This is one of the most interesting books on fly tying I have ever read, breaks its down so the very beginner can just pick it up. I was having problems in the past with all the flys and the elements that went into making a fly, but with this book it was all spelled out very plain.
As far as I am concerned this is a must read for all beginners.

Victor Akopian

I purchased this book about a year ago, and I have found it to be every bit as helpful as the other posters on this site have already attested.

The book is well illustrated, printed on thick paper, and both ingenious and unique in it's presentation of the patterns and the techniques needed in tying.

I work overseas most of the time, so I do almost all of my shopping via Amazon... I don't write too many reviews, but a year later here I am singing the praises of this great book.

It is worth every penny, and would happily pay double if I had to replace the copy I currently own.

This is the best how to book format I have ever seen. It is so great. It just makes sense to have spilt pages with the recipe on the top half of the page and instructions for the different techniques on the bottom half. It has helped me to understand fly tieing so much. Great book.

I have several fly tying books, of which, none can approach this book in explaining how to tye flies. The way this book is laid out is a clear advantage. I feel that most anyone will benefit who is interested in tying. A person can purchase a less expensive book on tying, but remember the old saying, "buy the best and cry once."
































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I have several fly tying books, of which, none can approach this book in explaining how to tye flies. The way this book is laid out is a clear advantage. I feel that most anyone will benefit who is interested in tying. A person can purchase a less expensive book on tying, but remember the old saying, "buy the best and cry once."
































i

If you are thinking of getting started in fly tying,this IS the book to purchase. It will be your last and only book that you will need to purchase on this subject. It is extremely easy to navigate and takes the mystery out of fly tying techniques. Even seasoned veterans might find an easier technique to use. I would recommend it to family and friends!

Probably one of the best books I have bought for the instruction of fly tying. Highly recommend.

These step-by-step instructions for fly tying are invaluable for beginners. The split-page design allows you to follow along in the book as you tie.

After reading reviews of the book and deciding to take the "fly tying plunge," I bought this incredible book (and saved a nice bit by buying via Amazon... thank you Amazon). As a total fly tying "noob," I can attest to the fact that this is the single best source for anyone... and I do mean anyone... interested in jumping into this great time-honored tradition. Not enough can be said about the split page design. There are also a great number of excellent patterns with tips and tricks to make tying them (and personal creations) incredibly simple. The book could only be better if the authors could shrink my finger size or increase my dexterity. Short of that, this is the book to have! My recommendation is to buy the book before you buy any equipment or materials if you're considering this activity. But from what I've seen, it's NEVER too late to buy this book.

Happy Tying!!!

After reading reviews of the book and deciding to take the "fly tying plunge," I bought this incredible book (and saved a nice bit by buying via Amazon... thank you Amazon). As a total fly tying "noob," I can attest to the fact that this is the single best source for anyone... and I do mean anyone... interested in jumping into this great time-honored tradition. Not enough can be said about the split page design. There are also a great number of excellent patterns with tips and tricks to make tying them (and personal creations) incredibly simple. The book could only be better if the authors could shrink my finger size or increase my dexterity. Short of that, this is the book to have! My recommendation is to buy the book before you buy any equipment or materials if you're considering this activity. But from what I've seen, it's NEVER too late to buy this book.

Happy Tying!!!

I bought this book for my husband, who had only been tying his own flies for 2 months. He had a book that came with his kit, but he'd already mastered all those and was ready to move on. This book, The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying, was a huge hit with him. It not only works because it deals with many beginner techniques, but also because it has carried him along as his skills have improved. In fact, I don't know that he'll ever need another book, because this one covers all skill ranges. According to him, the pictures are great, very detailed, and he loves that he can lay the book flat (because of the spiral binding), instead of having to put something heavy on the page to hold it down while he works. He said he probably won't ever have to buy another fly! Overall, a great book and I, and he, highly recommend it.

