fishing flies art

Posted on Sunday, August 30th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

fishing flies art

A Thousand Fishing Flies… Or, So

A fly is a lure made to resemble an insect or other fish food. The idea behind the design is simple and true: make a lure that looks like the natural prey of some fish and they’ll come racing onto the hook. Since at least the mid-17th century and probably for hundreds of years before, that idea has been tested over and over again.

It works pretty well.

The creativity of fishermen and their friends who make flies for fun and profit is astounding, not least to the anglers themselves. Flies are often as much works of art as practical devices. But practical they are. Whether made to look like a mayfly, a tiny prawn or even a small rodent, a great fly is a wonder.

There is the humble Dry Fly. Designed to float on the surface, it may appear to a curious fish to be a dragonfly resting on a pond. Or, it may look like any of a thousand insects that rest on the water before moving on. The real thing often doesn’t get the chance to leave.

An Orange Stimulator, for example, may look like a grasshopper who jumped a little too far. The hope is that the ‘insect’ will prove too tempting to resist. That hope is often satisfied. Flies like this are used more often for freshwater fishing, such as a favorite lake where the waters are calm.

A Wet Fly, by contrast, is designed to sink just below the surface where they might resemble an insect who is about to see a watery grave. The angler intends the fish to see a dry grave right afterward.

The Nymph, for example, is engineered to look like the developing insect who has not yet sprouted his wings. In its larval form the real thing may often float through the water or crawl along underwater rocks. At that stage they are irresistible to a hungry trout. Or so the eager angler wants to believe. Hope springs eternal in the sport of fishing.

Terrestrial flies are lovingly shaped to imitate non-aquatic insects or worms. Even prey that doesn’t seek to live on or under the water may live near it. Unluckily for them they often find themselves in unexpected locations where the fish are happy to see them.

Another type called Streamers are made to look like baitfish. They may be used in freshwater or saltwater situations and they are as diverse as any other category of fly. A Clouser that resembles a minnow is a favorite of many, but a Sucking Leech has its fans, too.

Not all flies look like animals, however. Some are made to resemble plant food that some fish also enjoy, such as berries, seeds or flowers. Petals and fruit that grow near the water often drop into it where the fish are very grateful. Carp flies are a common variety in this category.

No angler can long resist the urge to make his or her own fly. Sooner or later that latent creativity bursts forth in the desire to up the odds of landing that perfect lake trout. Let your inner artist out and enjoy fishing that much more. Even if you don’t catch anything you’ll have at least one thing to brag about.

About the Author

Find a fishing guide from the international directory of
fishing guides
.

Art of the Salmon Fly part 2


Hemostat Forceps Body Piercing Plier Gold Plated Curved


Hemostat Forceps Body Piercing Plier Gold Plated Curved


$7.79


Gold Plated Forceps For Sewing, Fly Tying & Hobbyists. This is a new pair of gold plated locking forceps with a curved tip. Used for medical and dental procedures, fly tying, body piercing, beading, etc. They measure approximately 5″ (127 mm) long Forceps purchased from FindingKing are not sterile and should be sterilized properly prior to use in any medical, dental or piercing procedures.We work …

Fly Fishing Motivational Poster Inspirational Art Print


Fly Fishing Motivational Poster Inspirational Art Print


$9.99


Leadership – Fisherman. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. The print measures 22×28 inches.We take great pride in making sure your INSPIRATIONAL POSTER arrives to your doorstep in pristine shape. Once the package arrives, there are steps you can take to preserve the quality of the piece. Make sure you wash your hands before opening the tube or envelope. Most of ou…

Preparing The Nets - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Figure


Preparing The Nets – Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Figure


$30.99


This gorgeous Preparing The Nets – Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Figure has the finest details and highest quality you will find anywhere! Our team prides ourselves on finding the best prices without reducing quality, and in this Nautical Collection, we have definitely done just that! The craftsmanship of this lovely Preparing The Nets – Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Figure is trul…

Fly Fishing: The Angler's Art, Tape 13


Fly Fishing: The Angler’s Art, Tape 13



#223: Hare’s Ear Parachute (Dry), Breadcrust (Nymph), Lazier Green Butt (Steelhead)…#224: Whitlock’s Waking Minnow (Streamer), Blue Charm (Salmon)…#225: Blue Quill (Dry), Greenwell’s Glory (Wet(, Baetis Nymph…#226: Red Quill (Dry), Fluttering Caddis (Dry), Gray Fox Variant (Dry), Ida May (Nymph)….


