This is a guide book for those totally new to the art of tying flies. Until now, learning flytying from a book has not only been challenging, but often the cause of great frustration, with photographs or diagrams making even the elementary techniques difficult to grasp. Step-by-step images help a reasonably proficient flytyer understand the stages in making a fly, but for the new beginner, there will always be a gap between each step-by-step image, which can be bewildering. Seeing the manual maneuvers that take place in these pages can make the different between success and failure for a beginner. The techniques you will learn in this book are the building blocks for which all successful fishing flies, even the most complex ones, are based.

Your Quick Guide to Ocean and Gulf Fishing Whether you're an expert freshwater angler or are new to casting a line with rod and reel, saltwater fishing is a unique experience. Coastal waters along the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico are filled with fish-many of which are reachable without a boat. Fishing from piers, jetties, or in the surf is wonderful fun and can be very productive. However, it's different than fishing in a lake or river. Acclaimed author and expert angler Dave Bosanko provides the information you need to get started catching saltwater fish. Applicable to all coastal waters, this handy guide covers such topics as where to fish, what tackle to use, how to rig your line, and which types of bait are best. The pocket-sized booklet is organized and color-coded by fishing location for ease of use. Depending upon where you are, turn to the pier, jetty, or surf section to find the details most applicable to you. Surf & Pier Fishing also includes safety tips, plenty of full-color images, and an instructional illustration for reading the surf. Dave further provides his favorite tips-so you'll be fishing like a pro along the coast in no time. With this guide in hand, you can quickly and economically learn what you need to know. It's conveniently sized to keep in your tackle box, backpack, or back pocket, so it's always there when you need it. Whether you're visiting the coast or are a coastal resident, this guide can get you started catching saltwater fish.

With Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly-Rod, it is possible to create your own heirloom-quality bamboo fly rod. All that's needed is patience, a steady hand, and George E. Maurer and Bernard P. Elser's clear, detailed instructions.

From the irrepressible author of Trout Bum and The View from Rat Lake comes an engaging, humorous, often profound examination of life's greatest mysteries: sex, death, and fly-fishing.

John Gierach's quest takes us from his quiet home water (an ordinary, run-of-the-mill trout stream where fly-fishing can be a casual affair) to Utah's famous Green River, and to unknown creeks throughout the Western states and Canada. We're introduced to a lively group of fishing buddies, some local "experts" and even an ex-girlfriend, along the way

Contemplative, evocative, and wry, he shares insights on mayflies and men, fishing and sport, life and love, and the meaning (or meaninglessness) of it all.

Fisherman Mark Spitzer takes readers on an action-packed investigation of the most fierce and fearsome freshwater grotesques of the American West ever to inspire both hatred and fascination. Through the lenses of history, folklore, biology, ecology, and politics, Beautifully Grotesque Fish of the American West depicts the environmental destruction plaguing the most maligned creatures in our midst while subtly interweaving Spitzer's experiences of personal tragedy and self-discovery. Join Spitzer as he noodles for flathead catfish in Oklahoma, snags paddlefish in Missouri, trotline- and electro-fishes American eels in Arkansas, studies razorback suckers in Arizona, bounty hunts for pikeminnows in Washington State, attends a burbot festival in Utah, stirs up Asian carp in Kansas, and breaks the state record for the largest yellow bullhead ever caught in Nebraska. By examining freakish links in a vital chain and working with specialists in the field, Spitzer portrays a planet in environmental crisis and dispels the illusion that our actions don't result in long-term, toxic consequences. Spitzer offers models for fisheries and provides other sources of hope in this informative epic of redemption that ultimately celebrates the wild and resilient beauty and remaining possibilities of the American West. Watch a book trailer. Visit the Where in the West is Mark Spitzer? blog series for additional reading and a look at more photographs not included in the book.

