For those who find solace in the rhythmic hum of a tattoo machine and the gentle whisper of a flowing river, artist Drew Wilson embodies this unique intersection. He’s not just a tattoo artist; he’s an angler who has seamlessly blended his passion for fishing with his artistry, creating stunning and sought-after “Fishing Tattoos”. If you’ve ever ventured into the #fishtattoo realm on Instagram, chances are you’ve encountered Drew’s captivating work, known online as @drewlr. His tattoos are celebrated for their vibrant colors, bold lines, and distinctive freehand technique, making each piece a truly original work of art.
Drew’s talent, coupled with his genuine and approachable personality, has cultivated a significant following within both the tattoo and angling communities. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, he now spends a considerable amount of time traveling, guest tattooing at various shops and conventions across the country. His travel itineraries are often strategically planned around prime trout waters, highlighting his dedication to both crafts. Despite his love for exploration, Fayetteville remains his cherished home base.
During one of his trips to Salt Lake City, Drew had the opportunity to ink a fingerling brown trout on the forearm of a fellow enthusiast. On a subsequent visit, a meeting was arranged at a local pizza joint, the perfect casual setting for a conversation amidst the aroma of pizza and the backdrop of rock music. The discussion delved into the world of trout art and the enduring allure of trout fishing.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
above “After tattooing in Brooklyn for a couple days I was able to sneak up to the Catskills where my girlfriend and I met up with Kevin to fish for a day. He took us to a little mountain stream that was nothing but waterfalls separated by pools of brook trout. He took this photo of me setting up my Tufts and Batson bamboo 4 weight.” Photo: Kevin Mcllravy
The Fayetteville Connection: Where Art and Angling Intertwine
The Flyfish Journal: What is it about Fayetteville that resonates with you?
Drew Wilson: It’s perfectly situated. I can be at my tattoo shop in six minutes one way, and in six minutes the other direction, I’m in a smallmouth stream with my feet wet. I’ve actually timed it! And it’s a productive stream; I’ve pulled out three-pound smallmouths, and I know there are even bigger ones lurking. That proximity to both my professional and personal passions is invaluable.
Fish Tattoos: A Growing Demand
What proportion of your tattoos are now fish-themed compared to other styles?
When I’m on the road, it’s almost exclusively fish tattoos. That’s what people seek me out for when I travel. Back home in Fayetteville, it’s probably closer to 20-30 percent. But my colleagues might joke that it’s all I ever do, regardless of location!
Beyond Fish: Exploring Artistic Range
Do you specialize in other tattoo styles, or is it mostly custom flash work that clients request?
People often come with Pinterest boards full of ideas. I do a lot of American traditional style tattoos, which aligns with the bold style of my fish designs. Think panthers, wolves, classic imagery like that. We also have walk-in Saturdays where we handle whatever comes through the door. Living in the Ozarks, I tattoo a lot of mountain ranges and arrows – the typical requests you see in this region.
Favorite Species to Tattoo: A Shifting Tide
What’s your favorite fish species to tattoo?
That’s constantly evolving, often influenced by what I’ve been working on recently. For a while, I was really into these bluegill-inspired designs – not anatomically accurate bluegills, but more of a stylized sunfish amalgamation. I was obsessed! Then, after doing a bunch, I’d crave something different.
Rainbow trout are consistently appealing because they translate beautifully into tattoos. They have a strong visual presence, perfect for classic, bold-line tattooing. Brook trout are also fantastic. It’s a tough question to answer definitively. Ask me on any given day, and my answer might change – browns one day, brookies the next!
above Drew Wilson inks a fingerling brown trout on Colin Clancy at Lost Art Tattoo in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake was one stop of many on a multi-week road trip during which Drew tattooed and fished all across the West. Photo: Amy Clancy
Fishing Preferences Mirror Artistic Passions
And your favorite species to fish for?
It’s surprisingly similar – my fishing preferences mirror my tattoo interests! I definitely experience “grass is greener” syndrome. When the striper run is on in Oklahoma, I’m all in, but secretly anticipating hopper season. Then, during hopper season, I start dreaming of winter fishing. And once winter hits, I’m ready for smallmouth again; as soon as smallmouth season arrives, I’m thinking about stripers!
Certain rivers and past fishing experiences create such strong memories that I’m constantly chasing that feeling again. So, pinning down a single favorite is impossible. There are definitely times of the year when I become fixated on catching a specific species. And there’s a particular thrill in targeting fish where they “shouldn’t” be, like a smallmouth in a trout stream – that becomes the ultimate challenge.
From Fishing Rod to Tattoo Machine: A Serendipitous Path
Which came first for you, fishing or art?
