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In the wise words of Dame Juliana Berners, spoken five centuries ago yet just as immediate now, "there is more to fishing than catching fish." So begins The Complete Book of Fly Fishing, a combination primer-encyclopedia that is indeed a fairly complete book--and without sacrificing depth for breadth. Early chapters include the basics, such as history, equipment, and technique. McNally explains the differences between dry flies, nymphs, and wet flies, and how to approach these very different forms of fly-fishing. Insect hatches, stream tactics, and more advanced strategies are also detailed with illustrations and color photographs. Final chapters cover less traditional quarry like bass, pike, and saltwater species.
Book Description
There's an old saying among fly fishers that equipment isn't the only thing, it's everything. But the best equipment in the world will catch few fish if you don't know how to use it. Experienced anglers with dimestore equipment can outfish the superbly equipped tyro every time--because they know how it's done.
With nearly fifty years of fly fishing to look back on, Tom McNally knows how it's done, from angling for tiny brook trout in mountain streams to fly casting for giant marlin in the open ocean--and everything in between. This book is the culmination of a long and respected career as one of the world's best-known outdoor writers--the collected knowledge of almost half a century of fly fishing condensed to fit between two covers. Here, in plain language, is a complete book of fly fishing from a complete fly fisherman.
Customer Reviews:
Complete is right!.......2001-09-05
just a quick word about this wonderful book: within two months of reading it, and having never fly-fished a day in my life, i took 23 creel-size trout in two days from Helton Creek, North Carolina. this book guided me throug the purchase of all my equipment, and instructed me on all the techniques in using it. in the nine months since i first read this book i have caught all three species of trout, countless pan fish, crappies, small- and large-mouth bass, and one baracudda. i highly recomend it to anyone interested in fly-fishing.
Great Book!.......2001-03-26
I'm reading this book right now and I love it! I used to read his articles years ago in Field and Stream and Outdoor Life and Sports Afield and I'd forgotten what a fine writer he was. I like the way he tells good stories while he's taking fishing and even though I can't yet get to some of the places he's writing about, he sure makes me want to be there. This is the sort of book that a book lover will enjoy and a book lover who is also a fly fisher will especially enjoy every bit of it! My husband, Tom, who is a writer himself, also has read it and is every bit as keen on it as I.
Disappointed Southern Fisherman.......2000-10-15
This book is listed as 368 pages. Thankfully there were only 349. I thought I was reading a novel. Each chapter began with a verbose, and usually self backpatting, 4-5 page introduction of the authors personal conquest while fly fishing. It took me so long to read, that I was out of time to return it. I sincerely believe the "meat" of this book could have been communicated in less than 200 pages, and probably less than 100 if color photos(other than the 10 pages in the center of the book that were of no benefit) were used. Actually, few photos of the "how to" were shown,the sketches carried most of the weight. Most of the black-and-white photos were of an already caught fish that bolstered the authors standing with his audience. L.L.Beans books are done and offer more info. Let's cut to the chase so that we can get back on the water. I would not recommend to beginner of advanced fishermen. I think that any book that includes fly tying or pictures of fishing flies commands color photos. How many fishing lures have you ever bought from a black-and-white catalog?
Many better books available.......2000-06-19
I am very disapointed with this book. McNally wastes a lot of time pumping himself up by telling us about how he won some distance casting contests back in his prime, how fly line used to be labeled when he first got into fly fishing, and other useless info. His section on fly casting is pitiful and provides no real information to a beginner. The funniest part is his fly casting problems and remedies - I've seen better information on an index card. His section on fly tying is also useless.
The final offense is that in several pictures of trout, McNally describes how the trout was handled gently and released carefully. Then in the saltwater fishing section, he catches a small dolphin and shows a picture of himself gaffing the dolphin with a caption that reads "Dolphins are good eating!".
McNally might be a great fly fisher but his book as awful. I would recommend the LLBean book over this one for beginners anyday.
Many better books available.......2000-06-19
I am very disapointed with this book. McNally wastes a lot of time pumping himself up by telling us about how he won some distance casting contests back in his prime, how fly line used to be labeled when he first got into fly fishing, and other useless info. His section on fly casting is pitiful and provides no real information to a beginner. The funniest part is his fly casting problems and remedies - I've seen better information on an index card. His section on fly tying is also useless.
The final offense is that in several pictures of trout, McNally describes how the trout was handled gently and released carefully. Then in the saltwater fishing section, he catches a small dolphin and shows a picture of himself gaffing the dolphin with a caption that reads "Dolphins are good eating!".
