Customer Reviews

The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great book, for beginners to experienced fly tiers. It merges an impressive series of fly recipes with clear step-by-step tying instructions. Furthermore, the horizontal cut on pages is a brilliant idea to have detailed instructions on tying steps while keeping an eye on the recipe whole picture.

I think can be useful to compare this book with the other great book of Leesson and Schollmeyer, namely the "The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference". This last book cover every known tying technique with in-depth explanations and instructions. However, it doesn't link each technique to specific patterns in which it should be used. Therefore, I would suggest it especially to advanced fly tiers. The "Benchside Introduction", on the other hand, provide a more focused set of techniques linked to the patterns in which the techniques are used. Thus, I would recommended this book especially to beginner and medium-advanced fly tiers.

In conclusion, "The Fly Tier's Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying" is one of the best book available on fly tying which do not cannibalize, but rather complement "The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference".

Collectively compiled and authored by fly fishing experts Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying is an impressive collection of fly recipes, tying steps, and techniques. Guiding readers through a compendium packed from cover to cover with professional, in-depth information on the artistic nature of fly fishing, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to color blending, knot tying, hook measurements, fly proportions, threads and materials. A core addition to any dedicated fly fishing reference collection, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying is very strongly recommended as the ultimate illustrated guide for the fly fishing enthusiast from novice to veteran.

I finally got a chance to use this great book last week. I had taken a fly tying class earlier this year and couldn't remember how to tie a couple of flies. The book is well written and gives precise instructions - with pictures - on how to tie each and every fly. The instructions are easy to follow. This is a must have for any person who ties flies!!

After reading reviews of the book and deciding to take the "fly tying plunge," I bought this incredible book (and saved a nice bit by buying via Amazon... thank you Amazon). As a total fly tying "noob," I can attest to the fact that this is the single best source for anyone... and I do mean anyone... interested in jumping into this great time-honored tradition. Not enough can be said about the split page design. There are also a great number of excellent patterns with tips and tricks to make tying them (and personal creations) incredibly simple. The book could only be better if the authors could shrink my finger size or increase my dexterity. Short of that, this is the book to have! My recommendation is to buy the book before you buy any equipment or materials if you're considering this activity. But from what I've seen, it's NEVER too late to buy this book.

Happy Tying!!!

I bought this book for my husband, who had only been tying his own flies for 2 months. He had a book that came with his kit, but he'd already mastered all those and was ready to move on. This book, The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying, was a huge hit with him. It not only works because it deals with many beginner techniques, but also because it has carried him along as his skills have improved. In fact, I don't know that he'll ever need another book, because this one covers all skill ranges. According to him, the pictures are great, very detailed, and he loves that he can lay the book flat (because of the spiral binding), instead of having to put something heavy on the page to hold it down while he works. He said he probably won't ever have to buy another fly! Overall, a great book and I, and he, highly recommend it.

The book is a great place for brginners to start learning and doing. I had not tied a fly for many years - used the book to review tools and techniques - got restarted quickly. The back and forth referencing throughout is a great way to keep you informed and on track.

A unique How To Guide for fly tying. This reference covers many techniques from basic clamping of the hook to advanced techniques such as parachutes and wonder wings. The Patterns illustrated were chosen not to be a complete selection of must have flies but rather as a set to incorporate all of the techniques required to create a fly for any situation. All of the fly patterns, techniques and step by step instructions are photographically depicted in stunning detail. If I had had this book 30 years ago I would be a much more accomplished hobbyist then I am now. The feature that sets this book apart from the pack is the split pages in the body of the book. A well illustrated step by step process for tying an indivifual pattern is on the top half of the page detailed depictions of individual techniqies are on the bottom. So if you are, for example , tying a parachute Adams the pattern is on the top half and as yoou progress through the tie the individual methods are referenced on the bottom so when the pattern calls for a post you can turn to the section depicting the proper way to tie the post without losing the pattern. I have been tying flies since the seventies and I found a great deal to like about this book. I highly reccomend this to any level tyer but especially for beginner to intermediate tyers. A much more useful and user freindly tome than the more complete "Benchside Reference" given the chance to only own one of these two references I would purchase this one.

A great, new innovative way for demonstrating how to tie flies. So well written and laid out that this book can be used by the beginner to the seasoned tier. Clear pictures and techniques to help with tying each fly. The spiral bound book lays flat which makes the step by step methods even easier to follow in tying a wide variety of flies that are presented in this book.

This is a great instructional book. I am new to fly tying and the split format of upper page sections for the recipe, and the lower section for required techniques is very helpful.
The only reason I do not give this five stars is because of the wire-o' binding. It is a little fragile and makes turning the pages difficult, a plastic spiral coil is always easier to work with. The larger size of the book is a plus, for these tired eyes, but a drawback also because it takes up so much room on my bench when open for use.
I would highly recommend this book for newbies such as myself.

It is a very good learning book for the novice fly tier and a good book to review for the advanced tirer. I like how it tells you what page to go to for tying the patterns and the way the pages are separted so you can look at the pattern and go to see how it is done.