Vintage Fly Fishing Creel

The fly fishing creel is one of the most iconic parts of fly fishing. There really isn't any piece of fly fishing gear that lends more to the mystique of fly fishing than a good vintage fly fishing creel. Fly fishing creels come in either wicker or plastic form, the later being a newer development that improves upon the wicker creel. Let's look at the advantages of using a fly fishing creel while out on the water.

Vintage fly fishing creels made of wicker have been used for a long time by fly fishermen, dating back to the early use of a fly rod and reel to take a rising trout. The wicker creels are lightweight, and can be carried on the fisherman's back easily. Creels solved a problem had by many fishermen. The problem was - how would they keep the fish that they caught in a fresh state while continuing to fish. Wicker creels help to keep fish fresh throughout the day while a fisherman continues to fish. The cracks in the wicker allow air to pass through, keeping the fish as fresh as possible. Another common thing done by fly fishermen who use wicker creels is to add fresh, moist moss to the bottom of the creel, lining it with a barrier that helps keep the fish cool on a hot day.

It is hard to find a fly fisherman who uses a vintage wicker fly fishing creel now a days on the river. Most fishermen participate in catch and release fly fishing, so less and less fish are actually being taken home to be eaten. There are also newer creels being used. Plastic, cooler-like creels are lighter and more comfortable to carry while fishing. They are also easier to clean and can integrate ice packs to keep fish even fresher. Consider these new creels as portable fish coolers.

Wicker creels can also play a role in interior decorating. Because they have that vintage look about them, many cabins and fishing lodges use wicker creels as decorative items. If you are looking for a way to spice up your living room or fly tying shop, add a vintage wicker fly fishing creel. Vintage wicker fly fishing creels are an iconic image of fly fishing. Next time you need some new fly fishing streamers, pick up a wicker creel for old times sake. And as always, good luck out on the water and happy fishing!