Customer Reviews

ABC's of Fly Tying

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I teach how to design instructional materials at a university so when it comes to learning something new myself, I tend to be pretty critical. As a starter book for beginning fly tiers, this book does a pretty good job. This book has a number of strengths.

First its illustrations are in color. You wouldn't think that would make a difference but for those beginning to tie flies, color is a pretty strong cue to whether or not you're using the right materials. I would have preferred good photographs to the illustrations the author uses, but the illustrations get the job done.

There are also frequent cues in the text that link the author's descriptions to the illustrations. There isn't a lot of space in a book (more a booklet) this size for using white space to separate steps so this is a reasonable way to conserve space while retaining clarity.

Roughly the first half of the book is devoted to learning basics about hook and fly types, hook sizes, and basic tying techniques that you'll use later. Instructionally, this is sound and it's presented in a way that allows you to skip over them if you find them unnecessary. I found that it had one of the instructions on using a Matarelli whip finisher of any of the several fly tying books I purchased.

Finally, the book is narrow and uses a spiral binder. This means that it sits comfortably beside your tying materials without taking up valuable desk space.

If you're looking to get into tying and don't have much time or the availability of an instructor, this introduction is a reasonable choice - it will get you started without overwhelming you. Though honestly, I preferred Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple by Skip Morris, or Fly Tying for Beginners by Peter Gathercole.

I have never tied flies before and just started fly fishing a year ago. This book provides detailed instructions and illustrations on how to tie a variety of flies. Even if you have never done this before. The book covers materials, various patterns, knots, and more. The illustrations are large, colorful, and easy to understand. A very good book for a beginner.