The Complete Book of Fly Fishing [Hardcover]

Tom McNally (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

No matter where practiced, when, or by whom, no other form of fishing offers the challenge, frustration, stimulation, intoxication, tranquility - and base rewards - of fly fishing. Author Tom McNally writes: "Fly fishing is the only fishing that completely captures the souls and brains of intelligent people, and imprisons them for their lifetimes. To be consistently successful, the all-round fly angler must be at least an amateur entomologist, ichthyologist, and meteorologist. After learning the rights and wrongs of tackle selection, and mastering the art of flycasting, the fly fisherman must then know about insects and other natural life forms that fish feed upon; he must have a full understanding of fish and their habits; and he needs to know something about weather and how its extremes can affect the aquatic environment". Here is a useful reference on fly fishing. Combining McNally's pithy prose with step-by-step illustrations from noted artist/ angler Tom Beecham, "The Complete Book of Fly Fishing" teaches every aspect of fly casting - from stringing up the rod through mastering the double haul. It shows how to catch every species of gamefish that can be taken on the fly rod, in every type of water - from northern trout streams to southern saltwater flats, from placid bass lakes to the foaming surf.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In the wise words of Dame Juliana Berners, spoken five centuries ago yet just as immediate now, "there is more to fishing than catching fish." So begins The Complete Book of Fly Fishing, a combination primer-encyclopedia that is indeed a fairly complete book--and without sacrificing depth for breadth. Early chapters include the basics, such as history, equipment, and technique. McNally explains the differences between dry flies, nymphs, and wet flies, and how to approach these very different forms of fly-fishing. Insect hatches, stream tactics, and more advanced strategies are also detailed with illustrations and color photographs. Final chapters cover less traditional quarry like bass, pike, and saltwater species. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

``One of the best thought-out basic texts I've seen'' (Fly Rod & Reel ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Tab Books; 2 Rev Sub edition (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877423458
• ISBN-13: 978-0877423454
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,191,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners and intermediate flyfishers., April 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Book of Fly Fishing (Paperback)

The explosive growth of flyfishing is due to many things, not the least of which is the depth and breadth of well-conceived instructional material. There are many more good books available today than in years past, and McNally's book is a case in point.

"The Complete Book of Flyfishing" does many things well. It gives the first time, fledgling flyfisher a basic overview of the equipment, tactics, and methods by which they can become proficient in the sport. There is also a depth and breadth of information in McNally's book that explains well many of flyfishing's harder techniques and methods. All in an easy to read format that leaves the reader wanting more.

Some instructional books effectively transfer information without adequately explaining the reasons why traditions and methods have evolved and are recommended. McNally gives more than just a "how to" treatise. He explains the rationale behind his choice of material, technique and equipment choices.

If a friend asked the best method to learn the basics of flyfishing I'd have no hesitation in recommending "The Complete Book of Flyfishing" by McNally as an outstanding guide.

Intermediate flyfishers will also find many interesting items in the book. McNally's section on knots is a prime example. Many have fished for years without a good working knowledge of the knots needed to fish properly. McNally provides first class illustrations for all the basic and tertiary knots. Sections on leader design and composition are also outstanding. I've never seen a better exposition on leaders anywhere.

If you are looking for a well-written text on all aspects of flyfishing pick up a copy of McNally's book. You will reach for it often.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for the novice fly fisherman......, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Book of Fly Fishing (Paperback)

This is a very good book for the novice fly fisherman.I have read many fly fishing books ,but this one I feel is the best one. Everything is put down in simple form to make it very easy for the beginner to understand.There are many pictures also to show step by step procedures that are explained.The section on leaders I found very helpfull,showing with pictures and words the proper way to make your own tappered leaders.This book helped me learn the right way to tie tappered leaders.choose the right rod and reel and line.and learn how to cast the proper way etc. choosing the right flys to use and learn how to read the water....

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed Southern Fisherman, October 14, 2000

By 

Ron Irick (Orangeburg,, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Fly Fishing (Paperback)

This book is listed as 368 pages. Thankfully there were only 349. I thought I was reading a novel. Each chapter began with a verbose, and usually self backpatting, 4-5 page introduction of the authors personal conquest while fly fishing. It took me so long to read, that I was out of time to return it. I sincerely believe the "meat" of this book could have been communicated in less than 200 pages, and probably less than 100 if color photos(other than the 10 pages in the center of the book that were of no benefit) were used. Actually, few photos of the "how to" were shown,the sketches carried most of the weight. Most of the black-and-white photos were of an already caught fish that bolstered the authors standing with his audience. L.L.Beans books are done and offer more info. Let's cut to the chase so that we can get back on the water. I would not recommend to beginner of advanced fishermen. I think that any book that includes fly tying or pictures of fishing flies commands color photos. How many fishing lures have you ever bought from a black-and-white catalog?