Thaddeus Norris

Born in 1811, Norris devoted his life to fly fishing.  As a young man, he explored American Waters and pursue the sport of American fly fishing in its infancy.  Well-educated and well read in angling literature, he discovered Old World flies, tackle and fishing techniques were not suitable for American waters.  Making modifications, Norris developed the first true American procedures for fly fishing and was an early pioneer in the development of the fly rod, andselling tackle and flies.  He communicated these discoveries through many articles in sporting periodicals and his book, The American Angler’s Book in 1864.    This book became every angler’s bible and Thaddeus became the recognized Father of American Fly Fishing.  It should be noted that Theodore Gordon learned to tie flies from The American Angler’s Book.