The Best Fly Tying Book

spyder · 06-21-04, 02:42 PM

What do you consider the best all round book out there?

The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference by Ted Leeson & Jim Schollmeyer??

Labrador · 06-21-04, 04:39 PM

I have looked at both the "grand-daddy of them all" books and own one. It is Dave Hughes "Trout Flies - The Tier's Reference." I can honestly say I love the book and it was worth every penny. If I had just gotten it first I would have saved lots of money. It has replaced all my other books!

Keith M · 06-21-04, 08:41 PM

Tough call....
I have both books...and although Dave Hughes has written a very good book with much useful information, I would have to say I refer to "The Fly Tiers Benchside Reference" more often.

That being said, one of the things I like about Mr. Hughes book is his "useful variations" notes for each pattern illustrated. Very nice feature. And the way he provides clear and informative step by step photos through the tying process is another excellent feature.

However, are you looking for pattern help or for instruction on the mechanics of working with different materials? Because, the internet has a wealth of patterns and recepies available to those who take the time to look. (http://www.danica.com/flytier/index.html)
But, it can be a little more difficult to find out how to tie say, a beaded thorax or the know various ways of throat hackling, or learning the principals of working with CDC in 10 different ways.

It is clearly a difficult decision. This is why I have both books. But, if I had to choose one. It'd be the Benchside reference for me.

Buy both....you won't be sorry.

------------------

Keith M

The Ole Man · 06-21-04, 09:20 PM

Imo, the best book is a video--not a book. Seeing it done is far more helpful than reading about it. I have the Hughes book. I can say that it is a heavy and weakly constructed book. Matter of fact, the first one I ordered was not properly packed, and the spine broke just from tossing around in the box. Got a replacement, but I believe with even normal use it will quickly come apart. If you want tying instruction, a video is very helpful. If you want just a pattern book---Flies for Trout,by Allen & Stewart is good. Umpqua Feather Merchants fly encylopedia is also good. The "Hooked on Flytying" series of videos are good.

fly on the wall · 06-28-04, 08:03 PM

"Fly Tying" by Helen Shaw

Grizzz · 06-28-04, 11:52 PM

It depends if you are a beginner or not. For a beginner I would suggest three books in the order of the one I like best.

1.) Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple by Skip Morris
2.)Talleur's Basic Fly Tying by **** Talleur
3.)The Art of Fly Tying by John van Vliet

If you are past the beginner stage, the Benchside Reference is the best. Will show you how to do everything that can be done.

Grizzz

bonedog · 06-29-04, 12:13 AM

I second what Grizzly said about the Skip Morris book. I'm new to tying and actually caught fish (trout and bream) on the very first fly I tied after reading his book and watching his video. The video is excellent, imho. I know my flies are not beautiful works of art yet but catching fish is what it's all about.
bd

BLACK KNIGHT · 06-29-04, 08:12 PM

I like the Benchside Reference. It's the only reference a tier should ever need.

Drifter · 06-30-04, 10:11 AM

...and if the publisher offers a choice....get a spiral bound book. It is easier to manage while at the tying table.

Drifter

Hopper · 06-30-04, 10:46 AM

Selective Trout by Swisher and Richards may be worthy of a few votes.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-21-04, 02:42 PM	#1
spyder Native Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: atlanta Posts: 60	What do you consider the best all round book out there? The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference by Ted Leeson & Jim Schollmeyer??

06-21-04, 04:39 PM	#2
Labrador Ex Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 1,040	I have looked at both the "grand-daddy of them all" books and own one. It is Dave Hughes "Trout Flies - The Tier's Reference." I can honestly say I love the book and it was worth every penny. If I had just gotten it first I would have saved lots of money. It has replaced all my other books!

06-21-04, 08:41 PM	#3
Keith M Native Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alpharetta, GA Posts: 770	Tough call.... I have both books...and although Dave Hughes has written a very good book with much useful information, I would have to say I refer to "The Fly Tiers Benchside Reference" more often. That being said, one of the things I like about Mr. Hughes book is his "useful variations" notes for each pattern illustrated. Very nice feature. And the way he provides clear and informative step by step photos through the tying process is another excellent feature. However, are you looking for pattern help or for instruction on the mechanics of working with different materials? Because, the internet has a wealth of patterns and recepies available to those who take the time to look. (http://www.danica.com/flytier/index.html) But, it can be a little more difficult to find out how to tie say, a beaded thorax or the know various ways of throat hackling, or learning the principals of working with CDC in 10 different ways. It is clearly a difficult decision. This is why I have both books. But, if I had to choose one. It'd be the Benchside reference for me. Buy both....you won't be sorry. ------------------ Keith M

06-21-04, 09:20 PM	#4
The Ole Man Chief Financial Officer, Past Director, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 8,030	Imo, the best book is a video--not a book. Seeing it done is far more helpful than reading about it. I have the Hughes book. I can say that it is a heavy and weakly constructed book. Matter of fact, the first one I ordered was not properly packed, and the spine broke just from tossing around in the box. Got a replacement, but I believe with even normal use it will quickly come apart. If you want tying instruction, a video is very helpful. If you want just a pattern book---Flies for Trout,by Allen & Stewart is good. Umpqua Feather Merchants fly encylopedia is also good. The "Hooked on Flytying" series of videos are good.

06-28-04, 08:03 PM	#5
fly on the wall Native Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: lawrenceville, ga Posts: 1,182	"Fly Tying" by Helen Shaw

06-28-04, 11:52 PM	#6
Grizzz Past President, Advisory Board, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Woodstock, Ga Posts: 2,911	It depends if you are a beginner or not. For a beginner I would suggest three books in the order of the one I like best. 1.) Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple by Skip Morris 2.)Talleur's Basic Fly Tying by **** Talleur 3.)The Art of Fly Tying by John van Vliet If you are past the beginner stage, the Benchside Reference is the best. Will show you how to do everything that can be done. Grizzz

06-29-04, 12:13 AM	#7
bonedog Director, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Carnesville, GA Posts: 3,298 Blog Entries: 15	I second what Grizzly said about the Skip Morris book. I'm new to tying and actually caught fish (trout and bream) on the very first fly I tied after reading his book and watching his video. The video is excellent, imho. I know my flies are not beautiful works of art yet but catching fish is what it's all about. bd

06-29-04, 08:12 PM	#8
BLACK KNIGHT Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Greenville, SC, USA Posts: 3,328	I like the Benchside Reference. It's the only reference a tier should ever need.

06-30-04, 10:11 AM	#9
Drifter Former Director, HOF Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Newnan, GA and on the banks of the Tuck Posts: 5,939	...and if the publisher offers a choice....get a spiral bound book. It is easier to manage while at the tying table. Drifter

06-30-04, 10:46 AM	#10
Hopper Native Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Peachtree City, GA Posts: 360	Selective Trout by Swisher and Richards may be worthy of a few votes.