In the year 200 AD, the Greek writer Aelian provided the first record of the existence of fly fishing, describing an angler who used both mosquitoes and artificial flies. In more modern times, the invention of the four-strip split bamboo rod in 1846 and subsequent six-strip refinements between 1875 and 1900 greatly advanced the appeal of fly fishing. The sport continued to evolve through the 20th century, but didn't enjoy widespread popularity until the last decade, thanks in a part to a major motion picture. Today, skilled anglers cast their lines into fast flowing streams and rivers, lakes and oceans. And they've discovered that of all the different forms of fishing, none is as challenging as fly fishing. With a pole that is much lighter and longer than other fishing poles (up to 10 feet or 3 meters), the fly fisherman whips the fly rod back and forth to get the fishing line out into the air. The "fly" at the end of the leader either sinks or floats, tempting the game fish below.

Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser have long sponsored fly fishing tournaments. Now, a Budweiser bottle has made a good catch on a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda model decorated to celebrate the sport of fly fishing. It is marked with a sporting game fish striking on a hook threaded to a soaring fishing line cast from a glistening bottle of Bud. Your Budweiser "Fly Fishing" Barracuda is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

"Plymouth" is a trademark of CHRYSLER CORPORATION, USA and is used under license. © Chrysler Corporation 1999. © Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

(1999)

Scale: 1:43