McNally might be a great fly fisher but his book as awful. I would recommend the LLBean book over this one for beginners anyday.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Primer to get started.......2007-02-26
I have started fishing more with my sons, so I thought it would be useful to buy a few books to make sure that I know the lingo, and do not make a fool of myself. Cliff Hauptman's books is a nice primer with lots of useful information. In it, he discusses the basic equipment and tackle needed, and various types of fish that are commonly sought. I found the information quite useful, and well worth the read. Some of the pictures and diagrams are not the best, but I felt more confident the next time I went out on the lake with my boys. Plus, we caught more fish, which is always nice.
If you are new to fishing, and looking for a quick read to get started, then I recommend this book. If you are more seasoned, this is probably not a great choice. Good luck, and see you at the lake.
Great book.......2006-07-06
I fished quite a bit growing up, but got away from it while in college. Recently I wanted to get back into it, so I needed some more grown-up gear. This book was quite valuable in helping me figure out what equipment I needed and what I didn't. The author's reccomendations of what lures to buy were especially helpful.
Still in print means something.......2006-03-20
I was searching for another fishing book when I saw that Cliff Hauptman was still in print. Even though I was not a total novice, I learned a lot from this book. And panfishermen should note that this is practically the only book that addresses crappies, bluegills and like that.
I'm now an occasional fisherman, doing my best on extended backpacking trips to extend my diet with trout. Lightweight tackle is not a topic Hauptmann gives any ink to, and if you want to actually clean that fish you just caught, Hauptman is silent (but check out Mark Bittman's _Fish_ for good graphics and how-to).
Others have citicised the "cheesy" photos in this book. I don't get it. All the photos seem to be of Chris Hauptman and his wife demonstrating pole-handling techniques described in immediately related text--what more could you ask? Even though I'm a side-arm caster, Hauptman knows his stuff and makes it clear.
Negatives: Another reviewer liked the drawings of various fish species mentioned in the text, but the one on the cover is all anyone needs.
Basic Freshwater Fishing.......2006-03-15
A good book for the beginning fisherman. I was disappointed that there was not more information on the presentation of the various artificial lures.
A must have for every begginer!.......2005-09-14
The book is written in a style that is friendly to a begginer. There are a couple of chapters which actually narrate the experience of a fishing expedition. Way helpful. The book is not in depth, but the title does say "BASIC". A great How-to book.
Customer Reviews:
Fishing basics.......2007-09-19
This is a good book. It really identifies the best places in a given area to fish. Some of the illustrations can be a little hard to understand due to it being in black and white. The fish identification guide is great, to bad there isnt any writing on actually cooking the fish, this would really round it out. This book would make a great addition to others you may have.
Best fishing book I own.......2006-12-19
When it comes to fising, anglers typically want to get the information they need quickly -- knot tying or the common rig for bottom fishing bluegill. This book does provides the information you need quickly without the filler found in many other books of its kind. For this reason I give it a full five stars. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a section in chapter 5 on Catfish (e.g. live bait flathead rigs).
A Little Gem.......2006-12-11
This book is really a little gem. Frankly, the hand-drawn illustrations are part of its charm. In addition to being charming, it is very informative and easy to read. It gives information on a variety of techniques and species. I will probably read it again some time soon.
Okay, not great.......2006-10-23
Definitely not for saltwater fishermen. Figures are somewhat helpful but rather amateurish. Okay but not impressive. Not really worth the expense.
fishing basics is a great book.......2004-12-11
fishing basics is one of those books that every fisherman/women should have. although the book covers the basics, it is well thought out and the illistrations are awesome. it covers every type of fishing. from boat to ice fishing. it also has great sugestions for fishing for any fish. even if you are a fishing export (which i'm not by any means) it's good to have a book on the basics. i highly recomend it.
Customer Reviews:
Keep it with you.......2006-11-10
This is a handy booklet to keep in your flyfishing equipment. The leader info is excellent though I found the diapgrams to tie a few of the noes a little confusing. My major beef isthat it is described as a "streamside guide" it should then come with a waterproof case or something to protect the pages. I use a small ziplock bag to keep mine dry
For my wife.......2006-03-23
Last summer i introduced my wife to fly fishing. I decided she needed a guide to knots. I chose this one. She is using it. but i found myself consulting it from time to time so i got myself one as well.
Not waterproof!!!!!.......2006-02-21
I bought this booklet because it was small and could bring it along. Unfortunately, it is not waterproof. I dropped it in the parking lot during a rainstorm and ruined it. It is not a STREAMSIDE GUIDE as the title leads you to believe.
Download Description
Mike Toth's second edition on the basics of fishing features expanded coverage of everything anglers need to know, from getting started and choosing and buying tackle to recording the catch hopefully.
