Patterns for Success - Part 2

Captain John Haag - Haag Hair and a Devil’s Sauce
The fly fishing community lost a remarkable fly tier and human being a couple of years ago with the passing of John Haag. But John has left his indelible mark on the sport of fly fishing and the art of fly tying, and greatly influenced the saltwater fly fishing scene on Long Island. I recently finished work on a fly-fishing related book project and had the opportunity to talk with some of the best fly tiers and fly fishermen up and down the entire length of the east coast. Many each either knew John personally or knew of his fly tying. Equally as impressive were the positive comments that all made regarding John’s contributions to the sport. His legacy is that of a man who willingly shared all that he knew about fishing to anyone who was interested. In my opinion, he was and still is the example of the consummate student of fly tying. He studied the work of classic tiers and embraced the innovations of his contemporaries. His own tying style was quite visionary and his use of modern materials resulted in very unique and effective patterns both for freshwater and salt. His “discovery” of a product that he called Haag Hair helped to create larger profile flies with minimal bulk. His use of this material and his own style of tying enabled him to create and entire series of Haag Hair Glimmer Fish, replicating just about every significant baitfish that swims in the waters of Long Island, bunker, mullet, spearing, anchovies, pinfish, mummichogs, sand eels and the list goes on. His patterns are versatile and easily adapted to most all fly fishing situations. John also developed an adhesive setting material called Devil Sauce that he used to give his flies body and form. This liquid material was typically applied to the layers of materials to add structure and durability to the fly.
Above all else, John’s flies caught fish, but he will best be remember for his eternal enthusiasm. I am sure he is still tying.