A 13-YEAR-OLD fly tie fishing angler has been invited to join a professional youth team after casting light on his talent in recent Denbighshire competitions.
Matthew Davies, year eight pupil at Denbigh High School, became interested in fly tying around three years ago when his uncle, Stuart Hughes, started to take him along to weekly winter Vale of Clwyd Angling Club (VCAC) fly tying events around the county. From the outset, Matthew’s natural-born talent was obvious.
Now the VCAC’s committee has asked him to showcase his fly tying expertise at various events and annual shows the club attends.
Matthew at Deer Creek’s Rhyl office.
Matthew has also been offered the opportunity to tie a couple of flies at the Deer Creek open days last year under the watchful eye of senior fly tiers within the Deer Creek pro team.
It was here that Nickolas Wright, the owner of Deer Creek, a leading manufacturer and retailer of fly tying material products based in Rhyl, recognized Matthew’s skill and, his judgement backed by recommendations from pro team members, he invited young Matthew to join the pro tying team’s newly-formed youth section.
Matthew’s uncle, Stuart, said: “Matthew has a unique skill for fly tying and the whole family are so proud of him. He is such a great role model for other budding fly tiers; when the young visitors at the shows and events see “a kid” on the stand they come over to see what he’s doing.”
Matthew and his uncle are attending the upcoming British Fly Fair International 2019 which takes place this month.
Stuart added: “Matthew is looking forward to tying with some of the Deer Creek staff and team at the show. It’s all great experience for him and we’re excited to see him progress through the pro youth team.”
One of the impressive flies tied by Matthew.
Deer Creek’s owner, Mr Wright, is full of praise for Matthew. He said: “When I first came across Matthew it was at the BFFI 17. He was so passionate and enthusiastic, but a bit shy. Even back then though, I could see his skills were beyond his years!
“As we too began to support more local events, our paths crossed more often and I noticed a very big improvement over the previous season. He’s a very well-mannered young man with a true gift. It’s great to see someone of Matthew’s age involved in something different other than computer games or football.
“He’s a credit to his immediate family and we are proud to have him on board.”
George Ryan, Matthew’s head of year at Denbigh High School, said: “It’s fantastic to see Matthew achieve the honour of being invited to join the pro tying youth team. He is a lovely young man who is both modest about his achievements and determined to do of his best.
“We at Denbigh High School are very proud of his efforts. Well done Matthew!”
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