Customer Reviews:
Very informative .......2007-03-21
I bought this book as a gift for my boyfriend. He liked it so much, we've gotten them for several other people,all of whom loved it. Very easy to understand; I have never fished, and I could imagine easily doing it after reading this book.
Best beginner fishing book out there.......2007-02-27
I love this book - easy to read, great for the beginner but also has advice for more experienced fishermen that really work. I give this as a gift for Father's Day and birthdays and it's always a hit.
A Great Book For Beginners.......2003-02-24
As the title implies, this book contains a wealth of knowledge for the beginning angler. Topics include: choosing and purchasing the appropriate equipment, finding a good fishing spot, understanding how fish think and act, bait and lures, casting methods, and fish identification and preparation. Fishing can be overwhelming to the uninitiated, especially when it comes to the amazing array of rods, reels, and tackle available. This book should answer most, if not all, of your questions about fishing.
OK, but missing a lot of the basics........1998-04-22
This book is easy to read, but hard to find specific information. I am a Den leader for eight 10-year old Cub Scouts. I bought the book to help me as a beginner fisherman, to teach my boys the basics. I have been unable to find info on making decisions about the right equipment for the individual fisherman, for given conditions, etc. There was surprisingly little on knots, rigs, choosing hooks, baits, etc.
Book Description
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, UNTIL YOU GET HOME, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. A VALUABLE "FISHING 101 HOW-TO GUIDE" FOR EXPERIENCED SALTLAPPERS AND NOVICE LANDLUBBERS.
Customer Reviews:
It is all in the basics.......2007-08-23
This book is well written for the beginner or novice. As i am a beginner at surf fishing i found the book to be insughtful and well written
Save your money.......2007-07-20
This book was a real disappointment; I returned it immediately. There are no diagrams or explanation of rigging or anything else, just "tips" (i.e. " Learn to tie a Palomar knot"). Save yourself the time of having to return this one !
Surf-Fishing Basics.......2007-07-16
This book is very uninformative. I believe I knew about as much about surf fishing before I even read the book. Not very well written either.
Book Description
The crappie is a large and feisty member of the sunfish family and an extremely popular game fish throughout much of the United States and Canada. Now, renowned author Keith Sutton reveals the secrets of successful crappie fishing in Stoeger's new fishing guide - The Crappie Book.
Customer Reviews:
Just when you thought you knew everything about crappie..........2007-02-02
An excellent book even for the experienced fisherman or woman!
Book Description
Beginning or aspiring sewers will learn the skills they need and
gain confidence in their work with this helpful guide! Sew With
Confidence teaches basic sewing skills and then moves on to
explain more complex techniques, encouraging readers to take
their skills to the next level with more involved projects.
The book includes information on materials and tools needed
to get started, sewing and serger machines, organizing the
sewing area, patterns, fabrics and more. The easy to follow
instructions and step-by-step photos and illustrations will
ensure success for novices, as well as inspire confidence.
Anyone who wants to learn the basics of sewing will want this
straightforward guide to the craft.
Customer Reviews:
Can't compete with the competition, wouldn't buy again.......2007-09-16
This book has a number of flaws that make it less than a joy to use. The instructions are competent enough, but given the number of books available and the basic nature of the sewing, this should be expected. Even so, I would have given more detail to the diagrams to show what exactly the written instructions are talking about. The small section on how to take your own measurements was helpful in its simplicity. But I didn't like much else about the book: the projects were generally unappealing, especially the jeans curtain that is very much a niche interest, if you see what I mean. If only a handful of projects can be presented in an introductory sewing book, why can't they be the most useful and attractive ones for a general audience? I find the book visually offputting, too, with all sorts of rather unpleasant color tones on the pages, and frumpy fabric choices. The author knows sewing, but her book completely lacks esthetic appeal. If this were a manual on fixing your printer, I wouldn't care. But learning to sew requires you to spend time in the company of the book. Sewing is a creative endeavor involving color, texture, and design. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in any case, it counts. This is not a book to stoke one's interest. Finally, entire chapter-heading pages are taken up with useless photos above ludicrously inappropriate motivational blurbs. This is not a heal-yourself self-help book and heaven knows why such over-the-top statements were considered necessary. Frankly embarrassing. On the other hand, the "motivational memo" insets were mainly not motivating at all, just technical bits of advice. That's fine, but "quick memo" would have been better. The book is less than it should be while trying hard to be something it shouldn't.
Good starter book.......2007-09-12
This is a good book. I wish it had a little more information in it, but it covers the basics of beginning sewing very well.
Great book for a beginner.......2007-09-09
This book is very easy to understand and is great for you if you are just beginning to sew. You get all the information you need to start sewing! I found this book easy to read, very informative and overall I loved it!
