7 minute read
Charles Hicks on Fly Fishing and Illustration
Art and fly fishing may seem like two distinct passions, but for Charles Hicks, they intertwine seamlessly. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Charles balances a full-time career in medical sales with his love for both fly fishing and art. His detailed, marine-inspired illustrations have captivated fellow anglers and art enthusiasts alike, gaining recognition in the world of fishing-inspired artwork. In this interview, he shares how his passion for fish fuels his creativity, how fly fishing and art complement each other, and what’s next for him in both fields.
By THE EDITORIAL STAFF
Can you tell us a little about your background, how you got into art, and how your fly fishing journey began?
My name is Charles Hicks, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia, where I work fulltime as a medical sales representative. In my free time, I’m an artist and a fly fishing connoisseur. I was born and raised in a fishing family, but the world of fly fishing was foreign to me until I was a teenager. My older brother, James, got me interested in the sport after taking a few trips out west to Yellowstone National Park. After catching my first trout on a dry fly, I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to fish in some amazing locations and chase after extraordinary fishing grew, so did my passion for illustrating sought-after sport fish.
On the art side, I’ve always been an artist at heart. Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve loved creating. I come from a long line of artists, and I’m proud to carry on that tradition in my family. Throughout my years in high school and college, no subject brought me more joy than drawing marine life. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and fish, and as my passion for fly fishing grew, so did my passion for illustrating sought-after sport fish.
Who or what inspires you to create artwork?
The biggest inspiration for my art has been and always will be my passion for fish. I’ve been fascinated with marine life ever since I was a kid, and the ability to create art that others enjoy fuels my passion even further. I also draw inspiration from some incredible marine artists I’ve followed for years, including Paul Puckett, Yusniel Santos, Jorge Martinez, and Derek DeYoung.
What compelled you to paint fish and fly-fishing motifs?
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but as life got busier in college, art took a back seat. It wasn’t until my brother and I took a trip out west to Missoula, Montana, that I was re-inspired to start posting my artwork again. For some reason, the fish we caught on that trip reignited my creativity. I initially focused on trout-specific works but have since shifted more towards saltwater species.
To be completely honest, I never expected my art to take off the way it has. The responses and messages I get after posting each new piece motivate me to keep creating. I love having the ability to make works that fellow fly anglers appreciate.
What is it about fly fishing that intrigues you?
Fly fishing intrigues me because it presents both a challenge and a reward. It’s the most natural way to target any fish species but also the most difficult.
Throwing feathers and string at a fish is hard enough—convincing it to commit and eat them sounds like lunacy, but it works.
Ultimately, nothing compares to the feeling of landing that fish you’ve been chasing for weeks, months, or even years. The thrill of catching a trophy fish on conventional tackle is great, but achieving it with a fly rod is truly remarkable.
How do you split your time between fly fishing and painting?
Currently, fly fishing and art revolve around my full-time job. I find time to draw after work, and my weekends are when I get out on the water. Living in Atlanta has its benefits, but fly fishing opportunities are somewhat limited. Fortunately, we have great fisheries nearby, like the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, though optimal fishing windows depend on the season.
As an artist, I think it’s important to balance fishing and creating. Time spent on the water fuels my creativity and passion for drawing.
If you could choose freely, would you fly fish more or create more artwork?
In an ideal world, I’d love to chase fish all day, every day, but unfortunately, that isn’t feasible right now. Once I’m older and working less, I hope to have a healthy blend of fishing and creating. As I’ve mentioned, experiences on the water are what drive me to create.
Do fly fishing and making artwork complement each other—and if so, how?
Absolutely. My art career didn’t take off until I truly embraced fly fishing. That short trip to Missoula, Montana, during my junior year of college inspired me to start creating and sharing my work.
Since then, I’ve refined both my fly-fishing and artistic skills in parallel.
Has fly fishing helped you become a better artist—or vice versa?
Without a doubt. My passion for fly fishing has pushed me to improve as an artist, and my art has deepened my appreciation for fly fishing. Both require immense attention to detail, patience, and creativity.
Like anything in life, practice makes perfect. If you compare my current work to my earlier pieces, you’ll see major improvements in composition, detail, and color choice—the same goes for my fly fishing skills.
What are your aspirations as a fly fisher?
Like most anglers, I aspire to travel the world and catch incredible fish. I also want to incorporate art into the experience. Fly fishing offers so much—it takes you to exotic places, introduces you to different cultures, and connects you with amazing people. By the time I’m old, I hope I can say I’ve done all that.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up, either in fishing or art?
Art has been a bit slow in 2025 due to work, but I have a few projects in the works. One is a new BiC pen piece featuring a species I haven’t tackled before—it’s been more challenging than I expected, but it’s coming along. I also have a few new toned-paper pieces in progress, though I can’t share details just yet.
On the fishing side, right now is prime time in North Georgia for catching striped bass on the fly. The season has thrown some crazy weather at us, making fishing tough, but I’m hoping for some good catches as the weather warms.
Any advice for fellow fly fishermen who aspire to create fish art?
For anyone interested in blending fly fishing with art, my advice is simple: have fun with it and draw what you love.
Push your boundaries and experiment with different mediums until you find one that speaks to you. My main tools are pen and colored pencils, but I enjoy trying others for a fresh perspective.
Patience is also key. Just like fly fishing, art can be frustrating, but with trial and error, anyone can improve. If anyone has specific questions about creating art, feel free to send me a direct message!
