Welcome to Just Old Flies

Welcome to 'just old flies,' a section of methods and flies that used-to-be. These flies were tied with the only materials available. Long before the advent of 'modern' tying materials, they were created and improved upon at a far slower pace than todays modern counterparts; limited by materials available and the tiers imagination.

Once long gone, there existed a 'fraternity' of anglers who felt an obligation to use only the 'standard' patterns of the day. We hope to bring a bit of nostalgia to these pages and to you. And sometimes what you find here will not always be about fishing. Perhaps you will enjoy them. Perhaps you will fish the flies. Perhaps -

Part One hundred twenty-four

Needlefish

Needlefish

Compiled By Deanna Birkholm

We don't often think of saltwater flies when talking about 'old flies' - but there were pioneers in tying special patterns for the salt too.

The Needlefish shown here, is part of a series of flies now known as the Giant Killers. The originator of these flies was Bill Catherwood. His vision and innovation is an integral part of saltwater flyfishing history.

Developed in the 1950's, his oversized baitfish imitations are an extraordinary combination of blended marabou, hackle, and hair which have influenced an entire generation of saltwater fly dressers.

The pattern is:
    Hook:   Long-shank.

    Underwing:  White, blue dun, and green marabou.

    Wing:  Eight light olive gray and two very light blue saddle hackles.

    Eyes:  Amber and black.

    Head (nose):  Green.
    ~ DLB

Credits: Photo and information from Streamer FlyTying & Fishing by Joseph D. Bates, Jr., published by Stackpole Books.

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