BARRY KENT – HIGH FLIES AND HIFLIES

Last night I attended an enjoyable and informative get together arranged by the Durban Fly Tyers who had as their guest speaker Barry Kent former Managing Director of High Flies, South Africa’s first and most successful fly tying industry that attracted customers from across the globe. Barry held our interest with captivating stories and anecdotes laced with humour of his years growing up in England and  his life’s journey in general.  His face lit up talking of his passion for fly fishing and fly tying which in his words, “they are not just interests, but part of my soul”.  He explained the reasons for his move to the warm climate of SA, his involvement with establishment and growth of High Flies in the small town of Butterworth in the former Transkei territories that at its peak was producing in the order of 12000 flies a day, the many good years, the collaboration to produce the world’s first series of stamps featuring flies from High Flies.  With a note of sadness he spoke of the eventual and unfortunate demise of the business due to partnership issues beyond his control. Now settled in Panama City Beach, Florida he continues to be involved with fly tying and fishing – see Barry’s new website for details of  the past and present from High Flies to Hiflies –  http://hiflies.com/page12.php

Barry busy with his presentation

The fly tying demonstration of a adult Caddis

My attempts today at Barry’s adult Caddis

Some of the High Flies stamp series

Barry looking happy with his bottle of the fine red stuff.

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