Subject

Flies, Artificial Books

Best books

Unknown

Fishing with the fly : $b sketches by lovers of the art, with illustrations of standard flies

"Fishing with the Fly" by Charles F. Orvis and Others is a guidebook on the art of fly fishing, written in the late 19th century. This work explores various techniques, equipment, and methods related to fly fishing, particularly focusing on salmon fishing in North American waters. It embodies a passion for the sport while providing practical advice and poetic musings about the natural beauty and excitement of the angling experience. The opening of the book sets a reflective and enthusiastic tone, contemplating the allure of salmon fishing and detailing the experiences of a skilled angler. The text vividly describes the behavior of salmon in the river, capturing the anticipation and excitement of fishing during their seasonal runs. There is an emphasis on the mastery required to tackle such noble fish and the joy it brings to both seasoned anglers and casual enthusiasts alike. Through charming descriptions of the fishing environment, the narrative invites readers to appreciate the interplay of nature and the skill involved in the pursuit of salmon with a fly.

G. E. M. (George Edward Mackenzie) Skues

Minor tactics of the chalk stream and kindred studies

"Minor Tactics of the Chalk Stream and Kindred Studies" by G. E. M. Skues is a fly fishing book published in 1910. While acknowledging F. M. Halford's dry-fly dominance, Skues quietly launches a revolution to restore wet-fly fishing to England's chalk streams. Through careful observation and experimentation, he challenges the rigid orthodoxy that had banished this ancient technique, developing methods for fishing beneath the surface that would prove as difficult and delicate as any purist could demand.

W. (William) Blacker

Blacker's art of fly making, &c. : $b comprising angling, & dyeing of colours, with engravings of salmon & trout flies

"Blacker's Art of Fly Making, &c.: comprising angling, & dyeing of colours" by William Blacker is a fly tying manual first published in 1842. Written by a London tackle dealer and passionate angler, this work reveals the craft of creating artificial flies for salmon and trout fishing. Blacker shares techniques drawn from years fishing British and Irish streams, offering detailed instructions on fly construction, dyeing materials, and matching patterns to seasonal hatches. The book promises to transform novices into skilled fly-makers through clear, practical guidance rooted in hands-on experience rather than theory.

Grey Drake

A Concise Practical Treatise on Artificial Fly Fishing for Trout

"A Concise Practical Treatise on Artificial Fly Fishing for Trout" by Grey Drake is a fishing manual written in the late 19th century. This instructional book serves as a guide for aspiring anglers who wish to learn the art of fly fishing specifically for trout. The author, a seasoned fly fisher with over fifty years of experience, aims to share his knowledge in a straightforward, practical manner without overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. In this treatise, Drake covers essential techniques and equipment for successful fly fishing, including the type of tackle required, how to tie on hooks, and the proper casting techniques. He emphasizes the importance of skill over the specific flies used, arguing that the size of the fly is far more critical than its shape or color. Throughout the chapters, Drake offers valuable observations based on his extensive experience, discusses alternate methods like dibbing, and provides tips for reading the water and understanding fish behavior. Overall, this book is a practical resource geared toward beginners, helping them to navigate the nuances of the sport and improve their chances of success on the water.

G. W. (George W.) Soltau

Trout Flies of Devon and Cornwall, and When and How to Use Them

"Trout Flies of Devon and Cornwall, and When and How to Use Them" by G. W. Soltau is a comprehensive guide to fly-fishing, written in the mid-19th century. This book presents a meticulous examination of the trout fishing practices specific to the rivers of Devon and Cornwall, advising on the types of flies that yield the best results in various conditions. Soltau leverages his extensive experience to share insights that cater to both novice and seasoned anglers, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge in achieving success in fishing. In this treatise, Soltau highlights the art of fly-fishing, detailing the intricacies of choosing the right flies, the proper techniques for casting, and the optimal times for fishing. The book is not merely a catalog of flies but is enriched with anecdotal wisdom that draws from the author's long-term engagement with the craft. Divided into sections that cover specific fly patterns and their seasonal effectiveness, as well as practical tips on fishing strategies, it serves as both a practical manual and an enjoyable read, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world associated with fishing.

Ellery Clark Gregg

How to Tie Flies

"How to Tie Flies" by E.C. Gregg is an instructional manual on the art of fly tying, likely written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a practical guide aimed at both beginners and experienced anglers, detailing techniques necessary to create high-quality flies for fishing. It covers a range of styles and materials, providing readers the skills to craft their own unique lures for a variety of fishing situations. The opening portion introduces the purpose and structure of the manual, emphasizing that it aims to teach the crafting of flies with an artistic focus, rather than shortcuts used in mass production. The author highlights the increasing interest among anglers in tying their own flies, encouraging readers to begin with simpler patterns before progressing to more complex designs. It notes that various tools and materials can be sourced easily, guiding enthusiasts in building their skills while promoting creativity in developing new patterns.

Charles Edward Walker

Old Flies in New Dresses
 How to Dress Dry Flies with the Wings in the Natural Position and Some New Wet Flies

"Old Flies in New Dresses" by Charles Edward Walker is a practical guide on the art of fly-dressing, written in the late 19th century. The book aims to improve upon existing methods of creating artificial flies used in fishing, specifically by advocating for the accurate representation of wing positions that reflect natural flies. Walker discusses various fly types, like the Alder-fly, emphasizing the importance of their shape and coloration in effective imitation, which can lead to more successful fishing experiences. The opening of the work introduces the author's purpose and methodology for fly-dressing. He critiques previous attempts to imitate natural flies, noting inaccuracies in typical representations, particularly in wing positioning. Walker shares his initial experiments with dressed flies, recounting successful outcomes when he adhered closely to the natural positioning of the wings, as opposed to conventional methods. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the anatomy and behavior of these flies to enhance the effectiveness of their imitations, setting the stage for detailed discussions of various fly types and techniques that follow in the text.

Recently surfaced classics