Tying Small Flies

[darkknight 0]

Title: Tying Small Flies

Price: $34.95

Format: hardcover

Pages: 240 pages

ISBN: 0-8117-0082-8

Photos: 300 color photos

Publisher: Stackpole Books

 

Now, everyone likes to be on their favorite trout water and see a large size 14 or 12 dry fly being slammed by a gorgeous brown trout. Who wouldn’t?

 

But in most situations that is not the case when fishing more heavily fished rivers such as the San Juan River or the South Platte River. This is where this book shines. Mr. Engle’s approach to tying smaller flies to catch more fish solves this problem.

 

“Tying Small Flies” breaks it down for you in describing the hooks, materials and tools that are used, as well as, describing the different types of flies that can be tied to imitate these smaller insects. This book is filled with step by step instructions in tying some of the most popular small flies, with the highest quality pictures depicting each step of the tying process.

 

It may be difficult for you to imagine fishing or even tying flies is sizes 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and yes, even the ultimate in small, size 32. For those that were worried about the infamous size 32, Mr. Engle has set aside a chapter specifically to cover this topic.

 

Mr. Engle’s philosophy is to tie simple flies that are durable and will catch fish. This is made even clearer with his section on tying midges. This book shows how important midge larvae are to any one who fishes the San Juan River. Ed shows some of the more effective patterns of San Juan River guide Gary Willmart. Although, Willmart ideal spooks in his words the “pretty boy” fly tiers, he shows how easy they are to tie using his simple techniques with emphasis on tying thread flies, which work.

 

These and many other classic patterns are covered, as well as, fishing techniques used and the history behind the small flies. All in all, this is a great book for anyone who enjoys tying or learning more about the small flies that these imitations mimic.

 

Overall Rating (1-5 with 1 being "horrible" and 5 being "outstanding"): 4 out of 5

 

Review brought to you by Terry Will March 20, 2007. Terry is a web developer for Neiman Marcus and NOT affiliated with any fly fishing company. When not spending time with his family you will find him usually hip deep fly fishing for Rainbows and Browns in the Lower Mountain Fork River tail waters just outside of Broken Bow, OK.

[arkfisher 0]

I've got this book, just haven't had the chance to read it yet. It looks pretty good though.

[abbra 0]

I have had his book for a while and it has helped me a great deal on tying small flies.It gives you insite on how too look at them and how you are going to tye them more efficiently and quickly.

[LigonierA1 0]

I'd agree, pretty darned good book. The CDC parachute BWO alone was worth the price of admission.

[maddog48 0]

Fishing Small Flies is also well worth the price.

 

 

Mike

[ron P. 0]

 

 

Today's Trinity of Fly Fishers:

 

 

A.K. Best . . . is the father (master fly tyer)

Ed Engle . . . is the son (master angler)

John Gierach . . . is the spirit (master story teller)

 

 

Engle's articles are a regular in Fly Fishing & Tying Journal. He is very good at penning useful wisdom in a readable way. I would say his fly fishing skills hold a slight edge over his fly tying abilities, but when you practice the sport at his level, what's one or two percentage points!?!