The Art of Advanced Fly Casting


The Art of Advanced Fly Casting


$6.99



The Art of Flycasting with Chico Fernandez


The Art of Flycasting with Chico Fernandez


$47.50



Dodson's Journey


Dodson’s Journey


$7.99


Only weeks after his father dies and his eleven-year marriage abruptly ends in divorce, James Dodson decides to go on a fly-fishing adventure with his unforgiv-ing child. His goal: to heal his wounded spirit and explain the vagaries of life and love to his seven-year-old daughter, Maggie, who can’t come to terms with the sudden disruptions in her life. Together, they wander towards the spirit and …

Zentrum Studios Etched Copper Bookmark-#4 BROOK TROUT SPECIMEN -OLD PENNY


Zentrum Studios Etched Copper Bookmark-#4 BROOK TROUT SPECIMEN -OLD PENNY


$19.99


NEW. From Zentrum Studios…………………….For your special fishing books or fly fisher friend…………………………A gift that will be remembered forever…………………. Zentrum Studios is producing a numbered series of fly fishing related bookmarks in solid brass or copper……………………………This is number 4 in the Trout Series Collection. It depicts a Brook Tro…

Let's Go Fishing! Fishing Creel Gift Basket - Great Gift For Dad


Let’s Go Fishing! Fishing Creel Gift Basket – Great Gift For Dad


$39.99


Give the fisherman in your life a great gift made just for him! This keepsake wicker fisherman’s creel is overflowing with gourmet goodies and fish-themed sweets and treats. This one’s a keeper for any fishing enthusiast! To start with we take a keepsake wicker fishing creel complete with leather strap, add Fish Bait (gummi worms), a large fisherman’s sugar cookie (hand frosted to perfection and h…

The Wisdom of Fishing - Fisherman's Creel Gourmet Gift Basket


The Wisdom of Fishing – Fisherman’s Creel Gourmet Gift Basket


$84.99


It’s a keeper! This gift basket is designed especially to delight the fisherman in your life. Your gift collection starts with a wicker fishing creel with fishing themed picture frame so he can document the size of “the big one”. To snack away the time, he can enjoy the snacks and goodies inside including Fish Bait gummy worms, cheese, sausage and more! Then relax while reading “The Fisherman’s Gu…

Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art, with Illustrations of Standard Flies (1886)


Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art, with Illustrations of Standard Flies (1886)


$32.63


Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art, with Illustrations of Standard Flies (1886)

Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies


Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies


$26.05


Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies

Fishing with Floating Flies (1913)


Fishing with Floating Flies (1913)


$22.95


Fishing with Floating Flies (1913)

Tube Flies: A Tying, Fishing & Historical Guide


Tube Flies: A Tying, Fishing & Historical Guide


$19.86


In the history of fly tying very few books have changed the course of the art. Tube Flies will make a very large impact. This all-color, large format book will amaze you with the beauty of tube flies, their ease of tying and very effective fishing traits. Tube flies can be used for everything from stream trout and surface steelhead to bill-fish. The rich vein of tube-fly history, innovation, and tying/angling personalities will amaze you and open up a new dimension to our sport!

Fishing Flies of Africa


Fishing Flies of Africa


$34.48


A comprehensive, detailed photographic guide to fishing flies for use in Africa

Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout


$24.88


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout

The Art of Fishing


The Art of Fishing


$28.14


The Art of Fishing

Condor S Ball


Condor S Ball


$34.95


The ball that flies too far; could obsolete some golf courses. Out-distances 15 major brands by up to 22 yards.

