She’s on it, angling with MATT O’NEAL’S WWII Fishing Survival Kit Fly.
Matt O’Neal ties an unknown fly tied in Massachusetts during WWII
Henry Clement, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, August 2023.
By Skip Clement
Angie Roth, my fishing partner for the past eight years, is a fan of Savage Flies, as am I. O’Neal’s site is especially valuable for those interested in the origin and history of the flies that he ties and showcases. Matt’s history of this unnamed fly is a true piece of Americana. You will enjoy his intro on the history of the fly.
Hurry up, Henry
Last week, Angie called with a must-have request for a WWI survival kit fly. The fly turned out to be even better than advertised—it catches trout, at least here in North Georgia. Matt discovered the WWII-era Fishing Survival Kit; thus, the name WWII Fishing Survival Kit Fly.
About the tie
O’Neal uses an alternative material for this fly, which simplifies the tying process. The tying itself is easy, and the potential for a wide variety of sizes, game fish, and colors makes it a worthwhile pattern to tie, beyond its effectiveness for local trout. I tied a dozen flies for Angie and five for myself, as tube flies. The target for mine reds for a St Simons Island trip in September.
For Angie, I tied sizes #10 to #14, adhering to the guidelines set by O’Neal, but I also made two #12 tube flies. Angie reported that a tube version was eagerly eaten twice and survived the assault of rainbows to stand fit for another adventure. She also said the hook-tied #14 had a take, but threw the fly on an aerial explosion.
Thom Glace, a famous watercolorist, “Watercolor Study of a Rainbow Trout” (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Presented at the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited to the winner of the GOLD TROUT Award for 2011.
NOTE: Featured Image is MATT O’NEAL
Take a look at this fly; I believe it will interest you
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