"Some big chap from Aberdeen"

(with reels to match - the wee one is 2" diameter from Mr Brown)

Hello,

I am Colin Innes, I have been collecting fishing tackle for about 25 years, my main interests are the fishing tackle makers and shops from Aberdeen (that's in Scotland) and also the classic salmon flies used on the local rivers like Dee, Don and Deveron. The period that interests me is from around 1820 (any earlier and research material is so scarce it's almost nonexistent) to around 1940, where mass production and hair wing flies kick in. I have been researching and putting together a book on these subjects for the last few years, it's almost finished, but I guess the most difficult thing about producing a book are the final stages - it's written but there are still some facts I need to confirm and flies I need to track down. This web site will highlight some of my research, as people keep asking me "have you finished that book yet" perhaps this will keep them happy for a while - the book will have a lot more detail. I have to say it's been a heck of a ride, I've met some great people and been amazed at the generosity of some and I've re-learnt the art of tying a Dee fly, although I've still got a way to go on that, you may get to see some examples if I can’t find a good vintage one to show you!

I'm 45 and have had a varied career since graduating in Engineering, working initially in marketing, then IT and now business consulting. My wife Isabel and I live in central Edinburgh with daughter Ellie 11 and son Sandy 6. I'm originally from Aberdeen, but spent about 20 years living in England (Cambridge, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire), returning to Scotland two and a half years ago.  

From a fishing point of view I love to fish for, and return, salmon on the Dee when I can. I also do a bit of trout fishing, but nowhere near as much as I used to do when living in the south of England.

Tight Lines !

Below, two Colins, the one with the double chin is me, the other is legendary salmon fly tier Colin Simpson, here we are looking at an Akroyd outside the hut on the Lower Blackhall beat of the river Dee, spring 2009 - we picked a small Childers, which looked great in the water and proved that proper blue Chatterer does not go grey when wet. The salmon were not interested that day though!