My journey as a fly fisherman
I discovered fishing as a teenager, at a time when I needed to slow down. The river taught me patience and humility.
My first rod came early, and I learned mostly on my own. A few dry flies, many attempts, and failures that teach as much as success. Over time, I understood something simple: observation matters as much as technique.
Then, for several years, I set fishing aside. I built my life—family, a growing business, a demanding pace. Sometimes too much.
In 2019, I felt the need to step back. I returned to fly fishing to find calm again, and to come back to what truly matters. I went back to the river. The passion returned in full, and it has never left me since.
Competition
I wanted to take my fly fishing further. Competition felt like the natural next step. My goal was simple: to improve and learn to adapt my technique on different rivers, even when conditions are difficult.
Fishing well on the river near home is one thing. Fishing well everywhere is another, very different challenge. Competition taught me humility and the value of details. Often, small adjustments, in technique as well as in gear, make the difference.
La Fine Mouche
La Fine Mouche is built around a return to simplicity, without giving up attention to detail. I offer a carefully curated selection for fly anglers, whether they fish rivers or stillwaters. The focus is on fly tying and everything that goes with it, both at the vise and on the water.
Each item is tested in real fishing conditions before it is offered. I want to recommend it with confidence, and for the long term.
The idea is to strike the right balance between a reasonable price, technical performance, and impeccable quality, so that everyone can fish and improve with pleasure.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my friends Amélie Scié and Matthieu Mercier.
Amélie, for her valuable advice in bringing this project to life, and for her talent as a writer.
Matthieu, for sharing his experience and knowledge as an accomplished fly fishing guide.
Jérémie Combes
La Fine Mouche