Best book for a beginner?

[terry13111]

Alternatively, you could make your own binder by using your printer?!?

Thats one of those simple, why didn't I think of that, great ideas. Thank you!!!

[rockthief]

Helen Shaw's book is a bit old but the information is sound. She got me started then I gave the book to a new person.

[MR.JML]

Fly Tyer's Benchside Reference & Jack Dennis's Western Fly Tying are great beginning sources !!! I think it will lay down the basics !! You can add Archie's (AK's) book on Production Fly Tying . This has some great technique shortcuts, etc !!!

[Steven McGarthwaite]

This a a wonderful Fly Tying Seirs by Washington State Public Television....

ANGLER'S ART

[Royal Wulff]

Is Charlie Craven any relation to Wes Craven? If so, I'd be very careful about the recipes in that book? I mean, I'd wonder if something might start coming alive on my tying bench in the middle of the night.

rw

[coughlin]

All the suggestions here are excellent. I'd Add Mike Holt's rotary flytying subscription service (google Mike Holt at Maine rotary fly). Mike's videos are excellent,even if you're not tying on a rotary, and he ahs quite a number of technique vids. I'm a book nut and have quite a few, including the mammoth Flytyer's Benchside, but Holt's vids (which get added to frequently) have taught me a great deal.
Coughlijn

[kengore]

For technique I recommend...

1. Charlie Craven's Basic Fly Tying and his web site, simply the best detailed instructions I have ever found.

2. The Flytyer's Benchside Reference, big and expensive. Contains an amazing wealth of information, everyone needs this book. Step by step info on ALL the fly tying techniques ever developed since huans walked upright, or something pretty close to it.

For fly recipes, I would want...

3. Fly Patterns of the Umqua Feather Merchants, 1500 of the worlds best flies. This fine reference has a recipe and picture all the flies you would ever need, at least all the ones made by Upmqua!

I also like A.K. Best's 'Production Fly Tying Techniques' This book improved my fly quality and speed. Prehaps a good intermediate book for those that want to take it to the next level.