New York Times Bestseller The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies recounts the history of a sport that dates back 2,000 years, focusing on milestone flies from the first feathered hook to contemporary patterns using cutting-edge materials. Among the countless fly patterns created over the centuries, these 50 have been carefully chosen to represent the development not only of the flies themselves, but also of fly-fishing techniques--and of rods, lines, and reels. These iconic flies also chart the spread of this addictive sport from its modern origins on the chalk streams of southern England and the rivers of Scotland to the U.S., Europe, South America, Australia, and now to every country in the world. Filled with profiles of the key characters involved, tying tips, photographs and illustrations of the flies, and detailed explanations of the techniques used to fish them, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies is a fascinating companion to the evolution of this fascinating sport.

More than fish tales in this delightful book, readers will discover stories about the special relationships that develop through fishing-between parents and children, between friends and lovers, between fisherman, nature, and the elusive fish.

Bass fishing pro Jimmy Houston gives outdoor enthusiasts from beginners to bassmasters spiritual insights and fishing tips in this yearlong devotional. What does a fishing lure have to do with following Jesus? How can casting our lines remind us of our commitment to godly living? In what ways does the underwater world teach us about God's purposes? In Catch a Better Life, hugely popular pro fisherman Jimmy Houston shares wisdom from the Bible along with plenty of savvy fishing advice. Each entry in this 365-day devotional includes: a Scripture verse from the Old or New Testament a brief meditation that applies insights from the art of fishing to spiritual growth a pro fishing tip With its colorful photos and a presentation page, this full-color book makes a perfect gift for: the outdoor enthusiast anyone who loves to fish or wants to learn followers of Jimmy Houston as TV host and fisher extraordinaire retirement parties, Father's Day, Grandparents' Day, birthdays, Christmas If you love God's creation--along with the excitement of the catch--and want to grow in your spiritual life, reel in this fisherman's devotional guide to following God with purpose.

Lefty Kreh's original edition of Fly Fishing in Salt Water pioneered a new territory for fly fishers. With over thirty thousand copies sold and the content fully updated, revised, and expanded, this third edition is the saltwater fly fisher's bible, based on firsthand experience by an acknowledged master. In clear, practical terms and with helpful photographs and line drawings, Lefty Kreh's Fly Fishing in Salt Water treats the techniques needed to catch all the major saltwater species--bonefish, tarpon, striped bass, bluefish, salmon, permit, snook, sharks, cobia, tuna, billfish, and more. The book shows how to fish from boats and how to wade the flats, and fully explains all the tackle needed and how to use it for specific jobs--the rods, the lines and leaders, and the flies (shown in full color). Lefty provides superb advice about how to make the long casts necessary for fishing the fly in salt water, how to "tease" sailfish and other large fish to within fly-casting range, how to chum, and how to tie the necessary knots for saltwater fishing. Chapter topics include Knots and Leaders, Flies, Tackle, Inshore Fly Fishing, and Boats.

From the azure waters of Hawaii to the pristine streams in Alaska to the craggy New England coast, a devoted angler reveals the agony and ecstasy of fishing. Fishing the Wild Waters invites us to traverse America and visit three distant and distinct dream destinations for any serious angler-and anyone who aspires to someday become one. Sullivan's marvelous debut illuminates the often profound nature of fishing as a vehicle that connects those who practice it with reverence to a world beyond the one humans created. As we travel along with Sullivan, he reveals what goes into the pursuit of select fish in the region with humor and personal stories as well as deep knowledge. Hawaii, Alaska and New England are some of the last frontiers of fishing in America. They are full of danger, big fish, and extraordinary adventure. To fish these places is to reach back and stand alongside the First Nations of fishermen-our ancestors who lived there for thousands of years before us-as well as those early Americans who built this country using species like cod as their currency. These cultural and fishing outposts will tell us something if we can just be quiet and listen. To hear that message requires an intrinsic respect for these ancient fishing grounds and our connection to them. This mindset is in lock-step with a growing movement of anglers who fish these wildest of waters as a way to turn down the noise of modern living and tune into their fundamental, hands-on relationship with the sea, finding not only the solace, but the sustenance the fish provides to those who take the time to learn its lessons. Plus, filling a freezer with the world's healthiest protein just feels right. By turns funny, thrilling, and lyric, Fishing the Wild Waters celebrates these special places where each fisherman can pull back the curtain, connect to the sea, and gaze into their own soul - the soul of a fisherman.

