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Book and DVD Reviews
No sport or game has had as long, and as extensive, a literature history as has fly fishing and its companion craft fly tying. This large body of written and visual material creates one of the greatest joys to members of the brotherhood of the angle. This body of work is one of the truly unique attributes of fly fishing and one that every fly fisherman should indulge in.
Collected here are reviews of books and DVDs I have read or viewed concerning fly fishing, fly tying, and stories about both. No hype, no paid endorsements, only my opinion of each book. These reviews not only describe the contents but also how well the contents have been executed by both author and publisher.
Reflections on the Water
by Rick Kustich
West River Publishing
Grand Island, NY, 2007
205 pages, Hardcover
suggested price $22.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
The author grew up on the island that splits the Niagara River before it plunges over Niagara Falls. Not so surprisingly therefore Rick has been fishing almost from the time he could walk. This book is a collection of fishing stories from this lifetime of fishing. This volume is reminiscent of the writings of Sparse Grey Hackle in that the stories teach through the use of humor and fascinating characters. These stories teach about fishing techniques and about living to the fullest but do so almost as an aside to the humor and wit instilled within every page. There are no half empty glasses within these pages, only half full ones. For example, if you need to know how to catch an Atlantic salmon when all else has failed you will find it here. Of course you first have to have the perfect rock to stand on. However the idea that there is always hope, there is always one more cast to be made, can be used anywhere at any time. This is a well written book of very interesting stories that will make you smile, even laugh, and learn from it all.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
At the Rivers Edgeby Jerry Kustich
West River Publishing
Grand Island, NY, 2001
215 pages, Hardcover
suggested price $22.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This book tells of the coming of age of a fisherman. The stories are of making the journey from child to adult and utilizing fly fishing as the common thread that holds the journey together. It will touch most who read it because it will rekindle the reader’s memories of the same journey whether mostly completed or still an early work in progress. There is a humanity to be found within these stories which more of the “extreme” fly fishers of the current generation really need to embrace. The stories are not those of great fish, nor great fishing feats of daring do. But instead, it tells of man’s absolute need to rediscover our connection with the natural world. It illustrates every man’s need to feel the rhythms of nature so as to be able to feel the rhythms of his own life. The book also illustrates how as we destroy the natural world we destroy ourselves and our future as a race. It is a call to arms against those men and technology that would make us robots. It is a well written excellent read worthy of everyone’s library.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
The Perfect Cast -- Fly Fishing Academy Vol. 1by Henrik Mortensen
Newsline Video Productions Denmark, 2003
65 minutes + 25 minutes bonus, DVD
suggested price $39.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This DVD presents excellent instruction of the underhand casting techniques so popular in Scandinavian countries. The author teaches how to cast using both single hand and two hand rods. The classroom portion regarding how a fly line is cast and how line speed is the key to perfect casting is extremely well illustrated. The on water portion of the DVD is a real pleasure to watch. You are taken fishing where you learn about casting, presentation, reading the water, and hooking and playing fish exactly as you do when you are fishing with a mentor. The discussion is like a conversation between fishing buddies while you watch the author’s words being put into successful action. The use of a narrator is also well designed and executed. This allows the author to show you what he is teaching while letting the narrator speak of the author in the third person. What results is a presentation that does not come off as a “Spey Guru” speaking down from the “Mount” but instead one fisherman helping another. The videography is superb. The script is extremely well written and presented by both the author and the narrator. The countryside and rivers are absolutely gorgeous. The production is very professional leaving the viewer to see the content without technical interruptions. This DVD is a superb teaching aid for everyone wanting to learn underhand casting as well as learning how to fish for all anadromous fish.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
The Scandinavian Spey Cast -- Fly Fishing Academy Vol. 4by Henrik Mortensen
Newsline Video Productions Denmark, 2007
74 minutes, DVD
suggested price $39.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