Best Teaching Book Ever.......2007-03-18
I grew up watching my mom sew, but I never learned how myself. This book, in Nancy's wonderful teaching style brought me past watching to doing. I'm not making clothes yet, but I've ventured into many home projects and am becoming more confident all the time. I use this book often as a reference- a great place to go to recount all the steps for a successful project. Nancy covers all the basics that gives the foundation for learning to sew & have fun doing it & doing it well.
Perfect Book for both Beginners and Experienced Seamstresses.......2007-02-05
This book has really helped refresh my memory. It is easy to read. The explanations and directions are clear and concise.
Book Description
The lakes and streams of the High Sierra have the primary element of good trout habitat in abundance, cold, well-oxygenated, unpolluted water. In the book, Billy shares the keys to success in California's High Sierra for both the beginning and advanced angler, including: how did the trout get there; geology of the High Sierra; trout science; equipment; casting; knots; flies; angling ethics; plus, how to fish the lakes, creeks; advanced tactics; planning you trip; camping information; and much more. Billy shares his hard-won secrets of success fishing the High Sierra so your next trip can be a great one!
Customer Reviews:
Far more than the title suggests...........2007-05-03
I've only glanced through "High Sierra Fly Fishing: Basics to Advanced Tactics" but already I know ....this is a superb book. It's far more than its title implies. How many times have you started to read a book like this and discover that it's 80% fluff and maybe 20% content? Van Loek is certainly an authority on the subject of high alpine trout fishing in the Sierra, and I have already learned much from my short time in his book. The photos of both the unbelievable country and it's wonderful trout make me ache to be there. Actually they take me there even now! This publication goes beyond it's peers and I'm going to enjoy digesting every word!
Natural history approach to fishing.......2001-04-12
The intro says this book is meant primarily for folks new to alpine fishing. What is especially good is the de-emphasis on gear and strong emphasis on the natural history of both the Sierra Nevada and trout. Many of the ideas are new and original, such as the "Angler's Caloric Law." The author's approach leads readers right to the concepts that explain why good anglers cast where they do. You just couldn' beat this up-to-date book if you want to know how to catch a lot of trout on a backpacking trip. In fact, the excellent photos will whet your appetite for a summer trip!
the art and science of flyfishing.......2001-04-10
This book is an artful blend of practical how-to fishing advice and wonderfully lyrical descriptions of the high Sierra. There are plenty of photos that will make you hanker for a fishing trip just as surely as using one of the handtied flies the author describes should lure an elusive golden trout out from his hideaway. I have a much better idea now of how inexpertly I have been fishing all these years. The author knows his fish and walks the reader through such useful info as the science of how trout see through the refraction of water and their favorite hangouts.
Armed with such really specific advice, I'm looking forward to a chance to outsmart some fish this summmer!
Book Description
Catfish are among of the largest and hardest fighting gamefish found in North America. Author Keith Sutton provides in-depth knowledge and reveals both time-tested and advanced catfishing techniques to make Catfishing: Beyond the Basics the ultimate handbook for catching these remarkable fish. Learn the secrets of successful catfish angling from the fish's favorite foods to how to find catfish in thick cover and changing water levels.
Books:
- The Dark Descent
- The Dark Is Rising Sequence: Silver on the Tree; The Grey King; Greenwitch; The Dark Is Rising; and Over Sea, Under Stone
- The Goodenoughs Get in Sync: A Story for Kids about the Tough Day When Filibuster Grabbed Darwin's Rabbit's Foot and the Whole Family Ended Up in the Doghouse--An ... Introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder
- The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and and How All Men Can Help
- The Mental Edge
- The Oak Inside the Acorn
- The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters: Complete 100 Hole Collector's Folder, Complete Collection 1999-2008
- The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Completely Revised and Updated with Over 400 New Color Photos and Illustrations (Orvis)
- The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (National Book Award for Young People's Literature (Awards))
- The Plane Truth for Golfers
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Developing & Administering a Child CareCenter
- Your Baby's First Year
- Tricky Pix: Do It Yourself Trick Photography With Camera
- The Master Swing Trader: Tools and Techniques to Profit from Outstanding Short-Term Trading Opportun
- The World Is Flat
- YOU: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger
- What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It
- Financial Statement Analysis: Using Fin
- The Samaritan's Dilemma: The Political Economy of Development Aid
- Two Dollar Bill
General
| Fly Fishing
| Fishing
| Hunting & Fishing
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide (Orvis)
Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: A Basic Streamside Guide for Fly Fishing Knots, Tippets, and Leader Formulas
Fly Fishing for Dummies
The Orvis Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing: Secrets from the Orvis Experts (Orvis)
L.L. Bean Fly-Casting Handbook (L. L. Bean)
