The Orvis Fly-Tying Guide

Rating:
Summary: Best I've Seen for the beginner
Review: I just began to investigate the world of fly tying. This was the third or fourth book I read in detail, and the only one that provided enough detail to actually tie some simple flies correctly.

It provides a good combination of clarity on specific techniques, and step-by-step instructions on tying several patterns. Both the photos and the text are clear and easy to follow. Also, things are not made more tricky than they actually are, a problem with some of the other books.

I also just bought the Benchside Reference, which I agree with all is an indispensible reference. I could not put it down after I got it from the library, and that is saying a lot for a reference book. I think with the two, the typical beginner could tie a decent Wooly Bugger in an hour -- I did.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book covering nearly all basics
Review: The book shows in very clear colour detail the upright (hair & feather) wing, parachute, klinchammer, dubbing, hackle and has a vast number of fly patterns. This book is very good for beginners and those who are experimenting and starting to advance. Reading this book should give anyone a good strong basis on which to build.