Fly Plate Donated To Fly Fishing Museum

The Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers of Port Angeles, Washington, created and donated an absolutely gorgeous fly plate to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  This beautiful and patriotic art was produced to honor those who served and sacrificed for our country.  The designer of the fly plate and creator of the Purple Heart Fly is 80-year-old John Gort of Port Angeles, Washington.  John recruited and trained tiers from the 90-member Peninsula Fly Fishers Club to design and create each fly to compliment a military campaign theme.  Sixteen one-of-a-kind flies were designed, tied and mounted with the companion Campaign Ribbon.  Because each fly is an original design using many hard-to-find materials, the project took hundreds of man-hours and nearly a year to complete.  The dedication and talent of club members was key to the success of this project. 

Following the donation, the fly plate was prominently displayed at fly fishing shows across the country and gained much attention and admiration.  Originally, PHWFF considered auctioning the fly plate to raise needed funds for the program, but, because of the unique nature and historic significance of the plate, it was decided that the fly plate deserved a permanent home where the fly fishing public could enjoy the exceptional artistry and patriotic theme.  Also, it represents the dedication that Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing volunteers commit to our mission, to promote and support the physical and emotional healing of our disabled veterans through all aspects of fly fishing.

PHWFF’s leadership decided it would be most appropriate to display the fly plate in the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vermont.  PHWFF Founder and Vice Chairman Ed Nicholson proposed the idea to the museum’s Executive Director, Cathi Comar, who was most appreciative of the gesture.  The fly plate now proudly resides on display in the Museum (http://www.amff.com) and provides visitors with yet another testament to the value of fly fishing as a means of rehabilitation for our deserving service men and women.