Still use cane, sometimes, but have several collapsible bug poles too. Best "cane" type pole I have, is an old hollow fiberglass CB antenna. Small piece of 3/4 PVC slid over it and glued, for a handle and a large cork bobber, with a hole drilled through it, for a hand stop. Made by an old friend of mine, now gone on, that knew more about fish than johna. (Fish on Zack!)
Brother has a patch of cane growing in the front yard. Cut one now and again and dry it in short pieces of pvc attached to the underside of the carport.
Yepper, Podunk this boy is! Drives the bride crazy.....but I like to make stuff work. Lots of joy catching something on a pole you make.