The Man Versus Fish Tribute To Lefty Kreh

Bass Fishing has the likes of Bill Dance and Roland Martin. You’ve got Shaw Grigsby and Hank Parker. Bass fishing abounds with fun personalities and visible figures.

But what about fly fishing?

Make no mistake about it, fly fishing is just as full of larger than life figures and individuals who have blazed a trail for the rest of us.

One such individual is Lefty Kreh. Lefty is probably the most well known, celebrated, and quoted American Fly Fisherman of all time. He’s done as much, or more, for the sport of fly fishing than anyone else—ever.

Miami 1964

Lefty began fishing and guiding in 1947, but the real story begins in 1964, when he moved to Miami Florida and began fishing for saltwater species on a fly rod.

It was during this time that he began amassing an amazing volume of knowledge on the subject of fly fishing in saltwater. It was this massive collection of experience that lead to the seminal writing on the subject Fly Fishing In Saltwater(aff).

If you have any interest in saltwater fly fishing, this book is a must have.

Lefty’s Deceiver

In the late 1950’s, Lefty left another mark on the sport, inventing Lefty’s Deceiver. This is considered one of the most important streamers to have in your fly box, and is effective in both fresh and saltwater.

Originally, the Deceiver was only available in an all white pattern. Several fly tiers have since added in different colors, the most popular being a darker colored top over a lighter bottom.

Lefty’s accomplishment with the Deceiver was memorialized in a very special way in 1991. It was then that the US Postal Service created a commemorative stamp to honor the fly.

Outdoor Photography And The World’s Greatest Fly Caster

Besides being an accomplished and trail blazing fly fisherman and writer on the subject, Lefty has two other claims to fame. He is quite an accomplished outdoor photographer, and his pictures have appeared in publications all over the world.

Lefty is also arguably the best fly caster in the world. He is highly sought after for his tips and techniques on the subject. The following videos illustrate his casting prowess.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ-AXvVbKkE]

Here he is at an expo in Atlanta

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrGIhcFx-20]

And here’s a fun video of Lefty fishing for bass in a farm pond.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwyckWvMadk]

So Lefty, we here at MVF salute you, and we certainly hope to see you on the water…