I have been tying flies for a short time and I would like a good reference on tying flies. I do NOT need a "beginner's" book and I do not necessarily want the newest book or the one with the most patterns. What I'd like is a solid, well-known reference written by a well-known fly tier that includes a lot of "classic" patterns with basic tying/material instructions, and then maybe some bit of background and/or fishing instructions for each fly. I am considering Ted Leeson's "Benchside Reference," but I've looked through it seems to be only techniques -- no actual pattern instructions. Older books are fine, as long as there is some form of photos or illustrations. Thanks!
The Orvis Pattern Indexes are hard to beat. And you're right in that the Benchside Reference is more for technique than pattern. I consider it a "must have" but it is one that I recommend adding only after you've mastered some basic patterns and basic techniques.
Dave Hughes' "Essential Trout Flies" is also excellent. And if you're wanting to spend a few more bucks, his "Trout Flies" is all you'll ever need. BIG book, and about $50, but loaded with excellent info.
No, I'm not Dave Hughes and there are many other books out there which are just as good (maybe better). I've been tying for 30 years, and the book I use most often is the Orvis Pattern Index (several volumes, which can be hard to find but usually show up on eBay fairly often). Of the books readily available, those two by Hughes are hard to beat if trout is your target.
For an online reference, http://www.flyanglersonline.com/ and look in the Fly Tying Section for the lessons by Al Campbell (a great fisherman, EXCELLENT tier, and even better man). That little series is excellent, and there is a plethora of patterns there as well with good to excellent instructions and technique for fishing them once you've tied them.
Al Campbell was a true fly fisherman who shared all he knew with anyone who asked. He taught (literally) hundreds of thousands to tie flies, and I think about him every time I tie a fly on a leader. His series is worth a look, no matter how long you've been tying.
There are many things to look for in a fly fishing tackle shop including fast turnaround times and of course bargain offers. And, what’s more, the fly fishing tackle shop must also have the best selection of fly fishing tackles. If you plan on visiting an online fly fishing tackle shop then check out Carlsons that though it is a British fly fishing tackle shop it can nevertheless still provide you with some very interesting online deals.
Trout Fishing Flies And More
The selection at this fly fishing tackle shop is truly extensive and you can find every last item of fly fishing tackle here. From the fly tying as well Bivvies to different trout fishing flies this is one shop that has it all. Here, you can also shop for trout flies – handheld, rods and reels and a wide assortment of fly fishing accessories including fly lines and fly boxes as well as game bags and more.
As for fly fishing rods you can shop at this fly fishing tackle shop for Grey rods, Reddington and Vision rods as too Sea rods and the entire range of specialist fly fishing rods. In addition, this fly fishing tackle shop provides you with a wide variety of options in regard to fly fishing reels that are sometimes made from aluminum or which can also be made from reinforced nylon. The list of fly fishing accessories available at Carlsons is also exhaustive and hugely impressive.
From sinkants and floatants and conditioner to strike indicators to leader, loops, backing and even fluorocarbon there is plenty to choose from. You can even shop for precision molded fly boxes and the Richard Wheatley Fly box is also readily available here.
A rod case is an essential item of fly fishing gear and this too can be purchased here at this fly fishing tackle shop. For fewer than twenty dollars you can certainly find a good quality rod case that will help protect your fly fishing rod and also help you to carry other essential items of fly fishing tackle in a secure and safe manner.
The right saltwater fly fishing tackle is vital to the success of your fly fishing endeavors. This means that you have to be well informed about what kind of tackle you should be using because the wrong tackle could mean that you might end up spending all your time with the line in the water but at the end of day you will come up empty-handed. So, learn about things such as the weight of the line, the size and strength of the rod and learn about the right fly fishing reel as well and only then head for the ocean.
Hi, I am wondering in April what do rainbow trout eat because I know this place where ther is a lot of rainbows but they just won't eat the flies I have on my fly rod. Please if you know anything about what flies i should use then tell me please.
flies usually arent very good bait, i would suggest meal worms or grubs, but if you dont like using bugs then you can buy some of those flourescent colored little fish food, i forget what they are called but they work well
Most people think of fly fishing as a peaceful sport. They picture themselves standing on the banks of a beautiful river, whipping a fishing rod back and forth and sending a fishing line flying back and forth above their heads in a manner that is relaxed and graceful. They can see the line flying about, tempting one trout after another. Maybe they've seen a movie that features fishing, or they went with a friend. Whatever the reason, the person is now interested in fishing and wants to learn more.
Chances are this person is you. You've done your research. You've gone shopping and spent a small fortune on fishing equipment. Now you are ready to head out to the water...technically. Sure you have all of the right gear, but have you been given any fly fishing tips?
This article serves to give you a few basic fly fishing tips that, hopefully, will help you come home much richer in fish than when you left.
Make sure that you practice casting. The more time you spend practicing your casting, the better you will get at it. The best way to practice casting is to use a flat surface outside of your house (definitely do not practice casting indoors, it would lead to inevitable disaster). Mark a few targets on this flat surface and then go out for a little bit each day and practice casting to these targets. This will help you to improve your casting accuracy.
Choose a rod that feels comfortable for you. You know what kind you will want, flexibility wise, but choose one that is the right length as well. If you are short, you will probably get hung up if you try to use a rod that is too long. To this end, you will want to learn how to hold your fly rod correctly. This type of fishing is not a quick sport. You will want to be able to hold onto this rod comfortably for long periods of time.
The best bait is a natural prey of the fish you are trying to catch. There are experts who swear that the fancy bait is not necessary and that all you need is a simple worm. In the event that you would like to buy the fancy bait, you should choose bait that mimics a worm or a grub and is brightly colored so that it will attract the fish's attention.
Waterproof your dry flies. This will help them to float on the water for a longer period of time. You can do this with Scotch-guard (which can be found in almost any general goods store). The waterproofing keeps them from becoming waterlogged and sinking.
Make sure that your knots are tied tightly and effectively. A knot that is tied improperly or that is too loose could spell disaster in fly fishing.
These are just a few of the many fishing tips that anglers will share with each other when they are out fly fishing. A simple search through the internet or your local library is sure to turn up pages more.
and there are many other books out there which are just as good (maybe better). I've been tying for 30 years, and the book I use most often is the Orvis Pattern Index (several volumes, which can be hard to find but usually show up on eBay fairly often). Of the books readily available, those two by Hughes are hard to beat if trout is your target.