This is the true story of the 'first family' of sportfishing in the billfish capital of the world. Tom Carlson tells the story of Ernal Foster and the Foster family of Hatteras Village, who gave birth to what would become the multi-million dollar charter fishing industry on the Outer Banks. Today, Ernal's son, Captain Ernie Foster, struggles to keep the family business alive in a time of great change on the Banks. Within the engaging saga of the rise and decline of one family's livelihood, Carlson relates the history and transformation of Hatteras Village and the high-adrenaline experience of blue-water sportfishing and the industry that surrounds it. ""Hatteras Blues"" is their story - a story of triumph and loss, of sturdy Calvinist values and pell-mell American progress, and of fate and luck as capricious as the weather.

Originally published in 1950, this book presents a comprehensive anthropological discussion of fishing written by the renowned British ethnographer and zoologist James Hornell (1865-1949). The text begins with an account of methods and tools used in fishing, before moving on to the processes of fishing in different parts of the world, including, but not limited to, India, Sri Lanka, the Far East and Polynesia. Numerous illustrative figures and a bibliography are also incorporated. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in anthropology, ethnography and the history of fishing.

The National Book League was a precursor to the current Booktrust, and was set up in 1924 by the Society of Bookmen in order to promote reading, particularly among the young. To that end, the NBL issued Reader's Guides on a variety of subjects, each written by an author with expertise in that field and containing an annotated bibliography of recommended titles on the subject. Arthur Ransome was a keen fisherman as well as a famous children's author, and fishing and other outdoor pursuits feature often in his books. This Reader's Guide was published in 1955 and features Ransome's recommendations for books on fishing, broken down by varieties of fish and fishing practices.

Championed as one of the gentlest and most calming of field sports, angling has had its notable votaries throughout its history, from Isaak Walton to Horatio Nelson. In this charming book on the pleasures of fly fishing, the eminent chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) adds his name to the list. He assigns his often poetic arguments to an imaginary cast of four friends, some of whom adore the sport while others question its morality as they embark on a series of angling trips. As their conversations progress, the friends discuss entomology and biology, the finer techniques of landing trout, and the use of peacock feathers and yellow monkey fur in the making of artificial flies. Originally published in 1828, Davy's book offers a glimpse of the sportsman behind the chemist and remains both accessible and instructive for modern enthusiasts.

Manitoba's ninety-three species of fish give the province the third most diverse fish population in Canada. The provinces variety of geological features, with its major lakes, rivers, tributaries, and watersheds, is due in large part to its history as the basin for Glacial Lake Agassiz. This, combined with its access to the waters of Hudson Bay and large American river systems, has provided habitat for a wide diversity of freshwater fish. Species from lampreys to goldeye, catfish to perch, bigmouth bass to slimy sculpin swim in waters from arctic rivers in the north to Red River tributaries and down to the Mississippi in the south. Freshwater Fishes of Manitoba is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Each species is accurately depicted in detailed colour photographs and accompanying map, with descriptions of physical characteristics, spawning and feeding habits, distribution, habitat, ecological role, and economic importance. The guide also includes an extensive glossary, keys to identifying the families, species, and subspecies, and information on documentation and preservation of specimens. Freshwater Fishes of Manitoba is not only the definitive guide to these fishes of Manitoba, it is also accessible and reliable for a range of users from general fishers to professional fish biologists.

This guide gives you a quick, clear understanding of the essential information you'll need to fly fish Colorado's most outstanding waters.
You will not waste time. In a few moments, you will know where to go and how to fly fish. Take this guide along for ready reference, or use this book to plan your Colorado fly fishing trip. Either way, you'll have enough information and your fly fishing experience will be new, fresh and fun.
This is the updated and redesigned version of Jackson Streit's Guide to Fly Fishing in Colorado. It was popular immediately, updated and reprinted three times.
Inside you will find: Animas River, Gunnison River, Fryingpan River, Big Thompson River, Blue River and other great fly fishing rivers. Plus small creeks and lakes, private fly fishing waters and more!

