Sandro Mandrini

I was born 55 years ago in Cernusco Sul Naviglio (MI), but today I live with my family in Milan. I work as a pedagogist and professional educator with families and young people in difficulty. I started fishing at the age of 6 and "cut my teeth" on the streams of Valsassina and the Adda River that flows not far from my home. I am a passionate naturalist, lover of fish and insects; fly fishing represented for me a "natural" evolution in a process of refining my relationship with nature. I started tying artificial flies more than thirty years ago, thanks to the teachings of my brother Paolo and under the expert guidance of Roberto Peveri, an excellent fly tier from Piacenza. I have traveled a lot to fish in Italy and abroad, going as far as Mongolia and Mexico, Scandinavia, England, Spain and the United States. I have a deep connection with Spain; particularly with the region of Leon where I was able to appreciate its magnificent rivers and learn about the extraordinary history and use of the Gallo Pardo and Gallo Indio de Leon feathers. Over time, I have also ventured into and become passionate about tying salmon flies, streamers and saltwater flies. I have broadened my horizons and knowledge by meeting fly tiers and anglers all over the world. I seek essentiality, simplicity and rationality as well as effectiveness in my imitations. Curiosity and continuous comparison with other fly tiers is what drives me to always experiment with new materials and innovative dressings. I am among the founding members of I.F.T.A. (Italian Fly Tyers Association), an association that aims to bring together all Italian fly tyers in a single association.