Customer Reviews

Twenty Salmon Flies: Tying Techniques for Mastering the Classic Patterns from the Simplest to the Most Complex [With DVD]

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Mike Radencich has previously authored two of the best instructional books on Salmon fly tying out there. This one tops both of those, and builds on both as well. This book, as Mike clearly states, is for the beginning salmon tier, not a beginning fly tier. You need to have solid skills in place before even thinking about this book. Having said that, it offers a clear and logical progression through virtually every technique you could need to produce these wonderful flies. I write this as a salmon tying addict, so consider yourself warned. It is fair to note that Mike does some unconventional things, as his style is to create very small heads on his flies, which many would argue is not traditional or necessary. As a result, he, for example, ties on his wing and then the throat hackle on a number of flies, which is not the usual. Mike is a wonderful humble guy and clearly states that his is just one way, not the only way of doing things. You won't become a complete salmon fly tier with this book, but you'll get mighty close. I can't recommend this book and companion DVD highly enough.

FYI--although the Amazon listing has this book as a "paperback", the book is a HARD COVER edition. The companion DVD is in a paper sleeve attached to the inside back cover. Anyone familiar with Michael Radencich's other fly tying books and photography will find this new book to be another absolute classic in the annals of salmon fly tying literature.

I'm looking forward to really getting into this volume and the DVD (adding the DVD was another brilliant move to help fly tiers to become more proficient sooner). The fly tying community, and the salmon fly tying community in particular, owe Michael Radencich a huge debt of gratitude for his first-rate contributions to the art and discipline.

The book is packed with detailed pictures and descriptions on how to tie some (twenty to be exact) salmon flies. The DVD only contains instructional videos on how to do certain techniques and does not cover the entire creation of a single fly, kind of a bummer, but it will help you get through some of the tricky techniques that pictures and words just wont do.

To be honest and upfront before I begin this review (I am actually that sort of guy...to a fault sometimes), I will tell you truthfully that we have very few, if any, salmon here in the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks nor are they overly plentiful throughout the S.E. United States were I trout fish. I have never fished for salmon (unless you want to count the freshwater kokanee found in Idaho), and to be further honest, I trolled deep water for those...this was years ago. Furthermore, in all likelihood, at my age, I will never fish for salmon. I have troubles enough with trout.

So why am and did I read a book on tying flies specifically for salmon? Well, because I like tying flies, reading about tying flies and looking at fishing flies. For me flies; flies meant for any species of fish, are works of art. They are aesthetically pleasing to my eye and they are a challenge to create. Any time I get a chance to try something new; to learn something different - new techniques, color combinations, patterns and material, I sort of jump right in and give it a shot. I give many of my flies away to people who actually do use them (freshwater and salt) and they assure me they work quite well - although I must admit that I suspect they may be lying to me out of kindness; not wanting to hurt my feelings and all that.

That is my reasons for reading this particular work.

After giving this book a close look and actually trying some of the patterns I can say for sure that this is not a book for beginners; for those who are learning basic (and indeed, advanced) techniques. No, a person who plans to create one of the wonderful flies featured in this book needs to have been around the block a few times. That does not mean though that a beginner or intermediate should shun or not treat themselves to this work...no, no, no! Quite often the view of what is possible is far more helpful than a review of what is already done. At the very least, this work is downright inspirational!

The author has shared with us some techniques that I simply was not aware of; techniques that I can easily apply to my lowly trout flies. Even though materials that I would not normally use are featured here, they have opened my eyes somewhat to what is possible and I have had a lot of fun venturing into strange lands here. If nothing else, this work has certainly gotten me out of a rut.

The photography here is outstanding and the step-by-steps are easy to follow when taken in tandem with the exact text the author has provided. The DVD provided is good but again, the beginner may find that need a bit more than offered as it gives examples of particular complex (and I might add; difficult) techniques and does not provide a step-by-step instructional guide from beginning to end on any given fly. It is good though and I must admit that I learned much from it.

This is an excellent book and I learned from it and was dazzled by the beautiful end products. Will I now go into a frenzy of tying salmon flies? No, I fear not. If you have not done so already, check out the cost of materials. I promise you that you will go into sticker shock. I am facing near financial ruin simply trying to keep up with my trout flies on a regular basis.

I cannot praise this book enough. Give it a read...you are in for quite a treat.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Book of incredible quality, data and tying tips very good, with a bound level that progressively increases explicit and well! Never thought to find a book of this quality in every aspect!! I congratulate the author for this great work!! excellent