Fly Fishing Basics
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There are many titles which will help someone new to fly fishing pick up the sport or hone new skills, maybe even polish up on a technique. One of the top choices is "Basic Fly Fishing: All the Skills and Gear You Need to Get Started" by fly fishing guru Lefty Kreh (Stackpole Books 2006/Swan Hill Press 2006).
Kreh covers all the key topics from choosing a rod and reel to match the chosen fishing applications to knot tying and rigging. He also covers all aspects of the art of casting to help anglers throw tight loops and flies to unsuspecting trout.
The book goes into great detail on trout fishing especially. Readers will learn how to fish wet flies and dry flies, the secret of the drag-free drift as well as the proper hookset and playing fish to the net. Not only will Kreh's book help you become more efficient with rod, reel and flies, but the author also explains in detail how to find trout. There's even a section on aquatic insects to help fly anglers choose the right pattern.
This helpful how-to book also covers fly fishing for other freshwater species. Anglers will read how to target and trick smallmouth, largemouth and northern pike.
A Good Series to Target New Waters
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A series of where-to books is next on the list for good fly fishing books. Sure, every region of the world has where-to fish books, but for the best ideas on where to fish in the United States and then some, fly fishermen should check out the books from No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks.
No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks give you a quick, clear understanding of the essential information needed to fly fish a region's waters. They are written by local experts and experienced guides who have fished the waters for years.
Fly fishermen will enjoy the facts of the region's waters, detailed maps and seasonal information--everything needed to help you make a more informed decision, whether it is simply choosing a fly or spot to fish.
Anglers can choose from titles such as "Fly Fishing California" by Ken Hanley, "Fly Fishing Virginia" by Beau Beasley and "Guide To Fly Fishing In The Western States" by Bob Zellar. In total, there are 21 guides.
An Advanced Technique Broken Down
So you have an idea of how to fly fish and where to go. Now you're ready to learn an advanced technique. Well-known, Colorado-based fly fishing guide and author Landon Mayer has released "Sight Fishing For Trout" (Stackpole Books 2009).
Mayer is known for bringing clients to big fish, almost hand-picking the trophy trout from the river. Fellow fly fisher and author John Barr, creator of the copper John fly, says, "Landon has a beyond unbelievable, osprey-like ability to see fish in the water, and then to position himself perfectly to present the flies most effectively."
In his book, Mayer explains how to see fish in the water. He tells anglers how to spot them against the bottom when they are nearly invisible. He then goes into detail on how to approach a big fish without spooking it.
Mayer also covers how anglers can use light line and short casts to catch the whoppers he's known for. In his time on his home river, Colorado's South Platte, Mayer has caught numerous photo-worthy fish including many browns and rainbows in the 8- to 10-pound range. He averages more than 200 days on the river a year and has honed his skills.
This would be a highly recommended book for any fly fishermen, especially for someone who has the basics down and wants to learn more about finding trout in challenging conditions. It would also be a hot choice for anyone who would want to increase their odds of finding and catching big trout.
