Any fly angler will tell you—one of the best parts of the sport is all of the cool gear you can collect. While most of us are obsessed with the latest rods, flashiest flies, and bombproof reels, there’s no denying the allure of vintage fly tackle. In his new book, Fly Fishing Treasures, author Steve Woit has curated a 348-page flyfishing museum packed with some of the most amazing and rarest flyfishing gear ever made. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside. Steve Woit
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This is a Hardy Fortuna reel for big-game saltwater fishing. Hardy’s records indicate that only five of these 9-inch, extra-wide, Monel-metal Fortunas were produced. The reel weighs almost 16 pounds. Dave WatsonFly floatant has certainly come a long way. From right to left: VL&A rod varnish; Shakespeare dry-fly oil; and Kelso “DRIFLI” oil. Dean SmithThese antique bamboo fly rods are on display at the Outdoor Heritage Museum. Steve WoitA beautiful salmon fly sits in the jaws of a Victorian-era hand vise. Dean SmithThis Red Sandy salmon fly was tied by Megan Boyd, a noted British fly-tyer known for her Atlantic salmon flies. Steve WoitIs this Hard Anglers’ Knife the first-ever flyfishing multitool? Dean SmithPaintings of women anglers didn’t just grace the cover of F&S back in the day. Here, on the May 1913 cover of Hearst’s Magazine, an angler looks to be fighting a fish. Steve WoitNot all antique fly patterns are composed only of thread and rare-bird feathers. Just look at this collection of Hardy Aero salmon flies—each one equipped with what was surely a fish-attracting propeller blade. Steve WoitHere’s an early trade card from a name that’s familiar to any fly angler—Charles F. Orvis, “maker of fine fishing rods, reels & flies.” Back then, trade cards were used to promote tackle. Steve WoitBefore casting patterns like the Sex Dungeon or Drunk and Disorderly, anglers preferred flies such as these with more refined names like: Durham Ranger, Colonel Variation, Alexandria, Balmoral, and Black Doctor. Paul Schmookler and Ingrid SilsIf you want to see more of the antique tackle in Fly Fishing Treasures: The World of Fly Fishers and Collecting, you can purchase a copy at www.flyfishingtreasures.com. Steve Woit
