New Brunswick's World-Class Fly Tyer enjoys Tying and Fishing

A name familiar in many of the world's salmon circles and a face seen often on the Rivers of Eastern Canada, born February 24, 1956 in St. John's, Newfoundland, a descendant of Irish ancestry, Jerome Molloy has become a respected fly fisherman and fly tier. It was a natural progression of this passion that would inspire his finding of Atlantic Salmon Flies.

From the outset, his peers recognized his talent with feathers and fur. In 1986, he entered his first competition, The Atlantic salmon Conclave, and captured first place with an entry of the most famous of all flies, "The Jock Scott".

Not one to be held by complacency, Jerome continued to develop his skills and later won the prestigious "FQSA World Championships" in 1991 and1992. He won in the Hair-wing category with his " Orange Blossom " and then grabbed top honors the next year in the feather-wing with his " Childer's ". Also in 1992, he captured the Eastern Woods and Waters Fly tying Championship. Additionally, he would achieve acclaim with both the Mustad International Open Fly tying Competition and the Ontario Outdoors Competition. In 1995, he was accredited by both the Federation Quebec Salmon Atlantic and the North Atlantic salmon Fund in 1995, a Master Tyer and was inducted in the FQSA, Fly tyers Hall of Fame.

" I first tried to tie fly when I was 10. I put a feather from a pillow case of my mother's on a safety pin using her thread. My father was a fisherman, but not a fly tyer, so I guess being around water and fishing is in my blood, " Jerome said.

Jerome Molloy really first started tying salmon flies in 1980 after he started salmon fishing in the Saint-John area. " It was only when I was about 24 that I started tying real salmon flies. I had started fishing around the Saint-John area and decided to do my own flies to save money. I give away many of my early flies, " Molloy said. " Then I watched the old timers along the Hammond River and listened to them and learned a lot. I caught a few fish on the ones I'd tied, but fishing in Southern NB was tough. "

Jerome Molloy has obviously learned a lot and has given back to those who taught him. For more than 15 years, he has actively participated in numerous fund raising events to protect and conserve our ecosystems.

Molloy also has moved afar giving seminars and demonstrations in Newfoundland, N.B., P.E.I. and N.S. As an instructor and dresser of Classic Atlantic Salmon Flies, Hairwing Salmon flies, and Trout, this experienced angler has earned international prestige and notoriety, and he has fished extensively throughout the Salar's eastern range .

" Now I still tie a lot, but it is mostly for leisure and for fishing. I enjoy doing demonstrations and have supported ASF, Trout unlimited, and the MSA for number of years doing Flies for their auctions. Some day, when I retire, I would like to open my own shop, " Molloy said.

Jerome Molloy is one of the famous fly tyers featured in Dewey Gillespie's book " The fly tyers of New Brunswick ". He describes fly tying as " fun, relaxing and very rewarding. "

Jerome loves to go to the Miramichi to fish and also loves to fish the Margaree River in the Fall season. His biggest catch was a 23 pounder which he caught on the Sevogle in 1993.

Mentors that have influenced this Master Tyer, include the historic works of Kelson, Francis Francis, Hale, Traherne, Blacker and T.E. Pryce Tannatt.

Knowing Jerome as a personal friend and watching him tying salmon flies, he has not lost his love and skill for tying or the pleasure in talking fishing and being with anglers. I invite you to browse his Web site at http://atlanticsalmonfly.com/

Jacques Héroux [email protected]