December 18, 2006: Excellent tied flies

[Undertoad]

It's the weekly Cellar IotD - Neatorama collab!



Horrible camel spider? Guess again.



Weird dragonfly in its environment? No. Maybe the steel hook at the bottom of this one gives it away.

These are bait! The long tradition of fly-tying, producing glittering insects to catch fish, is hereby taken to extremes by master fly-tier Graham Owen.

...not designed primarily for fishing, just having fun trying to imitate insects and striving to make them look as alive as possible. Some of these flies have been acquired by collectors and placed on display, others used for product photo shots, and some presented as gifts.

Ah, so not really bait, but ironically, this is simulated bait!



It's art, is what it is. It's a fine craft and should be celebrated. The amazing detail on the wasp includes a hidden hook; not the tradition to hide it, not really necessary, but an interesting take on the business end.



And I think it's hilarious that he has actually fly-tied flies.

Be sure to visit Neatorama for more mind-boggling items.