What's your favorite book on fly fishing.

Fishing A Learning Experience, Pass it On.
1

I want to know what book grabs your attention every once in a while. My favorite book happens to be “The Complete Book Of Fly Fishing” By Tom McNally. What a fantastic book. Published in 1993, so a little older, but I always find a little tid bit that I didn’t see before. If anyone hasn’t read it, buy it or borrow it. Yes, as most books with that type of title, it is geared for beginners, but I like to humble myself by re-learning the basics.

So, what’s your ol’ standby?

2

Actually, I think the first printing of that book was in the late '70’s. You can tell by the references to the strange, new rod material called “graphite”. '93 was probably the most recent printing. Good book, though.

Based on the number of times I’ve read it, “The Sunfishes” by Jack Ellis is my favorite.

3

You are completely right, there goes my credibility. The book was first published in 1978, revised in 1993 and in 1997, the first paperback edition was published, which I have. Sorry for the mis-info, but I am glad you like it.

4

See the quote on the Home Page herein by John Buchan. I think it came from one or the other of his memoirs: “Pilgrim’s Way.” Or his uncompleted memoir “Pilgrim’s Rest,” sadly interrupted by his untimely death. There is fine fishing writing in both. It was also published in the USA as “Memory Hold-The-Door.” You can find it on www.abebooks.com. I highly recommend it. But be forewarned; it is not a fly fishing book.

Bob

5

“Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes” by the late Gary LaFontaine. Great information interspersed with humorous stories. I haven’t been able to fish the high mountains much the last few years, but I still pull this book of the shelf every couple of months and read some of it.

6

By far the best fishing book on my table is “Spring Creeks” by Mike Lawson. The content is outstanding and the writing is excellent. I’ve read most of each winter since I bought it three years ago. Still lots to learn, from one of SE Idaho’s finest fishermen, fly tiers, and writers.

7

This is one of my favorites also, I met Gary shortly after this book came
out, I called his home number he listed in the book to tell him how much I enjoyed it
and he invited me up to his place to fish with him and Chester, what an experience sure
wish I could of known him longer…

Mike Lawsons book is a very close second…

Steve

8

I given away a few copies of The Complete Book of Fly Fishing to newbies, but one of the how-to books I got the most out of myself is this one.

9

“Trout Fishing” by Joe Brooks—i found a copy in a discounted book store in Pittsburgh in the 70’s—its a classic now!

I learned a lot from that book and still page through it now and then.

10

“The Curtis Creek Manifesto” by Sheridan Anderson
“Everyone’s Illustrated Guide to Trout on a Fly” by R. Chris Halla

…Oh, No ! That’s two :shock: …ModocDan

11

I know you said “book” but here’s 4 from a novice prospective.

  1. “Acitve Nymphin” by Rich Osthoff. Since I see so little surface action on my home river, the Pigeon (NE Indiana), I’d better try going deep.
  2. “Nymph fishing for Larger Trout” by Brooks. Who can resist “LARGER Trout.” So again, I’d better go deep.
  3. “Presenting the Fly” by Lefty Kreh. A great coffee table book with good information.
  4. “Fly fishing for Dummies” by Kaminsky. When you are a newbe, like me, its a great general reference.

All came from internet book stores like Alibris (so were cheap) and were in great condition.

Enjoy!

Joe

12

Anyone who fly fishes for bass absolutely has to read Jack Ellis’ book “Bassin’ with a Fly Rod.” You may not like the all the messages but Ellis knows his subject backwards and forwards.

For pure pleasure, I have reread Joseph Bates’ “Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing” four or five times. I’ve bought each revised edition from 1966 on.

And what can I say, I’ve never been disappointed with anything that AK Best has written. He just has a knack for being highly informative and entertaining at the same time. 8T :slight_smile:

13

Another favorite of mine. The tactics were interesting as was the “history of fly fishing for bass” section. Ellis builds on a lot of what Tom Nixon practiced and preached. Tom’s book on bass and panfish is great, too.

14

I think the “idiot’s guide to FF” is a better book. It’s written by a guide.

15

Hi D4D,

I also have Tom Nixon’s book and have just about worn out the pages and the binding. For years this was the only book on fly fishing for panfish and Nixon is certainly the great pioneer in the field. The only reason I didn’t list his book is the fact thats it’s out of print and one of the more expensive books to buy second hand, usually running well over $100. Still and all, a great classic book----I second your recommendation. 8T :slight_smile: