It is with deep sadness that we share that Flip Siragusa passed away this Monday, June 9th, after a courageous bout with leukemia and several associated complications. Flip was president of Acadiana Fly Rodders of Lafayette, LA, and a prolific fly tier who had demonstrated at various events, as well as taught tying workshops through Pack & Paddle and at FFI events. He also served as Fly Tying Director for the FFI Gulf Coast Council up to last year when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Flip began flyfishing and tying flies as a youngster. He would make rudimentary popping bugs with cork bottle tops, chicken feathers, and paint. During his 30 year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he renewed his interest in fly fishing, expanding his tying skills and even began making his own rods. His repertoire of over a hundred fly patterns ranged from dry flies to deer hair bugs to offshore flies, but his favorites were foam bugs and his variation of the Waldner Spoon Fly. He also created the Zatarian Shrimp, the Pont Breaux Crawfish, and several other flies.
Flip was equally delighted with catching bream in local ponds as he was sightcasting to redfish in skinny water. The best part of being around him was hearing his many outdoors stories, both from his personal experience in the field as well as those shared to him by the “old timers”, which told the little known history of Louisiana localities and outdoor traditions.
A memorial service is being planned for later this summer. We ask that you please keep Janese and the rest of the Siragusa family in your prayers.