The Art of Shooting and Fishing for Beginners


The Art of Shooting and Fishing for Beginners


$29.16


First published in the 1920s. The authors have endeavoured to set forth as clearly and concisely as possible the fruits of an experience of guns, shooting and fishing which extends over 25 years. The book contains detailed advice and information on: – Game Shooting – Wildfowling – Game Fishing – Coarse Fishing – Flies – Guns and Cartridges. etc. The book contains black and white illustrations and photographs. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Bowlker's Art of Angling: Containing Directions for Fly Fishing, Trolling, Making Artificial Flies, Etc. (1854)


Bowlker’s Art of Angling: Containing Directions for Fly Fishing, Trolling, Making Artificial Flies, Etc. (1854)


$23.59


With A List Of The Most Celebrated Fishing Stations In North Wales.

Tying Flies: For Trophy Trout


Tying Flies: For Trophy Trout


$11.24


If there is a single living legend synonymous with the application of science to fly fishing, it’s Jack Shaw. Jack has spent seven decades studying the insects trout feed on, then tying matching patterns. In Tying Flies for Trophy Trout he explains the art of fly tying, from basic equipment and materials to completion. Each pattern is illustrated with a color photo of both the insect and the completed fly. A lifetime of observation and discovery makes this octogenarian a true fishing guru.

Fishing Flies


Fishing Flies


$24.32


A complete guide that describes every conceivable type of freshwater and saltwater fly.

Fishing Small Flies


Fishing Small Flies


$17.58


In this fishing companion to Tying Small Flies, Ed Engle covers the difficulty of detecting strikes and how to best play trout caught on small flies. He also gives information on the aquatic insect orders and how to fish the hatches, depending on the water and the stage of the hatch. Included are how to fish specific waters, including tailwaters, freestone rivers, and spring creeks.

Fishing Tandem Flies


Fishing Tandem Flies


$11.05


Angling legend Charles Meck covers tandems top to bottom with his favorite flies for matching hatches, as well as tried-and-true patterns for drumming up fish during summer doldrums and other tough conditions. In the first book devoted entirely to fishing more than one fly at once, Meck discusses 7 of the most effective rigs and the best times to use them, including detailed steps showing how to tie his new looped-leader series of flies. Artist Dave Hall provides clear illustrations of the connections and fishing techniques.

Fishing with Floating Flies


Fishing with Floating Flies


$35.59


This early work on Fishing with Floating Flies contains detailed information on equipment required and methods used and contains much information that is still useful and practical today. It will prove of much interest to the angler. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original artwork and text.

A Practical Guide to Fishing Flies


A Practical Guide to Fishing Flies


$12.16


This practical book is divided into two main sections. The first, Fly Tying Materials and Techniques, offers secrets to successful fly-tying, with comprehensive step-by-step sequences showing how to tie some of the best-known flies. The second section, The Fly Selector, features 100 flies beautifully photographed in their finished form with detailed and expert information for every fly, including measurements and the materials needed to make each one.

Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art, with Illustrations of Standard Flies


Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art, with Illustrations of Standard Flies


$22.01


This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR”d book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish (1873)


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish (1873)


$24.63


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish (1873)

Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling a Coarse Fish


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling a Coarse Fish


$13.88


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling a Coarse Fish

Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish


$13.88


Flies and Fly Fishing for White and Brown Trout, Grayling and Coarse Fish

Guide Flies


Guide Flies


$26.52


The ultimate fly book from the editor of Fly Tyer magazine showcases the favorite flies of the nation’s best fly fishing guides and shops.

The Fine Art of Fishing (1911)


The Fine Art of Fishing (1911)


$14.65


The Fine Art of Fishing (1911)

The Fine Art of Fishing


The Fine Art of Fishing


$18.38


The Fine Art of Fishing

The Art of Fishing: A Poem (1819)


The Art of Fishing: A Poem (1819)


$11.46


The Art of Fishing: A Poem (1819)

Two Centuries of Soft-Hackled Flies


Two Centuries of Soft-Hackled Flies


$23.98


Best-known soft-hackled fly expert Sylvester Nemes gleans the most useful tips and advice from the history of writings on the soft-hackled fly. Drawing from nearly three dozen sources, Nemes follows the development of the soft-hackled fly through 220 years, starting with the first mention of the red spinner mayfly pattern in Richard and Charles Bowlker’s 1747 Art of Angling and ending with John Reid’s 1971 Clyde-Style Flies, which covers some of the most radical trout fly designs from Scotland’s Clyde River. Nemes shares 162 patterns and the best fishing advice from famous anglers from the past.

