Reviewed by S.B. Schweitzer
- Beginner's Guide to Flytying
- Chris Mann & Terry Griffiths
- Frank Amato Publications
- ISBN: 1-57188-184-0
- Price: approx. US$16.-
There are
hundreds of books for the beginning flytyer, many of which are
published by material manufacturers or tool manufacturers to 'lure'
you into buying their wares. So why then would Chris Mann and
Terry Griffiths try their hand at another beginning tying book?
It's because their approach makes this book one of the most unique
on the market. The tying steps, tricks and illustrations are done
via the computer at the hand of expert illustrator Chris Mann.
The illustrations are clearer than photography, more lifelike
than drawings, and they depict subtleties of applying thread,
fur and feather to the hook via eggagerated emphasis in the graphic.
You end up clearly seeing what to do.
An example.
While most books would elaborately describe the advantages of
pulling tying thread downwards to secure material on the top of
the hook, this book graphically depicts what would happen if you
didn't! This is helpful stuff.
Likewise,
clearly illustrated graphics are large and many times take up
3/4 of a page. This is to further eggagerate the minute details
discussed in the text.
 
The book
thoroughly reveals tying steps, tricks, traps and techniques
for twelve world-proven flies for any waters. Each pattern keys
on a particular fly tying technique. The authors clearly cover
body wrapping techniques, ribbing, tails, dubbing, hackling,
& winging. Intermingled in the text of the book are 11 "Tricks
of the Trade" that reinforce what the beginner or intermediate
tyer has learned. These tips alone are expertly diagrammed and
worth every penny of the $16 USD cover price (and it's hard-board
no-less!). Tricks such as how to apply an even metal tinsel
body without lumps & bumps and how to correctly hackle a
parachute fly are covered. The flies used in the book are:
-
Black Ghost
- Woolly Bugger
- Dick's Dun
- Gray Wulff
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Parachute Emerger
- Ginger Quill
- Black Pennell
- Goldhead Hare's Ear
- Montana Nymph
- Pheasant tail Nymph
- Shrimp/Scud
While this
book won't appeal to the intermediate going advanced tyer, it
certainly will appeal to the occasional to intermediate tyer.
It briefly covers material and tools, not so heavy that you'd
think it was a hardcover ad for "Gizmo Tying Tools &
Materials, Inc.". It makes no assumptions that you know anything
about tying. That in itself is it's #1 strength. And that is precisely
what a beginner's book should do. In my opinion, it's the book
that should be included in tying kits from your local outdoor
retailer. No where else will you get such cleanly presented and
explained tying advise. I will most certainly use this book as
the reference guide when I teach my beginning tying classes in
the future.
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While
this book is geared for the beginner, the expertly detailed
computer-generated illustrations make this book a quality
reference guide for the intermediate or occasional tyer
as well.
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I don't give
out 6's often, but this book hits global class on the GFF scale
of excellence. It's hard-bound, extremely reasonably priced, expertly
diagrammed, easy reading, explains no-nonsense skills and techniques,
and veers clear of the corporate influence of brand-names and
marketing. It's a straightforward book with a straightforward
view on the technique of tying flies. Add this one to your Christmas
list for little Bobby or little Sue. He/she won't be disappointed
as quality flies will come from the youngster in just a few hours
of using this book.
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