The Complete Book of Fly Fishing
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There’s an old saying among fly fishers that equipment isn’t the only thing, it’s everything. But the best equipment in the world will catch few fish if you don’t know how to use it. Experienced anglers with dimestore equipment can outfish the superbly equipped tyro every time–because they know how it’s done. With nearly fifty years of fly fishing to look back on, Tom McNally knows how it’s done, from angling for tiny brook trout in mountain streams to fly casting… More >>
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The explosive growth of flyfishing is due to many things, not the least of which is the depth and breadth of well-conceived instructional material. There are many more good books available today than in years past, and McNally’s book is a case in point.
“The Complete Book of Flyfishing” does many things well. It gives the first time, fledgling flyfisher a basic overview of the equipment, tactics, and methods by which they can become proficient in the sport. There is also a depth and breadth of information in McNally’s book that explains well many of flyfishing’s harder techniques and methods. All in an easy to read format that leaves the reader wanting more.
Some instructional books effectively transfer information without adequately explaining the reasons why traditions and methods have evolved and are recommended. McNally gives more than just a “how to” treatise. He explains the rationale behind his choice of material, technique and equipment choices.
If a friend asked the best method to learn the basics of flyfishing I’d have no hesitation in recommending “The Complete Book of Flyfishing” by McNally as an outstanding guide.
Intermediate flyfishers will also find many interesting items in the book. McNally’s section on knots is a prime example. Many have fished for years without a good working knowledge of the knots needed to fish properly. McNally provides first class illustrations for all the basic and tertiary knots. Sections on leader design and composition are also outstanding. I’ve never seen a better exposition on leaders anywhere.
If you are looking for a well-written text on all aspects of flyfishing pick up a copy of McNally’s book. You will reach for it often.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a very good book for the novice fly fisherman.I have read many fly fishing books ,but this one I feel is the best one. Everything is put down in simple form to make it very easy for the beginner to understand.There are many pictures also to show step by step procedures that are explained.The section on leaders I found very helpfull,showing with pictures and words the proper way to make your own tappered leaders.This book helped me learn the right way to tie tappered leaders.choose the right rod and reel and line.and learn how to cast the proper way etc. choosing the right flys to use and learn how to read the water….
Rating: 5 / 5
This book is listed as 368 pages. Thankfully there were only 349. I thought I was reading a novel. Each chapter began with a verbose, and usually self backpatting, 4-5 page introduction of the authors personal conquest while fly fishing. It took me so long to read, that I was out of time to return it. I sincerely believe the “meat” of this book could have been communicated in less than 200 pages, and probably less than 100 if color photos(other than the 10 pages in the center of the book that were of no benefit) were used. Actually, few photos of the “how to” were shown,the sketches carried most of the weight. Most of the black-and-white photos were of an already caught fish that bolstered the authors standing with his audience. L.L.Beans books are done and offer more info. Let’s cut to the chase so that we can get back on the water. I would not recommend to beginner of advanced fishermen. I think that any book that includes fly tying or pictures of fishing flies commands color photos. How many fishing lures have you ever bought from a black-and-white catalog?
Rating: 2 / 5
I am very disapointed with this book. McNally wastes a lot of time pumping himself up by telling us about how he won some distance casting contests back in his prime, how fly line used to be labeled when he first got into fly fishing, and other useless info. His section on fly casting is pitiful and provides no real information to a beginner. The funniest part is his fly casting problems and remedies – I’ve seen better information on an index card. His section on fly tying is also useless.
The final offense is that in several pictures of trout, McNally describes how the trout was handled gently and released carefully. Then in the saltwater fishing section, he catches a small dolphin and shows a picture of himself gaffing the dolphin with a caption that reads “Dolphins are good eating!”.
McNally might be a great fly fisher but his book as awful. I would recommend the LLBean book over this one for beginners anyday.
Rating: 1 / 5
I bought this book as a beginner wanting to get into flyfishing. This book gave the information I needed to be confident in beginning this demanding sport. It has a great overview of all species and techniques. A Great Beginners book.
Rating: 5 / 5