Drew Chicone

About Drew

Although Drew Chicone is well-known for his expertise in creating saltwater flies, his interests extend far beyond fly-tying. Drew is a versatile individual whose life centers around his love for the great outdoors and his commitment to his family. As a modern Renaissance man who values family, Drew knows the importance of creating lasting memories and sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors with those around him. He also advocates for the preservation of our environment and its creatures, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Drew is a prolific author with 17 published books on fly tying, in addition to numerous articles featured in outdoor-focused magazines. His writing showcases his vast expertise in fly tying, including the history of saltwater patterns, recipes, and techniques necessary for tying them.

As a brand ambassador, he works with multiple outdoor companies to promote sustainable practices and showcase their exceptional outdoor products. With his extensive experience and knowledge in the field, he aids partners in creating and refining innovative gear that enriches the outdoor experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

Drew is an educator at heart who imparts his wisdom and expertise through his books, monthly newsletters, workshops, and seminars, empowering individuals to create their own fur and feather creations.

Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Drew is also a talented culinarian, delighting in the art of preparing delectable dishes from his outdoor harvests. Sharing these culinary delights with family and friends, he forges strong connections through the joy of food and shared experiences.

Drew’s enthusiasm for the outdoors extends to curating unforgettable outdoor experiences for others. Leading trips around the world, he fosters a deep appreciation for nature’s wonders, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who embark on these adventures with him.

Bio & Past Work

Drew Chicone is an author, award-winning outdoor writer, 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.

Drew has been an F.F.F. Certified Casting Instructor and commercial fly tyer for more than a decade. He is a designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants, and his patterns are sold in quality fly shops and have appeared in over 75 U.S. and international publications. He is the winner of the 2016 and 2017 International Fly Tackle Dealer Best in Show Saltwater Fly Pattern Award, as well as the 2014 I.F.T.D. Iron Fly.

At the beginning of 2018, Drew partnered with Wild River Press books to publish three new titles: “Top Saltwater Flies—Bonefish,” “Top Saltwater Flies—Tarpon,” and “Top Saltwater Flies—Permit.” This is the most extensive tying-instruction series on the subject ever published. The hardcover set is available for sale on the Wild River Press website.

Other Chicone titles include:

Bluewater Flies (2024)

Belize Flies (2023)

Saltwater Specialty Flies (2022)

Permit Flies 2 (2021)

Bonefish Flies Abaco (2020)

Paddle Board Fly Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide to S.U.P. (2020)

Snook Flies 2 (2019)

Redfish Flies 2 (2019)

Largemouth Bass Flies (2018)

Baby Tarpon Flies (2017)

Redfish Flies (2014)

Snook Flies (2013)

Essential Bonefish Flies: Andros (2013)

Essential Permit Patterns (2013)

Feather Brain: Developing, Testing, Improving Saltwater Fly Patterns (2013)

In addition to his ongoing work as an educator, Drew ties premium saltwater flies for sale through his company, Salty Fly Tying. He is the Director at Maven Rods U.S.A., the co-founder of Strip Strike University, and frequently hosts destination schools and fishing adventures anywhere saltwater species swim.

For more information about Drew, his latest works, and hosted trips, visit the Salty Fly Tying website or follow him (drchicone) on Instagram. Chicone lives in Ft. Myers, Florida, with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Lucy.