The origin of Kaga's artificial fly fishing hook industry dates back to the Edo period, when fishing sweet fish was a privilege for the samurai class. Fishers made their own fishing flies and competed in not only the fishing results but also the beauty of their fishing flies. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the general public was allowed to enjoy fishing, and selling fly fishing hooks became businesses. Artificial fishing flies were used only in Kaga province in those days, but in 1890, when Kaga's artificial fly fishing hooks were displayed at Industrial Expo, they were praised for their beauty by the people all over the nation.
Making a fly requires exquisite and high-leveled techniques, by which elaborate work is given to a tiny fishing hook less than 1 cm long to create a perfect lure mimicking an insect in the water. Lacquering techniques or gold leaf techniques are sometimes used to give resemblance to worms swimming on or in the water. It is an artistic work made by master craftsman’s skills and high aesthetic feelings.