The Ambassadeur 2500C, a small casting reel capable of handling fine lines and light baits, was first produced in 1975. This book provides a comprehensive history and taxonomy of this legendary family of fishing reels, which is cherished and admired by anglers, collectors, and tournament casters alike. Find information on variations from 1975 to the present, Ambassadeur De Luxe versions and other special editions, fakes, tournament modifications, and market prices, as well as detailed tables and charts with exhaustive technical information. Since its invention, the 2500C has been followed by 60 further types, all crafted around the same general principles. The current casting world record for 5/8-ounce plugs was set with an original Ambassadeur 2500C, and the reel has acquired such a trusted reputation that many anglers refuse to fish with any other type of reel.

Ken Hanley and some very talented contributors like Jeff Solis, Dave Stanley, Katie Howe, and others have fly fished nearly every top water in California. This guide provides readers with all they need to discover the best places to fly fish in the Golden State--saltwater, bass, stealhead, and high mountains.
Ken Hanley is certainly the most qualified fly fishermen to pen a NoNonsense fly fishing guide to the state of California. His fly fishing passion has accompanied him throughout his many adventures hiking the peaks in Tibet and the Himalayas and exploring the wilderness of Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, and Asia, but his Northern California home waters are what he knows best.

Revolving around her own quest to learn to fly fish on the Lower Laguna Madre of deep south Texas, Kathy Sparrow weaves ageless principles of women's psychology and yoga with a fresh, distinctly feminine approach to fly fishing. Kathy takes the reader from her early life on the bank with her father and grandfathers to her current status as a licensed Coast Guard captain, a fly fishing guide and lodge owner, and the holder of a women's world record speckled trout. Throughout she offers precious technical advice gleaned from male and female anglers alike. From the rods to use, the lines, land the flies, she covers a broad range of information including tips on how to see fish, read the water, and how to become a stealthy wader so you can stalk fish with finesse.

Malachy Tallack has been passionate about fishing since he was young. Growing up in Shetland, with its myriad lochs, he and his brother would roam the island in search of trout, and in so doing discovered a sense of freedom, of wonder, and an abiding passion. But why is it that catching a fish - or simply contemplating catching a fish - can be so thrilling, so captivating? Why is it that time spent beside water can be imprinted so sharply in the memory? Why is it that what seems such a simple act - that of casting a line and hoping - can feel so rich in mystery? Illuminated by Water is Malachy's personal attempt to understand that freedom, and to trace the origins and sources of that sense of wonder. He shares the appeal of fishing, its intense joys and frustrations, the steadying effect it has both at water's edge and in the memory, and the contemplation of nature and landscape that comes with being an angler. He writes about fishing expeditions, from English canals and Scottish lochs to lakes in Canada and New Zealand, and he reflects on other aspects of angling, from its cultural significance and the emerging moral complexities to the intricacies of tying a fly. Beautifully written and hugely engaging, this book both articulates the inexplicable lure of the river and the endless desire to return to it, and illuminates a passion that has shaped the way so many see and think about the natural world.

In Fly-Fishing, Christopher Schaberg ponders his lifetime pursuit of the widely mythologized art of fly-fishing. From the Michigan lakeshore where he learned to fish to casting flies in a New Orleans bayou, Schaberg sketches landscapes and fish habitats and shows how fly-fishing allows him to think about coexisting with other species. It offers Schaberg a much-needed source of humility, social isolation, connection with nature, and a reminder of environmental degradation. Rather than centering fishing on trophies, conquest, and travel, he advocates for a “small-fishing” that values catching the diminutive fish near one’s home. Introspective and personal, Fly-Fishing demonstrates how Schaberg’s obsession indelibly shapes how he understands and lives in the wider world.