Traditional Irish salmon flies from Mayo and across Ireland, commissioned 120 years ago for the Cork International Exhibition in 1902, now feature in a new historical picture book from Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Fly tying involves the ‘dressing’ of a fishing hook to create an artificial fly, which is then used by anglers at the end of a rod and line to catch fish.
In recognition of the cultural importance of the craft, a collection of traditional fly dressings was commissioned in 1902. Inland Fisheries Ireland, has now published the picture book online, making it freely available.
For the 1902 Exhibition, the salmon flies for the Bangor and Ballina districts were tied by John Devers, (Main Street, Ballina). A total of four flies for the Bangor district and eight flies for the Ballina district were tied and are now included in the new online book titled ‘The 1902 Cork Collection of Salmon Flies’.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is exploring ways of putting the original collection on display once more and members of the public are encouraged to contact the state agency with any suggestions they may have.
‘The 1902 Cork Collection of Salmon Flies,’ including the Mayo flies, is available to view from the Inland Fisheries Ireland website at www.fisheriesireland.ie and from the Fishing in Ireland website at www.fishinginireland.info
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