The author concentrates on the underhand cast and how to develop it with two hand rods. The viewer is shown how to cast from both the right and the left side of the body and why being able to cast off of both shoulders is important. As in previous DVDs in this series the use of a narrator is well conceived and well executed. Also, like previous volumes the author teaches by means of illustration fishing Atlantic salmon rivers. In this volume he fishes both in Scandinavia and Eastern Canada. One of the really eye opening aspects of the author’s fishing in Canada is that the filming was done on his first attempts on these rivers and runs. That is, he taught and caught on water he had never fished or even seen before taping. To see him succeed using the watercraft and casting skills he is teaching the viewer really punctuates the value of the underhand casting style and the methods of using it. Once again the videography is superb. The script is extremely well written and presented by both the author and the narrator. The countryside and rivers are absolutely gorgeous. The production is very professional leaving the viewer to see the content without technical interruptions. This is another superb DVD teaching aid for everyone wanting to learn underhand casting as well as learning how to fish for all anadromous fish.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Make’em Swimby Mikael Frodin
guidelineflyfish.com -- Distributer Mountain Media Sweden, 2008
approx. 120 minutes, DVD
suggested price $45.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This new DVD by Mikael Frodin is an excellent tutorial on using his tube fly tying products and the techniques he uses in tying his octopus style of tube fly. In addition, this DVD is done in English, and well done I would add. The author does a great job of discussing why he designed the FITS system of tubing, cone heads, turbo heads, and his new tube tying device. He explains his reasoning including illustration with several flies in a flow tank. The tying instruction starts with tying a very simple octopus style fly with a single color wing. He then ties more and more elaborate variations using a larger palette of materials and more of them on each fly. Thus, the techniques and tips are repeated a number of times allowing the viewer to more fully understand both the technique and the result. By watching the complete series of flies the viewer also gets the opportunity to pick up different construction tips and materials selecting tips as the author adds information with each pattern in the series. The octopus style of tube fly and the construction and design features obviously can be transferred to other patterns, tubes, and even to tying on hooks and shanks. The criteria for materials selection and preparation likewise have broad application. This DVD has excellent videogrphy, sound, editing, and scripting. The lighting and camera angles are well thought out and very ably executed. At a price of $45.95 this is a very expensive fly tying DVD. However, if you would like to learn to tie this style of tube fly, from the creator of the style, then this DVD is a good value.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Deep South Fly Fishing, vol. 1by Thad Bechum
Halfmoon Productions BreamBugs.com -- distributor Chesterfield, MO, 2007
120 minutes, DVD
suggested price $19.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This DVD is billed as a motivational video about fly fishing for panfish. And it succeeds in that it certainly will get your blood pumping to go fishing. The author shares his enthusiasm, knowledge, skills, and tips with the viewer such that anyone who can cast 30 feet can catch panfish. This DVD being done in the Deep South, where panfish grow to epic sizes, will be a real eye opener for those who have never fished in the southern impoundments and rivers. The simple system of fly patterns, rigging, and equipment is very clearly illustrated. The techniques of finding and presenting flies to panfish are also very clearly explained and shown. The scenery is lovely and the wildlife shots are a great addition. The zest and humor of the author clearly shines in this production and will inspire any viewer to get to the water and start casting. While the script is a bit home movies like, the quality of the videography, sound, and editing are first rate. This DVD is just plain fun. With a price tag of less than twenty dollars it is also a excellent value. If you would love to just have fun and enjoy a day on the water with your fly rod and a few simple flies this DVD is definitely a must. If your fly fishing is too serious for panfish, you are even in greater need of owning and watching this DVD.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
The Complete Illustrated Directory of Salmon & Steelhead Fliesby Chris Mann
Frank Amato Publications, Inc. US Publisher Portland, OR, 2008
468 pages, Hard cover, illustrated Color
suggested price $99.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is a fourth book of salmon and steelhead fly patterns by the author. This book is designed to cover many patterns not included in the first three books such as dry flies and waking flies. It further includes flies that were not included in the previous volumes for various reasons. All the fly patterns included are fully illustrated using computer created images. The beauty of these images is that they allow the viewer to see every part of the fly, even parts that in a photograph or live viewing would be hidden by other portions of the fly. For the fly tier this is a definite plus. For a pattern book this approach is a very good one. One of the real strengths of the book is the extensive bibliography, and indices of flydressers, fly types, and full index. These allow the reader to quickly find a particular pattern or style of pattern. Unfortunately, there are also limitations. Several of the “series” pattern collections are not complete such as the Coquihalla series of Tommy Brayshaw and the Herons of Syd Glasso. There are numerous muddler patterns with only color changes or minor material changes listed as separate patterns instead of as a collection of variations. Finally, the editing is very amateurish. There are many glaring mistakes such as changing Edward Ringwood Hewitt to Edward Ringwood, misspelling SPEY, omitting parts of the pattern in the text, and having the illustration and text not correspond. The book definitely covers a good bit of salmon and steelhead pattern ground. It clearly provides a valuable collection of patterns. But with a $100 price tag the sloppy craftsmanship should not have been allowed by the author or the editorial staff.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Muskie on the Flyby Robert S. Tomes
