Customer Reviews

L. L. Bean Fly-Fishing Handbook

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

 

 

I picked this book up shortly after my first fly rod & have found it be great for understanding the basics of fly fishing. All of the equipement and tackle assembley is clearly stated & illustrated for the begining fly fisherman. Casting & stategey are covered as well, although I would reccomend picking up a book on casting as well.

After reviewing dozen of books, I decided to purchase and use this as my primary self-teaching tool. Surprisingly, I was able to learn the basics of casting from this book. I did get some instruction but was too eager to wait for that route. Once I showed up for a lesson, I was told my cast was quite impressive for a beginner; that was the result of this book. I also initially had qualms with the what-I-thought were overly complicated knots given as examples for connecting flies, leaders, tippets, etc. However, after losing several flies, leaders, and tippets from using other knots, I have followed the advice in the book with significantly more success. Overall, I would say there is no better introduction to this wonderful and satisfying hobby. After reading it, you can safely walk in to your local fly shop without feeling like an idiot. Highly reccomended.After reviewing dozen of books, I decided to purchase and use this as my primary self-teaching tool. Surprisingly, I was able to learn the basics of casting from this book. I did get some instruction but was too eager to wait for that route. Once I showed up for a lesson, I was told my cast was quite impressive for a beginner; that was the result of this book. I also initially had qualms with the what-I-thought were overly complicated knots given as examples for connecting flies, leaders, tippets, etc. However, after losing several flies, leaders, and tippets from using other knots, I have followed the advice in the book with significantly more success. Overall, I would say there is no better introduction to this wonderful and satisfying hobby. After reading it, you can safely walk in to your local fly shop without feeling like an idiot. Highly recommended.

Whitlock's book is one of the best (the other being Rosenbauer's Orvis book) introductions to the sport of fly fishing. The Whitlock illustrations are always great, and the information is top-notch. You will find out everything you need from fly lines to fly rods to knots to basic flies. Don't be fooled by the "L.L.Bean" title--it nowhere promotes their products. An excellent book overall. As an added note, the L.L. Bean Fly-Fishing Bass Handbook is mostly a rehash of this book.

This is Prime Whitlock - and he is good. If you bought only one "How to git 'er done" flyfishing book, ever, you couldn't go wrong with the L.L. Bean Flyfishing Handbook.

This is a great book for a beginner (like me). I learned to cast using it. It has a great section on how to diagnose a bad cast and fix it. Plus, there is a short section on how to tie a fly.

Rcvd book in good condition, now if it could help me land more trout, I'd be a happy camper.

This book has been in my family for over twenty years now, and it has yet to fail. It has helped my father and I to teach ourselves to fly fish any water, from still ponds to fast rocky streams. It covers how to read the water, how to try the necessary knots, fish explainations, how and where to cast, and even how to make flys. It is quite the guide for any fly fisherman. You may also want to purchase a guide book that focuses on the specific area you are fishing that includes what water has the most catchable fish.

This was my first introduction to fly fishing recommended by a local fly shop. Assembling tackle and tying basic knots is covered in-depth, with lots of great pictures. Casting is also covered pretty well and includes a problem and solution section.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this book. After reading it, I didn't feel like a total idiot when talking to our local fishing guru at the fly shop. I wish the book had more in the way of fishing tactics, like how to actually catch fish.