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The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing: 101 Tips for the Absolute Beginner (Orvis Guides)
Tip 1: Determine Your Skill Level
When selecting a fly fishing book, it is essential to consider your skill level. Fly fishing books come in different levels of complexity and detail, so it is vital to choose one that matches your experience. If you’re a beginner, choose a book with straightforward explanations, clear instructions, and helpful images to guide you through the basics. For more seasoned fly fishers, look for books that cater to advanced techniques, such as casting in different weather conditions, tying advanced knots, and identifying different species of fish.Recommended Books for Beginners:
- The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide by Tom Rosenbauer
- Fly-Fishing for Dummies by Peter Kaminsky
- The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers
Recommended Books for Intermediate/Advanced Fly Fishers:
- Trout Lessons: Freewheeling Tactics and Alternative Techniques for the Difficult Days by Ed Engle
- Matching Major Eastern Hatches: New Patterns for Selective Trout by Henry Ramsay
- The Bug Book: A Fly Fisher's Guide to Trout Stream Insects by Paul Weamer
Tip 2: Look for Books on Specific Locations or Species
Fly fishing can be highly location-specific, depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the region or body of water you are fishing in. Therefore, it can be beneficial to look for books that focus on certain locations or species. For example, if you plan to fly fish in Montana, look for books on fly fishing in Montana. Similarly, if you’re targeting a certain species, such as Trout, Bass or Salmon, choose books with specific tips and techniques to catch that fish.Recommended Books for Specific Locations:
- Montana Trout Flies: A Guide to the Best Flies for Montana's Legendary Trout Waters by George Grant
- Fly Fishing Central & Southeastern Oregon by Harry Teel
- Flyfisher's Guide to Alaska by Scott Haugen
Recommended Books for Specific Species:
- Advanced Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead by Rick Kustich
- Strip-Set: Fly-Fishing Techniques, Tactics, & Patterns for Streamers by George Daniel
- Bass Bug Fishing by Jim Freeman
Tip 3: Check Book Reviews
One of the best ways to determine if a fly fishing book is worth buying is to read reviews from other anglers. Reading reviews can help you gain insights into the book's content, style, and usefulness in the real world. You can check book reviews on popular book websites like Amazon or Goodreads. You can also look for reviews on fly fishing forums or social media groups dedicated to fly fishing.Tip 4: Consider the Author's Credentials
Fly fishing books are not created equal in terms of authority and credibility. It is essential to check the author’s background and credentials when selecting a book. If the author is an experienced angler or fishing guide, then it is more likely that the book will contain helpful and practical advice. You can find information on the author's background on the book jacket or by doing an online search.Authors with strong credentials:
- Lefty Kreh (Fly Fishing visionary and Author of Beginner's Guide to Fly Fishing)
- Charles R. Meck (Accomplished Fly Tier and Author of over 13 Fly Fishing Books)
- Mel Krieger (International fly fishing instructor and author of the Flying Fishing Encyclopedia)
Tip 5: Choose Books with Helpful Illustrations and Images
Fly fishing can be complicated, with many different techniques, knots, and equipment involved. Choosing a book with helpful illustrations and images can make all the difference in understanding and executing the techniques correctly. Look for books with clear and detailed diagrams, charts, and images that illustrate key concepts and techniques.Recommended Books with Useful Images:
- The Art of Fly Fishing by John Van Vliet
- The Complete Book of Fly Fishing by Tom McNally
- The Fly-Fisher's Entomology by Alfred Ronalds
Tip 6: Consider the Book's Focus: Techniques vs. Stories
Some fly fishing books focus solely on techniques and how-tos, while others incorporate stories and personal narratives from the author's experiences. It is essential to consider the book's focus before making a selection. If you're looking for a book to help you improve your fly-fishing abilities, choose a book that focuses primarily on techniques and practical tips. If you want to be entertained while learning, choose a book that blends personal narratives with instructional content.Recommended Books Focused on Techniques:
- Modern Fly Fishing by Jim Green
- Essential Trout Flies by Dave Hughes
- The Fly-Fisher's Craft: The Art and History by Darrel Martin
Recommended Books with Personal Narratives:
- A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean
- The Longest Silence: A Life in Fishing by Thomas McGuane
- Talking on the Water: Conversations about Nature and Creativity by Jonathan White