
Drew Chicone's Ambassador Profile

Drew Chicone
Fly Fishing Ambassador
Hometown
Watkins Glen, New YorkResides
Fort Myers, Florida
Whether it’s camaraderie, creativity, art or simply a device to catch more fish, people are stoked about tying flies for many different reasons. For Drew, it’s all of these reasons and more. Tying flies is an important part of his daily routine and teaching others the art of fly tying is one of his favorite activities. Drew is an author, fly designer, photographer, lecturer and materials expert whose passion for teaching the art of fly tying has inspired numerous how-to articles, books and detailed instructional guides. He has lived and breathed the sport since he was tall enough to sit at the vise, and his fly creations are well-known and in high demand among saltwater anglers and guides across the globe. In addition to his ongoing work as an educator, Drew frequently hosts destination schools and fishing adventures anywhere saltwater species swim.
Career Highlights
- Owner of Salty Fly Tying
- Inventor of “Chicone’s Crusher Legs” and “Chicone’s Fettuccini Foam”
- Fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants
- Contributed articles to over 70 publications
- Ambassador for the American Museum of Fly Fishing
- Certified casting instructor through the Federation of Fly Fishers (CCI)
- 2016 and 2017 Winner of the I.F.T.D Best in Show Saltwater Fly Pattern Award
- 2014 Winner of the I.F.T.D Iron Fly Competition
- Partnered with Wild River Press books in 2018 to publish three new titles—Top Saltwater Flies: Bonefish, Top Saltwater Flies: Tarpon and Top Saltwater Flies: Permit—which comprise the largest tying instruction series ever published
- Author of Largemouth Bass Flies (2018), Baby Tarpon Flies (2017), Redfish Flies (2014), Snook Flies (2013), Essential Bonefish Flies: Andros (2013), Essential Permit Patterns (2013) and Feather Brain: Developing, Testing, & Improving Saltwater Fly Patterns (2013)