Bowlker's Art of Angling, Greatly Enlarged and Improved; Containing Directions for Fly-fishing, Trolling, Bottom-fishing, Making Artificial Flies


Bowlker’s Art of Angling, Greatly Enlarged and Improved; Containing Directions for Fly-fishing, Trolling, Bottom-fishing, Making Artificial Flies


$26.95


Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Flies


Flies


$11.23


Flies

Halcyon - Or Rod-Fishing with Fly, Minnow, and Worm - To Which Is Added a Short and Easy Method of Dressing Flies, with a Description of the Materials


Halcyon – Or Rod-Fishing with Fly, Minnow, and Worm – To Which Is Added a Short and Easy Method of Dressing Flies, with a Description of the Materials


$31.47


This practical manual provides sound principles and correct instruction in the fascinating art of Fly-fishing With eight coloured plates containing one hundred and seventeen specimens of natural and artificial flies, materials, etc. And four plates illustrating fishes, baiting etc. Originally published in 1861, this book will be of interest to the historian and enthusiast of the sport. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original artwork and text.

Fishing


Fishing


$22.39


There is a skill and mastery to the art of fishing. Its both a calming, relaxing pastime and a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat sport. This book introduces readers to all different kinds of fishing and offers step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

Flies for Steelhead


Flies for Steelhead


$19.52


Flies for Steelhead is the most comprehensive guide to steelhead trout flies currently being used on North American waters. Many experienced fly fishermen and guides from the United States and Canada have contributed to this large, contemporary reference.Large, bright photographs depict each fly individually, and they are accompanied by a complete and accurate description of the fly’s components, making this an indispensable guide for fly tiers interested in constructing their own flies.Additional history and comments about the origins and use of each fly serve as a selection guide for the steelhead trout fly fisherman.Included are traditional wet flies; dry, damp and waking flies; shrimp flies; egg flies and nymphs that are used from California to Alaska, as well as flies used in the Great Lakes area of the United States and Canada.Anyone interested in steelhead fishing will find Flies for Steelhead a useful and interesting addition to their library. (8 1/2 X 11, 96 pages, color photos, illustrations)

A List of Natural Flies That Are Taken by Trout, Grayling,


A List of Natural Flies That Are Taken by Trout, Grayling,


$20


Publisher: W. Harrison Publication date: 1853 Subjects: Trout fishing Fishing Flies, Artificial Fishing lures Flies Fly casting Fly fishing Sports

Flies in the Water, Fish in the Air


Flies in the Water, Fish in the Air


$9.25


An anecdotal account of the pleasures of fly fishing, discussing the choice and use of tackle, kinds of flies, walking in water, and watching for fish.

The Practical Angler; Or, the Art of Trout-Fishing


The Practical Angler; Or, the Art of Trout-Fishing


$16.44


The Practical Angler; Or, the Art of Trout-Fishing

The Practical Angler or the Art of Trout Fishing


The Practical Angler or the Art of Trout Fishing


$30.27


The Practical Angler or the Art of Trout Fishing

The Practical Angler, or the Art of Trout-Fishing


The Practical Angler, or the Art of Trout-Fishing


$13.78


The Practical Angler, or the Art of Trout-Fishing

The Art of Fly Fishing 2011 Calendar


The Art of Fly Fishing 2011 Calendar


$9.25


The Art of Fly Fishing 2011 Calendar

Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art


Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art


$19.63


Fishing with the Fly: Sketches by Lovers of the Art


Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay
  • connotea
  • Diigo
  • Fark
  • Faves
  • LinkaGoGo
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Simpy
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Buzz

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply