The Flies of Per Hansen

I was introduced to Danish Fly Tyer Per Hansen for the first time when he sent a decidedly unique Christmas-like entry to me for the Christmas Fly  competition. If you would like to see that entry, visit the  Salmonfly.Net 2011 Christmas Fly Competition . I knew at once that he was a talented tyer, but could also tell that he really loved what he does, as a matter of fact you will probably be able to see, if not from his stories, but at least from his photos that he really loves life. And so, it shows in his work with its rich blend of fantasy and utility, styles and color . ...But don't take my word for it take a look yourself, but first, as I do with all contributors, I asked Per to write a little about himself. Read what he has to say, before taking a look at his his collection of flies for the current edition.

My name is Per Hansen, and I live in Fredensborg a railway town, 30 km north of Copenhagen and near forests and the sea. I am 67 years old, and retired from working in an advertising agency as an art director and consultant.

I have been fishing since I was a little boy. I started fly-fishing for trout in Jutland's small rivers with my uncles, and my parents bought a summerhouse in North Sealand, where my little brother and I would fish from the shoreline. We caught Cod, Plate, and an occasional seatrout.

When I grew older, I fished the Mörrum River in Sweden, the River Orkla, Gaula, Stjördal, Etne and Namsen in Norway, and the River Bandon in Ireland. I now have the great pleasure of fishing together with my wife Gyrithe. She is a keen flyfisher, and holds the house record for Atlantic salmon at 14.8 kg.!
About 25 years ago, I started tying flies as a self-taught beginner, but some of my fishing pals taught me better techniques. So here I am now. I found a lot of inspiration on different web sites, but I also have my own ideas - the Xmas fly, Red Hot Chilli, The Funny Thief etc. I have the pleasure of doing fly-tying exhibitions at different places, like the local library and Elsinore Culture House, and sometimes selling a frame or two.

My other interests are good wine, food, travel to Jutland for fishing the River Skjern, and our new puppy English Springer Spaniel. …and of course my wife! A couple a years ago, I was employed as chief in Go Fishing, Hillerød, where we were agents for Orvis fishing gear and clothes. See  http://go-fishing.dk/