Here at FFN we love fly fishing accessories. When the first angler started
fly fishing they had to have accessories. How did they land fish? What did
they clean flies with?
Fly fishing accessories run the range of cheap to collectible, but even
those at the high end can be well in the range of the average incomes.
For many years it was thought that the English, especially Hardy, was at
the heart of fly fishing accessories. But American accessories dont' have
to take a back seat to anyones. They certainly are an intergral piece of
our angling heritage. The original gut cutter was the Olson, which came
standard and deluxe. Hardy sold the standard version under their name. The
Deluxe version of the Olson is still a great useable and collectors item
and runs in the 250.-600. range. But even if you don't want to spend that
kind of money and would like to use it's great design, you can buy the current
day copy, the Orvis Tippet Master, which Orvis atttibutes incorrectly to
Abercrombie and Fitch, for 20. It doesn't work as well as the Olson, but
it works. And if you put the original next to the Orvis, you'll understand
the subtle difference of class.
30 years ago, almost every fly fisherman owned a fly fishing knife, and
most carried it on stream with them. For a long time, there were no fly
fishing knifes made. This year finally one is being manufactured. But the
old ones are things of beauty. The steel's carbon, the picks needle sharp
for clearing hook eyes (or extricating splinters), and the scissors cut.
35 years ago about 25% of my fly fishing pals carried a compass, and a snake
bit kit. The compass is still not a bad idea, but it's being replaced by
Global Positioning Systems, and a modern snake bite kit can save alot of
grief.
Some accessories were custom crafted, workmanship the world will not likely
see again. But whether custom crafted, hand made and fitted, or plastic
molded they share the same end: having a use for the fly fisherman.
Original 4 layer aluminum chest. This one was used and
fished by a tyer/angler of note, Matty Vinciguerra. Good condition. Price
$ 325.
Greg Liu-email: gcguide@dreamscape.com
This precision leader gauge was made for Orivs by FlyTyers Carry All. Production was discontinued because cost became too high. It's a quality product. Price $ 45.
cira 1920's. A nice piece of angling history. 7 sizes of the actual lines. Can be framed to make it even a better display. Price $ 95.
Hoffritz's demand for quality in all their products continues with this item. For the gadget angler especially, this tool covers alot of the bases. Price $ 65.
From the 1924 Hardy's Anglers' Guide
This is the climax of all Anglers' Knives. It contains no less than eight
essential and useful Tools. In designing this pattern, our object has been
to fit all the really necessary Tools for a Dry-fly man, and yet keep the
Knife as light and handy as possible. We are glad to say that our object
has been successfully accomplished. The Knife is very substantial, the steel
the very best, and each Tool is of the correct strength to give lasting
wear.
1. Large Blade.
2. Scissors.
3. Disgorger.
4. File.
5. Lance.
6. Stiletto.
7. Tweezers (see fly attached).
8. Screw-driver.
Fitted with Shackle to which a Chain may be attached.
Hardy says it light as possible, but with Nickle silver side plates, it's not. But it is all quality. Good condition. Price $650.
Abel
10 day bag. Exc. condtion. $75. garyw@Olympus.net
A classic 4 blade fly fishing knife. Discontiued in the 1960's, this
one is in new condtion. Complete with the tweezers that store in it's own
secret compartment. We've come across anglers who've used their Ka-Bar 20
years and never knew it was there. Price $ 395.
Antique Sterling Silver Fly Pin
Ornate, finely crafted pin will look great on your hat but maybe even better put to use as a gift to your angling wife or husband. About 1 1/4" high. Presently contains a steelhead fly, but fly may be changed. Price $150.
Bob Summers remembers assembling these gut cutters in the Young Rod shop. A piece of flyfishing Americana. Works much cleaner than today's cutters, and the built in tweezers save you carrying separate ones. Top has a disgorger and a hole for attaching a string or a zingger. Price $300.