Pop Fleyes: Bob Popvic's Approach to Saltwater Fly Design (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Bob Popovics (Author) "The files illustrated and discussed in these pages represent ways of thinking about artificials as much as they do ways of tying them..." (more)
Key Phrases: short shank saltwater hook, drying wheel, belly sac, Surf Candy, Super Hair, Krystal Flash (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is the first and only book available on the tier whose techniques with epoxy and silicone revolutionized saltwater fly tying. The family of flies Bob Popovics developed over the last three decades (dubbed "Pop Fleyes," a spelling that incorporates part of his last name with the fact that eyes are a prominent feature in their design) have proven devastatingly effective for stripers, bluefish, false albacore, and many more species. This book goes beyond the basic recipe format to provide the thinking behind Popovics's pattern development, a guide to key tying techniques and detailed notes on how to fish Pop Fleyes most effectively.

From the Publisher

"The most innovative fly tier I have ever known." -Lefty Kreh on Bob Popovics "Bob Popovics has brought more creative ideas to the table in the last two decades than any other tier out there." -Dan Blanton Includes full-color tying sequences for dozens of patterns; covers tying methods and theory of pattern design including copious fishing notes.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; First Edition first Printing edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811712478
• ISBN-13: 978-0811712477
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #394,510 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #14 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hunting & Fishing > Fishing > Fly Fishing > Saltwater
  #54 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hunting & Fishing > Fishing > Fly Fishing > Fly Tying

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pop Fleyes.....Sweet as Candy, April 7, 2001

By	Yuval Ozer (Philadelphia, PA and Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pop Fleyes, January 16, 2001

By	Capt. Gene Quigley (Toms River, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

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!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visit the Cutting Edge of Flytying!, January 15, 2001

By	John Zajano (Wallingford, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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!