I bought this book for my husband, who had only been tying his own flies for 2 months. He had a book that came with his kit, but he'd already mastered all those and was ready to move on. This book, The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying, was a huge hit with him. It not only works because it deals with many beginner techniques, but also because it has carried him along as his skills have improved. In fact, I don't know that he'll ever need another book, because this one covers all skill ranges. According to him, the pictures are great, very detailed, and he loves that he can lay the book flat (because of the spiral binding), instead of having to put something heavy on the page to hold it down while he works. He said he probably won't ever have to buy another fly! Overall, a great book and I, and he, highly recommend it.

A unique How To Guide for fly tying. This reference covers many techniques from basic clamping of the hook to advanced techniques such as parachutes and wonder wings. The Patterns illustrated were chosen not to be a complete selection of must have flies but rather as a set to incorporate all of the techniques required to create a fly for any situation. All of the fly patterns, techniques and step by step instructions are photographically depicted in stunning detail. If I had had this book 30 years ago I would be a much more accomplished hobbyist then I am now. The feature that sets this book apart from the pack is the split pages in the body of the book. A well illustrated step by step process for tying an indivifual pattern is on the top half of the page detailed depictions of individual techniqies are on the bottom. So if you are, for example , tying a parachute Adams the pattern is on the top half and as yoou progress through the tie the individual methods are referenced on the bottom so when the pattern calls for a post you can turn to the section depicting the proper way to tie the post without losing the pattern. I have been tying flies since the seventies and I found a great deal to like about this book. I highly reccomend this to any level tyer but especially for beginner to intermediate tyers. A much more useful and user freindly tome than the more complete "Benchside Reference" given the chance to only own one of these two references I would purchase this one.

This is a great instructional book. I am new to fly tying and the split format of upper page sections for the recipe, and the lower section for required techniques is very helpful.
The only reason I do not give this five stars is because of the wire-o' binding. It is a little fragile and makes turning the pages difficult, a plastic spiral coil is always easier to work with. The larger size of the book is a plus, for these tired eyes, but a drawback also because it takes up so much room on my bench when open for use.
I would highly recommend this book for newbies such as myself.

This is by far the best of the 4 fly tying books that I have. The organization with patterns and techniques separated makes obtaining instructions for recipes really easy. The photos are great and instructions have sufficient detail to quickly learn new techniques. Highly recommended for beginning to more advanced tyer.

With their unique format, outstanding photos and text, the authors have produced the finest fly tying manual ever. It is great for both beginning tyers and those who have spent many hours at the vise.

It is a very good learning book for the novice fly tier and a good book to review for the advanced tirer. I like how it tells you what page to go to for tying the patterns and the way the pages are separted so you can look at the pattern and go to see how it is done.

A great, new innovative way for demonstrating how to tie flies. So well written and laid out that this book can be used by the beginner to the seasoned tier. Clear pictures and techniques to help with tying each fly. The spiral bound book lays flat which makes the step by step methods even easier to follow in tying a wide variety of flies that are presented in this book.

The book is a great place for brginners to start learning and doing. I had not tied a fly for many years - used the book to review tools and techniques - got restarted quickly. The back and forth referencing throughout is a great way to keep you informed and on track.

I finally got a chance to use this great book last week. I had taken a fly tying class earlier this year and couldn't remember how to tie a couple of flies. The book is well written and gives precise instructions - with pictures - on how to tie each and every fly. The instructions are easy to follow. This is a must have for any person who ties flies!!

Collectively compiled and authored by fly fishing experts Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying is an impressive collection of fly recipes, tying steps, and techniques. Guiding readers through a compendium packed from cover to cover with professional, in-depth information on the artistic nature of fly fishing, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to color blending, knot tying, hook measurements, fly proportions, threads and materials. A core addition to any dedicated fly fishing reference collection, The Benchside Introduction To Fly Tying is very strongly recommended as the ultimate illustrated guide for the fly fishing enthusiast from novice to veteran.