The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference

This wonderful book has very clear illustrations of just about every dressing technique I've ever seen, or heard of, or wondered about. The most obscure technique for winging I know of, the "reverse hackle" or as the Brit's call it, "wonderwing" is clearly shown. I'd never run across anything about this winging style, save for a few photos in European journals. I find the inclusion of this obscure technique amazing.

This book has something for everybody: beginners will have choices for tying that are easier (or, more sophisticated) than the guide they are working from; and, intermediate and advanced tiers will find interesting new methods or new uses for existing materials.

I simply have never seen a survey of technique this extensive anywhere in the (already voluminous) fly tying literature.

Mr. Schollmeyer's photos are sharp, well oriented and highly illustrative. Mr. Leeson's text (which is a substantial departure from his superb prose work) is a model of clarity and concise description.

Overall this is a fine work and one which will, I predict, become a standard in the field.


A clear, concise guide to fly tying techniques   August 1, 1999
Barry Jacobson (jacobson@southcom.com.au) (Hobart, Australia)
33 out of 33 found this review helpful

The book clearly and concisely describes all the techniques required by fly tiers of any skill level (from novice upwards).

Where there are alternative methods to achieve a particular end result, effective use is made of different coloured backgrounds to ensure the reader is in no way confused.

A worthwhile addition to any serious fly tier's library


techniques, not patterns   January 22, 2001
AquaDoc (Fort Collins, CO United States)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

Don't expect to learn a lot of new patterns from this book. It doesn't have any patterns, just techniques. Having trouble getting wings to stand up? This book shows you several ways. The techniques you use to accomplish any task in fly tying that I can think of are in this book, as well as variations on many of these techniques.

It's not the only book on fly tying you'll want, because you'll want some patterns, also. That won't stop it from being the most important fly tying book you purchase, however.

This one is a modern classic.


Not for everyone, but...   March 8, 2002
jeffnc (Raleigh, NC USA)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Well, it's difficult to fault this book, because it does what (I assume) it set out to do exceedingly well - that is, be a reference of *techniques*. The worst you could say about this book is that it's not for everyone. For example, it's not something I'd recommend to a beginner. It doesn't show how to tie even one complete fly. A beginner would be in over his head trying to tie a fly from this book. It's all glossy, and there are thousands of photos, which is good, but this is not really a "coffee table" book either. It's dense and *technical* - looks like a glossy college textbook of some sort!

But man, what a reference! It's the only book of its kind as far as I know. There is a LOT in here. They seem to have collected from every significant author and fly design to compile this monster. This book is fantastic for those who like to make up their own flies by tweaking patterns they already know of, or to make completely new patterns. It's also great if you find sketchy or confusing fly recipes - this can provide a new perspective on that technique you're trying to figure out.

You want to add wings? 30 ways to tie in wings. Dubbing? A dozen dubbing techniques. Add lead? A couple dozen ways to weight your fly. (Those numbers are off the top of my head, but you get the idea.) The book's not perfect. I'm not an expert so I can't critique all the techniques, but, for example, the thorax hackling technique credited to Marinaro differs from Marinaro's instructions.

Quibbles aside, if you tie much, and really want to improve your technique, or even improve on published fly patterns you've been tying, you can't beat this book....


Amazingly comprehensive and beautifully finished book   February 11, 1999
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I have been tying flies for three years now and one of my biggest challenges is working with new tying techniques. Often, the source books for patterns show step-by-step methods for a limited number of patterns. This book however focusses on the techniques themselves - ALL of them - that can be applied to every pattern you could ever tie. The writing is concise and the photography outstanding. A must-have book - this definitely will be the standard-bearer for many years to come. Highly recommended.