Author: MJT
Vintage Fly Fishing Tackle Can Still Catch Fish
When anglers began fly fishing, a bamboo rod and length of
floating string was usually all they took to the river. Cane poles and an
over-sized reel to hold the fat fly line were attached and some are still
pulling in trophy trout on this type of vintage fly fishing tackle. More modern
reels to help prevent line backing and poles to resist breaking and to make the
line easier to load are now normal, but a few still rely on the basics of
vintage fly fishing tackle for their catch.
There are numerous places where a person can purchase
vintage fly fishing tackle, many from the original manufacturer include serial
numbers denoting when they first hit the market, but for the prices paid by
collectors for this equipment, they are not going to take them anywhere near
the water. Owners of vintage fly fishing tackle also have different outlets to
bring them together with collectors.
One of the attractions for vintage fly fishing tackle is as
a look into history and be able to trace the advances in fly fishing, from its
beginning through the present, the changes can be seen in reels, poles and
perhaps more importantly, the flies. Wet and dry flies have been around since
the beginning and while some colors may have changed, looking over the vintage
fly fishing tackle it is evident that the fish’s taste in bugs has not changed.
Better Materials Replicate Functional Accessories
Raised pillar reels from Leonard were the first to use hard
rubber in the late 1890’s and are considered the best vintage fly fishing
tackle available, although extremely rare to find by collectors. Today’s reels,
while maintaining basic design and usability, are made of materials that are
more modern to withstand weathering and hard use.
Creels made of wicker are still popular, but with vintage
fly fishing tackle they were usually strapped together with saddle-grade
leather. The neck strap was also leather and made to hold up under watery
conditions. Newer materials have replaced waders, although a century ago, many
fly fishing was done without the benefit of boots, except the same rubber boots
that were used on the farm.
Very few vintage fly fishing tackle boxes remain in
circulation, but those that are found may be made of wood with a clear, glass
front so the angler could see what was available in his box. The wood would
float in case it was dropped, allowing for quick recovery.
Tags:
| 
Print this page
