Fantasy Flies are a break from reality. They are a form of art that plays upon fantasy and imagination, and one must let go of practicality in order to appreciate what they represent. Our goal is to combine true fly-tying with art, extremism, and a little humor, to provide an overall experience, not just a product.  From the largest to the smallest, Fantasy Flies are intended not only to evoke a response to the lighter side of the craft of fly-tying, but also to build an appreciation of the creativity and problem-solving required in extreme fly-tying.  Not to mention that the 14/0 giant flies sure get the monster fish stories going! The “giant fly’ idea is not a new one, but performing it properly as an art form is, and that includes tying real patterns on real hooks.

The majority of Fantasy Flies sold are the giant 14/0 trout flies mounted as desk sets, mantle mounts, or wall mounts.  Most of these are bought as gifts - maybe for that hard-to-buy-for fly fisherman who has every gadget imaginable and enough rods and reels to outfit a shop.  The Fantasy Fly sits on the desk at the office to always remind him or her that the big one is waiting just for them. Fly shops, guide services, restaurants, and gift shops have all taken advantage of the wonderful advertising possibilities of Fantasy Flies.

After 20 years of tying Fantasy Flies, I still enjoy the responses of those who see them for the first time.  The greatest appreciation is always in the quality of the flies, and that’s just what keeps them from being ‘gimmicks’.  Many years were spent developing and perfecting the techniques for the giant fly patterns and obtaining the proper materials for these larger-than-life flies. Those who have tried to copy this art form have the greatest appreciation of what it takes to pull it off properly.

Fly-tying is a progressive hobby.  New materials are found or created constantly, and the challenge is to be creative with these new materials while remaining true to the craft.  Pushing the envelope, exploring new applications, and creating new flies are rewarding and keep a 40-year hobby from never growing stale.  Tying skills need to be expanded and adapted constantly to go where no one has gone before. The world of fly-tying is extremely broad and covers not only every possible fishing application, but also applications in art and collectables.  

The giant Fantasy Flies are fishable flies on real Mustad hooks. This foundation of authenticity is only the tip of the iceberg. Day-dreamer Streamers and Whopper Hoppers and Monster Muddlers are just a few of the ‘fantasies’ to be enjoyed.  Add to that the sculpted deer-hair flies, flex-o flies, realistics, size 32’s, McFlyfoam flies- the list just goes on. 

But I do have a practical side, too. Saltwater flyfishing for billfish has been a dream-come-true for me.  So tying specialty flies to catch these Fantasy Fish is right in line with the theme of Fantasy Flies.

So welcome to my world.  Forget practicality for a moment and just enjoy the ride and the fantasy.