Fishing was ingrained in me from childhood. There are home videos of me fishing at just two years old. I’ve been tattooing professionally for 12 years now, so fishing was always a constant. Though, initially, it wasn’t fly fishing. I learned fly fishing at a summer camp in Texas in sixth grade, but didn’t pick up a fly rod again until I was around 24.
My introduction to fly fishing, oddly enough, came through a tattoo experience. I was getting lure tattoos because they were budget-friendly. I met a tattoo artist in Nashville, Mike Fite, who was a self-proclaimed “arrogant fly fisherman.” He actually gave me grief for my bass fishing background and refused to tattoo a lure on me, only a fly. Out of spite, I bought my first fly rod setup from Bass Pro – determined to learn fly fishing and outdo this guy! That somewhat adversarial encounter is how I actually got into fly fishing.
The Late Bloom of an Artist
You’ve mentioned that art came later in life, after tattooing.
Yes, my mom has childhood drawings of mine, but I don’t have strong memories of being artistic as a kid. I vaguely recall drawing some…anatomically correct figures in eighth grade and thinking, “Hey, these aren’t bad!”
But seriously, I didn’t learn to really draw until tattooing. And I’m still learning, constantly evolving my skills. I wouldn’t even say I’ve mastered it yet.
Freehand Confidence: The Sharpie as a Stencil
I think you’re doing exceptionally well! When I came in for my tattoo, I was surprised you freehanded the design with a Sharpie. Is that your standard practice?
It started about six months into focusing on fishing tattoos. I felt I had drawn enough trout to intuitively understand their anatomy and proportions.
Traveling also played a role. You never know what stencil-making equipment will be available at different shops. Sharpies are portable and reliable! Plus, drawing directly on the skin gives the client a different level of engagement. When designs are on paper, clients often start tweaking details prematurely. On skin, they see how it fits their body. I’ll do a light outline with a yellow Sharpie to check size and placement. If they want adjustments, we make them. It’s a collaborative process, giving them control over something permanent.
I’ve only had to wipe off a handful of tattoos in four years due to design changes. I’m fortunate that many clients seek me out specifically for my style and fishing passion, not just because I’m at any tattoo shop. They’re often anglers themselves, wanting a piece from someone who understands their world. Freehanding builds trust and demonstrates that I’m not just tracing a generic trout design from a book, which unfortunately is common in many shops.
above left to right (click to expand) This tattoo was made for Kent Holloway at Wilson’s home shop, Brainstorm Tattoo, in Fayetteville, AR. Photo: Drew Wilson
“This tattoo was drawn directly on the skin with sharpie to completely fill a gap for my client Garrett. It is, to date, the largest one-sitting fish tattoo I have done. That brown wraps up his arm and measures 14 inches from head to tail: an actual life size streamer eater.” Photo: Drew Wilson
“This fish was drawn on and tattooed at the Salt Lake City Tattoo convention earlier this year. Caleb drove up from Creede, CO, for the appointment, if I remember correctly. Conventions are often so busy and fast-paced that all the work begins to blend together.” Photo: Drew Wilson
Trio of fishing tattoo examples
Luck, Skill, and Instagram: The Modern Angler’s Toolkit
It seems like you consistently land impressive fish wherever you go.
I’m flattered that it appears that way! I mostly feel lucky. I was just discussing this with a client earlier today. I truly believe luck plays a significant role, and I’d rather be lucky than skilled any day.
However, I do have a powerful tool for finding good fishing spots: Instagram. I had a 21-hour layover in Miami en route to Brazil. I posted on Instagram, “Anyone in Miami know about fishing? Just want to catch a fish during my layover.” Someone picked me up from my hotel, took me to a flat, and I caught a bonefish – all thanks to a layover Instagram post!
In Xcalak, Mexico, I was browsing Xcalak hashtags and found a photo of a kid with a micro tarpon. I messaged him, asking about the location. He sent a map screenshot with the spot circled, and on my third cast there, I landed a 25-pound tarpon.
Social media is undeniably a fishing tool now. It’s almost absurd how effective it is. It’s not like people are just handing over secret spots, but they are often willing to fish with me and share mid-range locations to test my abilities.
Instagram’s Impact: From Fishing to Tattooing
So, Instagram has influenced your fishing life. How has it impacted your tattooing career?
It’s made both my fishing and tattooing lives significantly easier. There are downsides – I spend too much time on my phone, which I dislike. But I also worry daily that Instagram might crash and suddenly no one will want my tattoos anymore. It’s crucial, yet also somewhat ridiculous that it holds such power.
above While filming a promo video for a local Fayetteville, AR, company called Fayettechill, photographer Aaron G. Copeland captures some of the work on display on Wilson’s own skin. Photo: Aaron G. Copeland
Defining the Drew Wilson Style: Bold, Vivid, and Traditional
Your artwork is instantly recognizable. Amongst countless fish tattoos, yours have a distinct style, and the colors seem to pop more. What sets your work apart, and what are you aiming to capture?
