This time it's a two for one shot. There are two fly pattern books out, the
one which has received the most publicity is FFF Fly Pattern Encyclopedia,
published by Frank Amato Publications, in association with the Federation
of Fly Fishers. As you can see from the cover, "Over 1600 of the Best Fly
Patterns!" Tying authorities Al and Gretchen Beatty edited it, and the photos
are by Jim Schollmeyer (and they are really wonderful.)
If you haven't ever attended a FFF Conclave you have missed a great opportunity
to sit across from a tier and not only watch, but to ask questions as the fly is tied.
It is a wonderful way to pick up new tips, tying ideas, and of course, new patterns!
The idea behind this book was to get that information out to the general tying public.
The book is divided in sections covering all types flies, including more specialized
streamers as the Rangeley Flies, and extensive Warmwater and Saltwater patterns.
There is a short essay by a well-known tier at the beginning of each section.
There is also a complete index of all patterns, a section with a little profile on each
of the tiers, and (very nice) there is a separate list of the tiers name, followed by
the page numbers where their flies appear.
Here's a photo of one of the actual flies as it appears in the book, there are
9 flies on each page. We have a copy of one the old Patterns of the Masters, and
while the photography isn't of the same caliber, there are many very good tips
and techniques in it, which is totally lacking in the Fly Pattern Encyclopedia.
The other point which is important here, if you are looking for a pattern book
of standard or traditional flies, Fly Pattern Encyclopedia isn't it.
However, if you are looking for neat ideas, different materials, innovative flies
or concepts look no further . . . lots of warmwater flies too!
Fly Pattern Encyclopedia comes either with a standard or spiral binding. (Spiral
binding recommended if you are going to use it on your tying bench.) Profits
from the sale of Fly Pattern Encyclopedia go to the FFF.
FFF Fly Pattern Encyclopedia
232 pages, color
11 ½" x 9"
Hardcover, spiral $49.95 U.S
ISBN 0-57188-209-X
Published by Frank Amato Publications, Inc.
P.O. Box 82112
Portland, OR. 97282
Fly Patterns of Umpqau Feather Merchants, 2nd Edition
is "The World's 1,500 Best Flies" according to it's cover. Authored by
Randall Kaufmann, who is also the photographer. It is reorganized by fly
catagory, but maintained the excellent materials section which also began the
previous edition.
Each fly catagory, for instance Dry Flies, has a profile and essay by some of
the Umpqua contract tiers or designers who tie those specific flies. The Dry
Fly section features Shane Stalcup, Mike Lawson, Craig Mathews, Ed Shroeder.
They are nicely done.
Besides dry flies, the book is divided into sections on nymphs, streamers,
steelhead and salmon flies, bass flies and saltwater flies. A photo of an
actual fly to size is shown here on the right.
Here is the big difference. The Fly Patterns of the Umpqua Feather Merchants
are the fly patterns Umpqua sells. The traditional patterns are there.
So if you are looking for standard or traditional patterns Fly Patterns has them.
The index contains alphabetical listings of flies, tiers and materials in one listing.
The books are nearly identical except for those major differences. ~ DLB
The Fly Patterns of the Umpqua Feather Merchants
232 pages, color
11 ½" x 9"
Hardcover, spiral $49.95 U.S
ISBN 1-885212-15-1
Published by the Umpqua Feather Merchants
P.O. Box 700
Glide, OR. 97282
Previous Reviews
|
