Spratley Bros. are pleased to present the 'Collectors Series' Portable fly Tying Case. As a first offering of 'Spratley Bros.'. we wanted this series to be of the highest quality possible and we have only produced ten cases. This is why we call them the 'Collectors Series'.
Originally we thought that these cases would be attractive to exclusive fishing lodges, for use by their resident fly tier and guests or fly tying instructors as an al-in-one presentation case. However the first five have been purchased by; a movie producer in Los Angeles, an antique dealer-collector in the British Columbia Lower Mainland, a fly tier in the British Columbia Cariboo region, a fly tier in the British Columbia Okanagan and a travelling fly tier from Pennsylvania.
As a fly fisher for many years, I have always had an endless supply of flies, tied by my fishing buddies who are all tiers. Lately, unable to get out fishing as much as I used to, I have taken the time that I used to spend out on the water to sit down and create my own bugs for that once or twice I manage to go fishing each year. As it goes, I now have boxes and containers full of tools and materials and no place in my home to set up a designated tying table! It became apparent that what I needed was a portable work station - the first plywood case was created.
Then one day my brother (a specialty set painter in the movie business) drops over and his eyes light up when I show him the case. He suggests that I use some nice looking wood and with his help we could perhaps start a little business on the side. Well, my brother has since got so busy that I have become the only Bros. and I will carry on the 'little business on the side' myself.
This site, is at this time, featuring the 'Collectors Series', however I will continue to offer many different cases, made of different materials and styles but will continue the 'hand picked, hand milled, hand made' rule that assures that each case is unique and of the highest quality craftmanship.
John Johnston; Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
