhaps
the most popular sport in the region. Most of the fly-fishing done for pleasure
was done with a fly rod. The bamboo fly rod skyrocketed in popularity since the
woods introduction to the states in the 1830’s. Fly rods are still made today
but very few are still made from bamboo. One man still makes bamboo fly rods in
the Adirondacks, for the Adirondacks. Doug Moody, or the Fishin’ Musician as he
is known, crafts bamboo rods by hand in his upstairs work shop for his
customers most of who, according to Moody, fish in the Adirondacks and
Catskills. Moody’s Bark Eater Bamboo Fly rods are top of the line. Moody is
more than just his rods. He is also an accomplished musician and guide in the
Adirondacks. In this sense he embodies the multifaceted capabilities of those
from the park, as well as a depth of knowledge in his field. A knowledge that
guides of past generations share with the Fishin’ Musician.
Moody is a classically trained
violinist and has travelled around the world in various bands. Moody says that
being a musician “[He] is lucky enough to travel to some of the most exciting
cities and places in the world. The thing that makes those so joyous is that
I’m able to come back home here, to the Adirondacks,”
(Folwell). In this sense he is different from many of the guides who came
before him. However; we can see that Moody’s time abroad has made him
appreciate the Adirondacks that much more. I know I would rather have a guide
who could play music by the fire pit than one who is silent. Then again having
Moody as a guide is truly a blessing. Moody says “when someone buys a rod
from me they get a fishing lesson too,”(Folwell). When Moody is your guide it
means that you have one of his rods, and he is teaching you how he built that
rod to be used. Moody is truly a master of his surroundings and his craft. A
modern Adirondack guide.
Sources:
Folwell, Elizabeth.
"Adirondack Life Blog Archive Doug Moody - Adirondack Life." Adirondack
Life Blog Archive Doug Moody - Adirondack Life. Adirondack Life, 1 June
2015. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. <http://www.adirondacklifemag.com/blogs/2015/04/13/doug-moody/>.
This is a really interesting anecdote and I like how you use Moody as a case study of a modern guide in the Adirondacks. Moody reminds me of the early pioneers who first settled and attempted to farm in the Adirondacks in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. We discussed in class how these people were jacks of all trades who not only were farmers, but were carpenters, loggers, blacksmiths, and even doctors in their communities. It seems that the tendency for "Adirondackers" to be multitalented holds true today.
ReplyDeleteYour post also provides evidence that the Adirondacks still provides inspiration for art and music. Moody is a craftsman and a musician and his love for the Adirondacks and fishing is reminiscent other artists who found inspiration and enjoyment in the Adirondacks like Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington. From this perspective, it seems that the Adirondacks, in many ways, have not changed very much after all.