My tattoo foundation is in American traditional style: bolder lines, generally brighter colors, and sufficient black ink for strong contrast. It’s about design strength, not just application technique.
Home Waters: The West Fork of the White River
You’ve partially answered this, but what do you consider your home water?
The West Fork of the White River. It’s a smaller smallmouth creek with surprisingly big fish. In summer, the pools become isolated, creating these distinct pockets. If you find a pool with a big bass, it’s likely to stay there for a while. It’s a great place for targeted bass fishing.
YouTube Ventures: Sharing Angling Knowledge
You’ve started posting on YouTube, but your channel seems separate from tattooing.
Completely separate.
above Couldn’t have said it better. The upper section of the White River, below the dam at beaver lake in Fayetteville, AR. Photo: Aaron G. Copeland
Scenic view of the White River in Fayetteville, AR
What’s your goal with YouTube? What do you hope to achieve?
My aim is to make commonly requested fishing information more accessible. I made a video on early-season smallmouth fishing because every year when I start smallmouth fishing in March (much earlier than most in Arkansas, who wait until late May), people ask: “What are you doing? How are you catching them?” The video lets me share that knowledge visually and easily.
I like the idea of sharing fishing techniques responsibly. Taking someone to a secret spot can ruin it, but sharing technique is different. If everyone learns a technique and it becomes less effective, that just pushes anglers to learn and adapt further.
Unexpected Fishing Adventures: Secret Spots and Tiger Trout
What’s the most unexpectedly cool place you’ve ever fished?
Utah, actually, where we are right now! Last year during the Salt Lake City Tattoo Convention, the fishing was incredible. Some of the most memorable experiences came from internet tips – places where people would say, “You HAVE to fish here, but please don’t tell anyone.”
I caught a 24-inch tiger trout a couple of years ago, in full spawning colors, with a massive kype. It was incredible and unexpected, but I can’t reveal the location. The truly amazing spots are always shrouded in secrecy.
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above left to right (click to expand) “While on an eastern U.S. tattoo tour, I visited Trustworthy Tattoo in Oberlin, OH, and inked this on a guy named Alexander; the design is from a large poster I’d previously painted.” Photo: Drew Wilson
“I more or less generalize all sunfish, panfish and bluegills when tattooing them. I like to take my favorite parts of each and make a super panfish conglomerate. This tattoo was done for Ebin Bland, a return client of mine who has since become a fishing buddy. I have a tendency to walk ahead when fishing with others and he’s never given me a hard time about it, so he’s good by me.” Photo: Drew Wilson
Pair of Drew Wilson's tattoo art examples
Iconic Designs and Artistic Identity
What’s your most iconic tattoo design?
Those mountain scenic trout, where a trout silhouette contains a mountain landscape, have become my most popular. While I appreciate their popularity, I don’t want them to solely define me. In fish tattooing, I prefer traditional styles, fun concepts, and even puns. I’m happy to do the scenic trout, but I’d rather be known as a skilled fisherman who does traditional, fun fish tattoos.
The Paradox of Creation and the Satisfaction of Success
What do you find most satisfying about creating art?
I actually find zero satisfaction in the act of creating itself. It’s incredibly stressful! Every time I finish something, there’s this moment of “Okay, I can release this into the world.” But then I immediately have ideas to expand on it, even though it’s already out there. I recently did a trout in a lava lamp sticker and tattoo, but weeks later realized I should have added midge larvae and called it a “larvae lamp”!
And what about the satisfaction in fishing?
Fishing validation comes when something difficult happens easily. Like that tarpon on the third cast – even knowing I could have improved my hook set or fish handling, and acknowledging the luck involved – there’s satisfaction in making something challenging appear effortless.
I used to think hook sets were satisfying because it meant tricking the fish, and releases were satisfying as a conservation act. Now, satisfaction comes from feeling witty and having that wit pay off.
It’s similar in tattooing. If a design is clever and well-executed, and the client loves it, that’s the reward. But these feelings are always evolving; what satisfies me in fishing or tattooing will likely change next year. And I think that evolution is a good thing.
Conclusion:
Drew Wilson’s journey reveals a fascinating convergence of passions. His dedication to both fishing and tattooing has not only shaped his distinctive artistic style but also connected him with a global community of like-minded individuals. For those seeking unique “fishing tattoos” that capture the spirit of angling with bold artistry, Drew Wilson’s work is a compelling testament to the power of passion and the beauty of inked scales and fins.
