Art of the Fly
Peter Watson finds 50 reasons to buy the latest Australian fly-tying book.
I have a soft spot for fly tying books and a recently discovered must have is Art of The Fly, the latest work from Frank O’Leary (Long Tail Tale FL#36)—a new fly tying book with a bit of a difference. Many similar books give the illusion of promise from the outside, but upon opening it’s the same sterile reference style book. What a surprise when I first opened up Frank’s book, to find that initial promise actually held up. With a combination of superb photography, fly selection and insightful discussion Art of The Fly grabs you the moment you open it.
Within the book Frank has compiled a selection of 50 patterns, 25 fresh and 25 salt, to cover every fishing situation. Not an easy task with the number of flies out there but Frank has gone with practical fish catching patterns that anyone can fish with confidence; from Anchovy Bomb to Woolly Bugger you’ll be covered. These patterns also give you a great basis to work from, to change here and there to suit your own conditions.
Each pattern begins with a superb full page macro shot of the fly; it’s this photography that grabs you as soon as you open the book. Accompanying the photo Frank discusses his thoughts on the fly, its originator, places the fly has had success and tips on materials and tying. Then follows a short tying sequence with written descriptions and photos for 3 or 4 steps in the tying process. Probably not for rank beginners needing to be shown each step of the process, but if you have an understanding of the basics this is a book to provide trusted successful patterns and inspire you at the vice.
Frank’s own words best describe his aim with Art of The Fly: ‘This book is really a celebration of the fly, as a way of catching fish and as an age-old technique. It is not designed to be a definitive guide, and to that end the recipes provide easy-to-follow steps without listing every possible hook or material option. Exploring and experimenting is what fly tying is all about.’
This isn’t a book to be filed away on a shelf, but one to be left out for anyone to look through—to be inspired by the creativity in these small creations and admire some of the beauty of our sport, beauty that is often overlooked.
Published by the Penguin Group (Australia) this 231 page, full colour hardcover book is priced at $49.95.