Customer Reviews

Fly Fishing for Beginners (The Freshwater Angler)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a person who had never picked up a fly rod in his life, I purchased this book with the hopes that it covered fly fishing at a basic enough level that my appetite would be whetted to learn the sport. I was not disapointed - the book starts at the beginning with the selection of basic equipment, (rods, reels, gear), and progresses logically through fly casting techniques, reading the water, and selection of flies for different types of fish. There is generous use of color photos and diagrams and the chapters are well written and easy to follow. My one criticism is that the section on the selection of clothing, waders, and accessories seems to go a little overboard,(do I really need to go out and purchase a vest with 25 different storage pockets and a floating sleeve to store my flies in?), but that is tempered with the knowledge that as one's skill and passion for the sport evolves, the equipment that will enhance that experience is out there.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a curiosity about fly fishing, and the committment to put what the book teaches into practice.

I'm finally retiring back to the NW after many years. My brother, an expert fly fisherman by any criteria (fishes every trophy stream in the U.S. -- his bad day is < 25 fish 16" - 20" or none over 20+ inches w/ pictures to prove it), has talked me into fly fishing after 40 years. My professional pilot discipline drives me to a manual to get all basics and techniques deeply ingrained before taking stick or fly rod in hand. I looked at every book on AMAZON before buying this one and a couple others. I immediately fell in love with this book and have been through it several times. I was impressed with Chris Hansen's mastery of the subject and his ability to communicate its full range from thinking about fly fishing to cleaning your gear after an outing. I asked my brother (other fisherman literally stop fishing to watch him catch fish) to critique it to see if I'd been fooled. He thought the content was as well written and comprehensive as I did. He said it was all anyone needed to become a happy, successful fly fisherman (assuming they fish where the fish are!) to the intermediate level. We both considered the illustrations and pictures superb. It's perfect for me . . . I suspect for you too. Thanks to this book, I'm doing well on my local park lake and looking forward to my first real fishing in Montana next year. I'm ready with the right gear and basics learned. I'm confident and highly motivated . . . now show me the fish. I extend my special thanks to Chris Hansen. Buy this book and you won't be disappointed.

I purchased this book right after I started fly fishing, and found it to be a gentle yet surprisingly complete "starter pack" for somebody wanting an introduction to the sport. Basics of almost all aspects of the sport are covered, along with important terminology and concepts. I would *highly* recommend this to a person considering getting involved with this wonderful and relaxing pastime.

I coordinate outdoor workshops for women, and I'm always looking for guides, books, and supplements for our participants. I found this book about a year ago, and my Fly Fishing Instructors just love it! It's a good reference for those who have seen or practiced casting techniques and they want to refresh their memory.

I agree with earlier reviews in most particulars, but it should be added that the book - published in 2003 - is a bit dated, a slight matter which relates to some equipment suggestions. For better or worse, close to a quarter of the book is related to catching fish other than trout and salmon - on flies. Still, for raw beginners, reading this book is a very good way to start.

I checked this book out of our public library and now I am buying it. The photography is sharp and clear worthy of a coffee table book. The information is complete without being to wordy. This book is a great start to fly fishing and I know my copy will be well used as I glean the information from it over and over again.

I started fly fishing way too late in life (50) and now wish I had another whole life to live in order to enjoy this wonderful sport! When I began, I looked for books that would give me 1)great explanations of and information (including specific recommendations)for all of the gear 2) Clear, easy to understand instructions on rigging, casting, and strategies for catching all kinds of fish 3)lots of colored pictures. Of the 5 or 6 books I bought initially, Fly Fishers For Beginners is by far the best one in all three categories! The author writes as if you are having a cup of coffee with him. He seems to have an uncanny ability of anticipating the questions beginning fly fishers will ask and addresses each of them clearly and completely. Though I have owned the book for a few years, I continue to pull it off the shelf to review some of its excellent content. I will say that some of the information is a bit dated, but I still recommend this book very highly!

Great book for beginners or someone considering taking up fly fishing. Several helpful illustrations, and the basics are presented clearily and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book and Curtis Creek Manifesto:fully illustrated guide...
Both are excellent beginning fly fishing books.

I own a huge library of Books on Fly Fishing and am in the industry. Each year I teach as many willing souls to flyfish as I can. This book is the best beginning fly fishing book on the market!!! It has wonderful instructions, diagrams, and pictures to make the teaching complete. If you buy one book to get started, this is it!

This is a great introduction to fly fishing. For a newcomer, the equipment and accessories can be overwhelming. Now, I feel like a can make smarter purchases and not end up with junk. I also now know the terminology so when I go on a guieded trip or even browsing in the store, I don't feel complete stupid.