Wild River Press Mill Creek, WA, 2008
283 pages, Hardcover, illustrated color and B&W
suggested price $59.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
Fly fishing for muskellunge is arguably the most passion intense fly fishing in the world. Here is a quarry that is large, aggressive, moody, fearless, and elusive. Add to this the fact that muskellunge inhabit large rivers and large open bodies of flat water as well as the need to use flies the size of large chickens and you have one hell of a challenge. Where to start on such a quest? This has always been the question for fly fishers. Now there is an excellent answer. This book by an author that actually successfully fishes for these fish has it all. Within the covers of this volume the reader is taken on a journey that provides him with an understanding of the muskellunge, its habitat, and then what to do once you have found your quarry. There is an excellent discussion of gear and flies that allow you to cast the necessary huge flies all day long. There is also extensive instruction on casting skills, presentation techniques, and how to convert follows to hook ups. And here is one of the most intriguing attributes of the muskellunge, it is fearless to the point that it will follow your fly literally to your rod tip watching you as it swims behind the fly. And no one that makes close-up eye contact with a muskellunge can ever quite forget this fish. So, if you would like to experience the mighty and almost mystical muskellunge this book is an absolute necessity. The author shares with the reader a lifetime of experience casting to muskellunge. The writing is well done, easy to read, and very entertaining. The outdoor photography and illustrations are exceptionally fine. The photographs of the flies are almost life size allowing the reader to get both a good understanding of the materials and construction as well as the magnitude of the casting challenge. There are also sections on some of the very finest muskellunge waters and guides. The discussion of rods, lines, reels, and flies is priceless for someone trying to actually cast one of these feather and fur monsters the required 60 to 80 feet even once let alone all day long. The information on what to do when you do get a muskellunge to follow your fly will certainly improve your chances of actually being connected to one of these monsters. Simply put, this is an exceptionally well done book on all levels. A must have for anyone who fishes for muskellunge, or dreams of doing so.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
The Fly-Fisher’s Craftby Darrel Martin
The Lyons Press Guilford, CT, 2006
280 pages, Hardbound, illustrated Color
suggested price $39.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
The author presents an interesting modern translation of some of the historically noteworthy writings on fly fishing and fly fishing equipment. The author takes you on a journey through the construction of flies, hooks, lines, and rods of old by presenting snippets of original material and then translates it into modern English so the reader can truly understand the original writer’s meaning. In addition, there is then discussion on how to duplicate the tools and procedures so that the reader can actually produce his own hooks, flies, lines, and rods so that he too can experience a bit of angling history first hand. The book is very well written and beautifully illustrated. For a bit of fun and some great off season projects this is the perfect project manual. This book is well done indeed.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Theodore Gordon on Troutedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2007
145 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. Theodore Gordon is probably known to every American fly fisherman as the father of dry fly fishing in North America. But very few have actually read anything Gordon wrote because he never published a book. Instead he wrote “small talks” that he sent to sporting periodicals of the day in America and Britain. These original articles are now almost impossible to find. In fact, if it wasn’t for the publishing of “The Complete Fly Fisherman” by John MacDonald after an exhaustive search both Gordon’s writings and for his grave Theodore Gordon very likely would be nothing more than a myth. Instead here is a lovely collection of “small talks” that will allow the reader to see how truly innovative and insightful Theodore Gordon was. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about Gordon and his writings. A great read and in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Norris on Trout Fishingedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2008
120 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. Thaddeus Norris wrote the first American fly fishing book that did not borrow from British natural history and fishing techniques. He was probably the most read and most loved fishing authority in America between the Civil War and World War I. This admiration was due to both his vast practical experience and his warm friendly writing style. In this volume the editor has provided a selection which includes the native brook trout, the Lake trout, and a great expedition to fish for the now long extinct Michigan Grayling. These are not just how to articles, or campfire stories, they are insightful tales of great adventure. Norris not only gives the reader solid advice on fishing and fly tying but also a glimmer of the past which no longer exists and has become the stuff of legend. It wasn’t legend for Norris, he lived it. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about Norris and his impact on American fly fishing. A great read and in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Skues on Troutedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2008
