Customer Reviews

Pop Fleyes: Bob Popovics's Approach to Saltwater Fly Design

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I own many books on saltwater fly tying, and very few approach the level of detail that's included here. To begin, Bob Popovics is not your average fisherman. I've met him a couple of times on the beach (Island Beach State Park.....not that he would remember me), and seen him in action on a multitude of occasions. He appoaches fishing with a delicate perspective, maintaining the utmost care and respect for the ocean, and the game fish that he catches. The very opposite of the many "hoo haa" fishermen that insist on KICKING fish back into the water, or otherwise mistreating and disrespecting our precious coastal resources (please get a life). He is, if you will, a gentleman fisherman. The strength of this book comes from his detailed understanding of baitfish naturals, truly innovative tying techniques, and the resulting fly patterns that are proven, and promise not to disappoint (based on my own experience). From a tying perspective, each of the patterns contained is broken down into individual tying steps, each with its own (CLEAR)color photograph and clear written instructions. I consider myself an advanced fly tier, and yet there are techniques presented that made me think "wow...how did he ever come up with that?", nevertheless, the presentation is such that even a novice can pick up this book and understand exactly how things are done (albeit reproducing the flies a little sloppily if the novice has yet to develop a feel for techniques, tools, and materials). Information is also presented on how Bob's fly patterns evolved, giving readers a good idea about the ideology behind the files. The resulting imitations display detailed carachteristics of the naturals. The Surf Candy series of flies being my favorites, followed by silicones and the amazing shrimp pattern included. The authors have also presented tips and tricks to use with respect to tying materials that are equally useful. Although the book is oriented towards fly tying, the authors have chosen to include tips on fly fishing in general and how to fish specific types of flies presented in the book. These tips are not comprehensive, however, they are essential skills to bring to the salt with you. They will make for much more enjoyable fishing, as well as a better understanding of how flies behave underwater. A useful addition to the book in the future may be to include information on where materials can typically be sourced (you can't find everything everywhere), or perhaps information about the manufacturers who may then be able to steer someone in the right direction. I would also be interested in reading up on any of Bob's perspectives on the use of color vs. fishing conditions / applications, as well as hook selection. I would recommend this book to anyone who is involved with saltwater fly fishing, novice or advanced. Certainly, it has become one of the most useful books in my collection. Thanks to Bob and Ed.

Pop Fleyes is the best book that I have seen on saltwater fly tying and fly-fishing. Bob's flies are the most innovative works in the industry today. No other book goes into such hands on descriptive details about tying saltwater flies and utilizing them on the water. As a fly-fishing guide and Capt. I have used Bob's fleyes and techniques for years and they work tremendously well. No other person understands baits, flies, and their characteristics in the water like Bob. Pop Fleyes is a must own for all Flyfishers!

Bob and Ed, two friends at the top of the flyfishing world, have combined their talents to produce this fine work dealing with Bob's fleyes. From the earliest ones, how they originated and were improved on, to the most current patterns and methods, it is all covered very thoroughly here. This is not just another pattern book, but contains many tips dealing with flyfishing, the baits these fleyes imitate, and much more. If you fish the salt, there is a lot here to help you understand your sport better. Bob's innovative ideas and Ed's flawless photography make this a book you CAN'T leave. You will come back to it time and time again. The bar has been raised for books of this type!

This book presents Bob's many innovations clearly with excellent photos to help readers follow directions. Many of the flies shown accurately represent a particular baitfish, shrimp, squid, etc. known to catch a varity of fish in saltwater. Both Ed and Bob are well known around the saltwater fly fishing circuit,- each extremely active in their field. Readers of this book are treated to the expertise of both, presented in a simple ,concise way that enhances tying skills. Complete information on tying materials, techniques, and tools complete the picture. This book is a definite plus for any serious tier.

This is a down to earth , excellently illustrated , well written and innovative book. Bob quickly becomes your friend and mentor , guiding the reader through each tying stage without prior assumption .Personally , and I,m sure for most readers , this book sets trains of thought in motion . What more could a fly tier want ?

I absolutely love this book - Bob's theories have forever changed the way I design and tie my flies. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and he is so willing to share his techniques. Pop Fleyes is an extension of his soul. A must have.

no author of a saltwater flyfishing book has presented the art of fly tying the way bob has in this book. It is an absolute must read for all saltwater flyfishermen and any fishermen who wants to see the unique appoaches to imitating the bait fish.

THis book is everything I hoped for. Has good information, wonderful pictures. I know that I will reference it over & over.

Anyone who fishes with a fly in salt or fresh water should consider this superb collaboration as fundamental reading. Seriously, I believe this book will together with G.E.M Skues's works, LaBranche and Pete Hidy's collaboration with Leisenring, will be referred to over the next century as fundamental revolutionary and rare works.

Again the applicability of the theories expressed extend well past the tidal zone up through rivers and trout streams to glacial lakes. The commentary on the evolution and stagnation of fly design in the first chapter alone are priceless, to those who seek to seek to imagine the timeless struggles of life below the surface.

With the vast and somewhat ridiculous glut of fly fishing books currently available, finding an honest, clearly understandable and sage guide may seem more difficult than landing one of Skue's day's of 5 brace of 3+lb wild brown trout. But beyond the finer works of Sy Nemes, Gary Borger and David Hughes, this work synthesizes a wealth of new tying techniques with cogent natural observation and clear theoretical principles. That is why it is one for the ages, and will forever remain next to Minor Tactics of the Chalkstream, The Art of Tying the Wet Fly on my tying desk.

Marvellous piece of art, to get really hooked on fly tying saltwaterflies. Also for Dutch and Korean people!! Jolly good...