Whether they’re full colour or black and white, discreet or attention-grabbing, fishing tattoos are more popular than ever. Not so long ago, it would only be the occasional koi carp on a leg or shoulder. These days, however, fish and fishing tattoos come in all shapes and sizes, from the subtle to the spectacular.
One general rule is that every great artwork has personal significance. Indeed, more and more of us want a fish with a story attached, whether it’s a life memory, a favourite lure or venue, or that special catch. An increasing number of ‘tats’ are also drawn directly from life and real photography.
“Tattoos have grown in popularity, but fish and fishing tattoos are still quite niche,” says Devon-based tattooist Will Gee. “That’s a shame, because as an angler I just love working on them!”
Of all the fish species and themes, carp are still the most popular choice, with koi seen as a symbol of luck in Asian cultures. “Oriental-style carp pieces are still massively popular,” says Will, “but we’re starting to see a lot more pike, trout and carp types that are more familiar to anglers. Lots of folks now bring pictures of a special catch to the artist to work from direct.”
As for advice on getting a tattoo, Will says: “It helps to go to a tattooist who’s into fishing and understands the sport. It’s about the story, and I’ll often add details such as the angler’s favourite bait or fly. I’d research as much as you can and chat to them about what you want.”
You can check out more of Will’s ink work at Monsters Art Emporium, on Facebook.
Snakes alive…or should that be eels alive?
Snakes are common fare in most tattoo parlours, but how would you fancy an eel wrapping itself around your arm?
“The Sailor Jerry girl here is a nod to the RAF and drinking spiced rum,” said angling fanatic Barry Fisher. “I changed the lass to a blonde, though, like my wife, and switched the snake to one of my beloved eels!”
We’re guessing this is as close as an eel usually gets to his wife!
Lady from life
Game fishing fan Paul Lee wanted a grayling and fly reel on his arm. However, not just any old grayling would do, so he went to tattooist Will Gee with a photo to work from – no pressure there, then! The finished result is even more beautiful than real life, if that’s possible with the ‘Lady of the Stream’!
Mechanical fish
One of the key components of any great tattoo is a personal significance or something that tells a story.
“I’d only get a tattoo of a fish I’ve landed,” said predator angler, Babs Craig.
“I grew up fishing for Nile Perch in Kenya – and this one is a homage to my dad, who got me into fishing and was a mechanical engineer. I also have one of a pike, which I love to fish for.”
Trout, with love from Ukraine!
Polish game fishing and fly-tying professionals Arek and Agnieska Kubale got inked up with these stylish pieces from Ukrainian tattoo artist Slava, AKA SadKidTattoo.
Said Arek “My tattoo is in homage to the Izera, a favourite river, and its trout. Aga’s rainbow trout is inspired by old American tattoos. Both works emphasise our passion for fly fishing.”
A skinful of history
Carp anglers, especially, love to record unique individual fish – and sometimes a photo seemingly isn’t enough.
Here’s Norfolk-based Josh Fisher’s rendition of the famous ‘Burghfield Common’, as caught by Dave Lane.
A little deep and bloody, in this case, as the tattoo was photographed a little ‘fresh”. Ouch!
It’s broadly art!
Talk about a tattoo that captures a unique sense of place... this spectacular work, again from Josh Fisher of Cavalry Tattoo Studio, evokes Broadland scenery as well as one angler’s PB 30lb-plus pike!
Josh has also inked many other British species for his clients, including perch, chub and barbel.
You can see more of his stunning designs on Instagram (@joshfishertattoos).
It’s a fish eat fish world
How’s this for a show of predation in motion, almost certainly inspired by a certain lure manufacturer?
Predator anglers are among the most tattooed group in angling. Fish like pike certainly look suitably impressive – and with all those treble hooks flying about, we’re guessing pike anglers aren’t averse to getting punctured!
...AND A COUPLE OF SORRY TAILS AND FISH FAILS!
Carp cover up!
Reader Andy Croston wanted his best-ever carp in ink, but didn’t like the result!
“I showed the ‘artist’ a photo
of my PB and said I would like this underwater. He did a drawing that looked ace and this was the result.
“Needless to say I got it covered up as soon as I could!” he said.
Off the bone?
While most anglers want scale-perfect fish, others prefer a ‘close to the bone’ look.
“My carp tattoo seems to have been ottered!” joked Ian Knott.
