Fly Fishing Friends Friday

I've been lucky enough to cross paths with some really remarkable individuals that are incredibly talented in a number of different ways pertaining to fly fishing.  It only seems fair that I share some of these folks with you, the loyal readers of our blog!  So, without further adieu, here is our first installment of Fly Fishing Friends Friday!

Andrea Larko

Watching a seasoned fly fisher cast is nothing short of artistry. The ebb and flow of the line moving sharply through the air is mesmerizing. It's no coincidence that a sport steeped in such pageantry and beauty yields its fair share of artists trying to capture some of the grandeur seen and felt on the water. One of the best out there is Andrea Larko from Pennsylvania, owner of The Art of Angling. 

About 6 years ago Andrea had a tough decision to make. Commissions for her decals, prints, logos, apparel designs, and embroidered patches began to pile up. It was either keep her day job and continue to spend every other waking hour working on her artwork and business, or take a run at this full time. It's a choice that many of us in the industry are met with at some point. After taking the plunge, she has been wildly successful designing artwork for the likes of Montana Fly Company, Abel Reels, and Simms, just to name a few. Art and fly fishing are more than just a means to pay the bills though. She selflessly donates artwork to help worthwhile causes such as The Mayfly Project, Project Healing Waters, and Casting for Recovery.

"Fly fishing gives me solace and peace away from the studio; time to recenter and make a connection with the water, even if a fish isn't on the other end of the line. It has changed my life in every aspect and I'm so grateful to be able to say I'm a fly fishing artist."

Andrea's art is constantly evolving and changing in terms of look and style, not unlike her favorite fishes, the brook and brown trout. Looking at her unique and beautifully crafted decals, hats, and drawings reveals something new every time. She's a one woman business, doing all of her own marketing, inventory, and social  media while continuing to pump out new products with a cartoon fly fishing book and fly fishing coloring book in the works!

Follow Andrea on Instagram @andrealarko and Facebook  www.facebook.com/artbyandrealarko
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To see some of Andrea's amazing work visit  andrealarko.etsy.com.