134 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. George Edward McKenzie (GEM) Skues was without doubt one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fly fisherman and fly fishing writer of the nineteenth century. Considering the fly fisherman writing talent of that century this may seem to be an outrageous statement. It is not. What Skues did was to create a whole new method of designing and tying flies as well as a completely new method of fishing them. Skues was the creator of nymph fishing and he was the designer of nymph fly patterns that were deadly fishing flies in the face of the loud and popular believe that only imitative or representational dry flies could catch fish. Modern nymph fishing and all of its off spring come directly from the fertile mind and keen observation of one man, GEM Skues. And most interestingly, what he said a century ago about nymph fly design and nymph fishing is as valid now as it was then. While some of his speculations and conclusions were proven wrong because the fishery science of the day was not as advanced as now in no way detracts from what he created. GEM Skues laid the first cornerstone in nymph fishing and nymph fly tying. That cornerstone remains intact and vibrant today. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about GEM Skues and his books. A great read and in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Stewart on the Wet Flyedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2008
114 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. William Stewart was the original extreme fly fisherman. He was interested in the most efficient manner of catching the most fish in the shortest time. He thus pre-dates the current extreme fly fishermen by 150 years. When his book was published in 1857 it had three printings in the first year alone. Fishing the wet fly on the freestone streams of Scotland Stewart developed practical skills regarding fly fishing, and fly tying which continue today. His writing is clear, straight forward, and easy to read. It is informal but highly instructional. It shows that Stewart was a keen observer and had an inquisitive and innovative mind. To truly understand all forms of modern wet fly/nymph fishing Stewart’s work is essential. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about Stewart and his book. A great read and in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Halford on the Dry Flyedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2007
137 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. Frederic Halford elevated dry fly fishing to the pinnacle of fly fishing in the chalk streams of England. These first two books laid forth an extremely well developed method of tying imitative dry flies and a method of fishing them. What he published in 1886 and 1889 still resonate through dry fly fishing today. And without any real change other than the technological advances of rods, and fly lines. So while Halford did not invent dry fly fishing, it had been going on for centuries, he did provide a very well thought out method of designing and tying dry flies and how to present these flies to trout. For this work he will always hold the place of “practical leader of dry fly fishing” and his work is essential for everyone that wishes to be a well rounded fly fisherman. The editor has provided some of the best of Halford in a lovely volume in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about Halford and his books.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang
Mottram on Fly-Fishing Mysteriesedited by Paul Schullery
Stackpole Books Mechanicsburg, PA, 2008
160 pages, Hardbound, illustrated B&W
suggested price $16.95
reviewed by Bruce E. Harang
This is one of a series of books which make available some of the best writings by fly fishermen, writings that have exerted a profound influence on fly fishing. And while the names of these men are legend, the writings that made them so are, unfortunately, little known and not readily available. The editor has provided the modern fly fisherman with the opportunity to learn from men upon whose shoulders much of modern fly fishing rests. Here are highlights of what each of these men wrote. The thoughts, observations, and experiences that became the basis of modern fly fishing, especially trout fly fishing. Cecil Mottram and his writing spanned the period comprising the both Halford and Skues. Thus he fished and wrote during the, at times, extremely bitter public dispute between these two great fly-fishing innovators. Mottram’s first book provided a tremendously innovative and insightful discussion of dry fly and nymph fishing, and flies. Work that even today is inspiring in both its breadth and its depth of thought and observation. This first book published in 1915 carried the work of both Halford and Skues forward and on the same high plane. For those desiring to learn the history and the techniques useful today this work of Mottram is in the logical progression of seminal works. In addition, the editor has provided a suggested reading list at the conclusion of the book to allow readers to access additional information about Cecil Mottram and his books. A great read and in a format that allows for easy travel in gear bag or briefcase.
© 2008 Bruce E Harang