Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Harry Murray discusses all aspects of fly fishing for smallmouth in this important book, from topwater flies, bugs, poppers, and tactics, to new brands of streamer, nymph, and "strymph" fishing that he and others have developed over the years. He explores the bass in its environment - its food and feeding patterns. He also shows how best to read the water; how best to fly fish for smallmouth from boats; better casting techniques for the big flies used; how to tie effective smallmouth patterns; and how to choose the right tackle. With the aid of over 100 helpful illustrations by Dave Whitlock, Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass is a practical and pathbreaking guide to this growing and exciting sport by one of its pioneers. (7 X 9 1/4, 200 pages, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

From the Back Cover

Harry Murray discusses all aspects of fly fishing for smallmouth in this important book, from topwater flies, bugs, poppers, and tactics, to new brands of streamer, nymph, and "strymph" fishing that he and others have developed over the years. He explores the bass in its environment - its food and feeding patterns. He also shows how best to read the water; how best to fly fish for smallmouth from boats; better casting techniques for the big flies used; how to tie effective smallmouth patterns; and how to choose the right tackle. With the aid of over 100 helpful illustrations by Dave Whitlock, Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass is a practical and pathbreaking guide to this growing and exciting sport by one of its pioneers. (7 X 9 1/4, 200 pages, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558215344
• ISBN-13: 978-1558215344
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #563,661 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book for the river smallmouth enthusiast!, January 12, 1999

By A Customer

This is a book which you will refer to time and time again. It is my most often referred to book on fly fishing. Murray presents a fine balance of practical advice with stories of his experiences on the streams of Virginia. He is the authority on the subject.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, needs more on lake and large waters, January 1, 2000

By A Customer

This is probably the most comprehensive discussion of smallmouth bass fishing on the fly. The techniques are very well described and easy to implement. The fly discussion is great, and is what is most often neglected in other books. Most other books seem to concentrate on top water poppers and crayfish imitations. In addition to these, there are other foods that the smallmouth eats and this book provides the flys to emulate them as well as how they should be fished. There are some 'top secret' flies in here that really work.

The book concentrates on stream fishing. I live on a large small mouth fishery - a northern river that is almost a lake. This sort of water was not treated completely and for that I would suggest looking for another book in addition to this one. However, this is the place to start.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass by Harry Murray, March 14, 2002

By	Edward R. Underwood (VA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is an outstanding book on smallmouth bass fishing with a flyrod. The book has a wealth of information on equipment, smallmouth bass food and habitat, and techniques and baits for various stream and lake conditions. The recommendations and recipes for his flies are excellent. They really catch fish.

Having met and spoken with Mr. Murray on several occasions at his fly shop and at various seminars, I can almost hear his voice while reading the descriptions and examples in the book. He hides nothing.

I have owned the book for three or four years and review it regulary when preparing for a trip to the stream or when tying up some smallmouth flies. No smallmouth fishing library should be without it.