Unfortunately, I end up "pruning" several stands of cattails each summer. The weed cutters are great for this, but for dense stands, they have some shorter blade attachments that I use by starting on the outside and working my way across. Hip or chestwaders ared needed for this since I never throw the cutter, just reach out and pull back quickly. When you get good, you can also use it like a pitchfork for floating leaves. If you can't find the short blades, fishmgr@hotmail.com
Robert B