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mhackney

"Synthetic Flies" republishing opportunity

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Hello all! Over the years I've become friends with John Betts and have published two of his original works; Reels & Making Them and Remarques. Many of you may know John was Fly Rod & Reel's Angler of the Year in 2006 for his life-long innovations and contributions to our sport. John is credited with the introduction of synthetics in fly tying in the early 1970s (in fact, his tailing material, Microfibetts is still popular today and was named by him). In 1980, John wrote and self-published Synthetic Flies which is credited by many to have opened fly tyer's eyes to the use of synthetics and included innovative materials, tying techniques, and coloration. The book was completely hand written and illustrated (beautifully!) but a small number of copies were produced. Those copies sell for hundreds (and in one case $2500) today! You may not know that he wrote a lesser known and just as interesting book Flies with an Edited Hackle in 1981. There were also several smaller editions of Catch the Hatch (with hand-painted mayflies, 1984); and Catch the Hatch (second edition, 2000).

 

I'd been looking for copies of these books for years and mentioned that to John. He graciously gave me copies. After reading and re-reading them (many times!) I was simply amazed at his innovative use of materials, tying techniques and coloring and the artistry of his writing and illustrations. Even though John wrote a few articles on his flys and tying in magazines, many fly fishers and tyers have not had the pleasure of seeing his work and techniques. I've convinced John to allow me to re-publish these books as a single volume made up of each of the individual books exactly as they were originally written and illustrated. We are nearing completion and preparing for printing and I wanted to gauge interest in Synthetic Flies, Flies with an Edited Hackle and Catch the Hatch by John Betts to help guide the process. I would also really enjoy hearing from anyone who has read these books, knows John or has fished with his flies.

 

Best regards,

Michael

The Eclectic Angler

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Just wanted to give an update. The book is complete and at the printer for proofing. The process from here is I either approve or reject the proof and re-proof. Once the proof is complete, the books are put into the print queue and I'm provided a delivery date. Based on several year's experience with my printer, they are very fast and accurate on their dates. I usually get the proof right the first time! So, it looks like the book could be ready as early as mid October.

 

regards,

Michael

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Very cool! I met John Betts briefly at a fly tackle dealer show in 1989. I'm still not all that into using synthetics, have always preferred natural materials, but getting more involved with them now, as his work has had some influence on my tying. I don't tie a lot of trout flies, but do use a bit of antron & other synthetics in flies that I would not have used otherwise.

 

Don't know if I would buy the books, but will be interested in giving them a look! :)

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Thanks tidewaterfly.

 

The 2nd book in the compilation - Flies with an "Edited Hackle" is less about synthetics and more about using hair and other natural fibers to replace the traditional dry fly hackle. These flies float fantastically, always land right side up and are fast and easy to tie (and look great). With the recent jump in hackle price and difficulty in finding it - due to the fashion industry - dry fly tiers might be interested in these alternatives!

 

cheers,

Michael

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I just got the proof for John Betts' Synthetic Flies, Flies with an 'Edited Hackle" and Catch the Hatch today. It looks spectacular! We are proceeding with the printing of 100 Limited Edition hard covers each with remarque hand-drawn, signed and dated by John and a Perfect bound softcover edition. I'll post more information about pre-ordering when I have a publication date (expected to be 3rd week of October). Meanwhile, here are a few example pages:

 

Synthetic Files Table of Contents

p1156422504.jpg

 

The Ant

p1156422516.jpg

 

Flies with an "Edited Hackle" original cover

p1156422528.jpg

 

Excerpt page from Catch the Hatch

p1156422544.jpg

 

Reprint of the fold-out from Catch the Hatch

p1156422560.jpg

 

 

We are also working on a couple of special "surprises" to accompany the launch for this book.

 

Cheers,

Michael

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sf_250h.png

Synthetic Flies, Flies with an 'Edited Hackle' and Catch the Hatch is now available for pre-order! This book is a compilation of three works John Betts published in the early 80s and 2000. The originals are rare gems and we hope this book will re-introduce John's use of synthetic materials, fly design, and tying techniques to new generations of fly tiers and anglers. Flies with an 'Edited Hackle' is especially interesting. John predicted the possibility of a global hackle shortage in the late 1970s! Little did he know that it would be driven by the fashion industry. This book introduces an alternative to traditional hackle using natural or synthetic fibers. The design has other significant benefits too - very easy to tie, the fly always lands right-side up, and, arguably, presents a more realistic insect profile to the trout.

 

The softcover edition will be available the last week of October. The Limited Edition of 100 numbered hardcover books will include a signed and dated remarque and will be available in mid to late November.

 

All pre-ordered books will include one of John's original full-color 3" x 4 1/2" waterproof Pocket Guides for Mayfly identification (these will also be offered separately).

 

BOOK OVERVIEW

118 pages • handwritten and illustrated • 11" x 8.5" • printed in the USA

 

LIMITED EDITION DETAILS

Limited Edition of 100 books • mocha vellum cover with gold embossing • each book features a unique remarque and is individually signed, dated and numbered

 

SOFTCOVER DETAILS

Identical to the Limited Edition but with an attractive softcover binding.

 

Here is a short description of the included books:

 

Synthetic Flies (1980) explores the use of synthetic materials and introduces innovative materials along with tying and coloration techniques.

 

Flies with an 'Edited Hackle' (1982) examines alternative materials and techniques to traditionally hackled dry flies.

 

Catch the Hatch (second edition, 2000) was published as a stream-side guide to mayfly duns. Although reprinted here in gray scale, fly tiers will find the descriptions, sizes and coloration an invaluable aid to tying imitations.

 

Visit www.ReelLinesPress.com to pre-order or get more information. Published by Reel Lines Press in association with The Whitefish Press.

 

Regards,

Michael

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