Product Description

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 for giant marlin in the open ocean--and everything in between. This book is the culmination of a long and respected career as one of the world's best-known outdoor writers--the collected knowledge of almost half a century of fly fishing condensed to fit between two covers. Here, in plain language, is a complete book of fly fishing from a complete fly fisherman.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15616 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 354 pages

Review
``One of the best thought-out basic texts I've seen'' (Fly Rod & Reel )

``To say any single book about a subject so diverse as fly fishing is `complete' is tall talk, but this one delivers.'' (Flyfisher )

Synopsis
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 for giant marlin in the open ocean - and everything in between. This book is the culmination of a long and respected career as one of the world's best-known outdoor writers - the collected knowledge of almost half a century of fly fishing condensed to fit between two covers. Here, in plain language, is a complete book of fly fishing from a complete fly fisherman.

From the Back Cover

Praise for The Complete Book of Fly Fishing:

". . .although I am usually skeptical of 'everything books,' the McNally volume actually seems to be one of the best-thought-out basic texts I've seen for a while­­--for a reasonable price at that­­--covering everything from trout to pike to sailfish."­­--Fly Rod & Reel

"To say any single book about a subject so diverse as fly fishing is 'complete' is tall talk, but this one delivers."­­--Flyfisher

"McNally's writing is disciplined, but smooth. The reader doesn't even realize that he or she is being tutored as well as entertained."­­--New York Newsday

Customer Reviews

Beware printing errors
Chapters 7&8 were repeat printed (but 3 pages short) and chapters 9&10 were completely missing!

I also agree with other comments in that it is US based and very difficult to get to the information required (ie: how to started quickly) - too verbose!

A good book to get you hooked on the sport
My only complaint of this book is that it concentrates on Fly fishing in America with Tom McNally waxing lirical about fishing in the "East" or the "West". However the stories he tells are great to read and overall it is a very comprehensive book on the whole subject of Fly Fishing. Worth a read

Great for beginners and intermediate flyfishers.
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.