Mauro Raspini is a renowned Italian fly fisherman and fly tier with over four decades of experience in the craft. His passion for fly fishing is deeply intertwined with his artistic approach to creating artificial flies, which he considers an art form on par with painting and architecture. This artistic perspective is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and historical aspects of fly fishing.
Raspini’s journey into the world of fly fishing began with fly tying before he even learned to cast a line. His dedication to the craft is evident in his expansive collection of over 250 volumes of ancient texts, as well as his meticulous study of invertebrates, which populate numerous test tubes in his collection. He sees fly tying as more than just a hobby or a sport; it’s a way of capturing the essence of nature, particularly the small but intricate world of insects, and understanding its broader significance in the ecosystem.
Throughout his career, Raspini has been a key figure in the fly fishing community, contributing regularly to international magazines, such as “Fly Line”, where he has been a collaborator for more than 20 years. His writing and work reflect a deep commitment to preserving the art and culture of fly fishing. In 2001, he published “La Roccia Condivisa” (“The Shared Rock”), a collection of writings that delve into the world of flies, fish, rivers, and broader ecological themes.
Raspini is also known for his active involvement in promoting environmental conservation, particularly the protection of freshwater ecosystems. As president of the Ichthyos Association and the Altotevere Mosca Club, he has championed sustainable practices in fly fishing and organized numerous educational projects aimed at raising awareness of river habitats. His passion for education extends to schools, where he has worked to inspire the next generation of anglers and nature enthusiasts.
As a fly tyer, Mauro Raspini has received significant recognition for his skill and innovation. His work has appeared in major publications, including the esteemed “Fly Tyers of the World”, and he has been a guest at prestigious fly fishing events across Europe and the United States. His contributions to the craft were recognized in 2007 when he was named “Fly Fisherman of the Year”, and in 2024, he received the “Claudio D’Angelo” award as the best Italian fly tier.
Raspini’s books, such as “The Fly” (published in two volumes), explore the history and technical aspects of fly tying, preserving the knowledge of this centuries-old craft. In “The Fly – The Genesis”, he delves into the origins and evolution of fly making, while “The Fly – Sacred and Profane” focuses on the artistry and techniques of fly dressing. In 2012, he further expanded his literary contributions with “CDC Evolution”, a book on the use of the CDC (Cul de Canard) feather in fly tying, available in multiple languages.
Mauro Raspini continues to be a prominent figure in both the artistic and scientific dimensions of fly fishing, blending a deep respect for tradition with a forward-thinking approach to the craft and conservation.
Mauro Raspini pesca con la mosca da 40 anni ed ha iniziato a costruire artificiali prima di imparare a lanciare. Considera la costruzione delle mosche una forma di arte, paragonabile alla pittura ed alla architettura, quindi imprescindibile dalla conoscenza degli insetti e del passato. La sua libreria di testi antichi conta oggi decine di volumi e si affianca alla collezione di invertebrati del fiume che conserva in provetta. Collabora con riviste estere e da ben 20 anni lo fa con Fly Line. Nel 2001 pubblica “La roccia condivisa”, scritti di mosche, di pesci, di fiumi e altre storie. Presidente dell’associazione Ichthyos e del Mosca Club Altotevere, gestore della omonima Tail Water e del World Tuscany Open, è da sempre impegnato nelle tematiche legate alla difesa degli ecosistemi fluviali e dell’educazione all’ambiente con numerosi progetti con le istituzioni scolastiche. Stilografica, martello e scalpelli, pennelli, sgorbie, obiettivi per macrofotografia e computers sono gli strumenti con cui cerca di fissare nel tempo e nella memoria “istanti” della vita nascosta nei fiumi ed indagare, a volte in chiave esoterica, il piccolo degli insetti per capire il grande dell’universo. Ospite ai principali eventi in Europa ed USA come costruttore e fotografo naturalista, nel 2007 riceve il premio “Pescatore a Mosca dell’anno” e compare nella prestigiosa pubblicazione “Fly Tyers of The World”. Partridge of Redditch Pro-Team per l’Italia. Nel 2011 è in pubblicazione la sua opera “The Fly” in due volumi. “The Fly – La Genesi” è un’opera sullo scibile classico delle mosche artificiali, votata a perpetuarne la cultura e la memoria in modo globale. “The Fly – Sacro e Profano” contiene le sue elaborazioni in tema di modelli artificiali prettamente da pesca, una sorta di estrema razionalizzazione di tutto ciò che ha costituito la conosenza storica progressiva nelle mosche artificiali. Nel 2013 pubblica il volume “CDC Evolution” contenente tutto lo scibile sulle tecniche di montaggio delle piume di Cul de Canard. L’edizione è disponibile in 3 lingue, Italiano, Inglese e Francese. Nel 2024 riceve il premio “Claudio D’Angelo Award” come migliore Fly Tier Italiano.