I've known Allan for several years now on-line, and was able to finally meet him at a show in the Catskills. He's the president of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, and has devoted lots of time and energy to preserving the famed Catskill style of fly as well as encouraging future generations of Catskill fly tiers. For me personally, Allan has been a great source of information regarding Catskill flies, as well as helping me out with some ideas regarding the processing of fly tying materials.

I've always thought of Allan as something of a purist, and I mean that in the best sense of the word. Every inch the traditionalist, Allan brings along a healthy respect for where we've come from in the world of fly-fishing, and I share his commitment to the past. We both enjoy using natural materials, and like to give the fish a "sporting" chance.

Allan's generosity can be quite overwhelming at times, and at one point he sent me a considerable amount of barred wood duck, all sorted into rights and lefts, just beautiful feathers. I can't remember what prompted this, but the gift came completely unsolicited. That's the kind of person Allan is, and I'm proud to have some of his work to display on this site.

"ELA"