Darwin Atkin

The Dutch Fly Fairs during the late 1980's and early 1990's were important events for a young fly fisherman like me. It was my first opportunity to meet, watch and learn from famous deer hair fly tiers like Dave Whitlock, Chris Helm and Al Beatty. Early 1990's I also got in touch with Joe Messinger Jr and a few years ago I got reconnected with Bud Heintz after losing contact for more than 25 years.

One tier I met during those Fly Fairs and oddly didn't keep in touch was Darwin Atkin. Not a lot is written about his fly tying. Darwin Atkin was way ahead of his time with his cricket made of foam and deer hair. He passed away as recent as 2014.

A few weeks ago I acquired a unique piece of fly tying memorabilia. Darwin Atkin's most appraised flies marvellously framed (by himself). His crickets and matuka sculpins are absolutely fabulous.

'The Art of the Trout fly' has been one of the most influential books for me as a fly tier. This book triggered my fly tying as no other book has done. Rather than just slashing feathers and fur on a hook, the insights of carefully and meticulously tying a fly with the right proportions and finish.

Page 108 is devoted to Darwin Atkin and his Black & Tan Field Cricket