The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Completely Revised and Updated with Over 400 New Color Photos and Illustrations

• #5 in Best Fishing Books

13 Reviews

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I would say this book along with the L.L. Bean Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing are the two single best resources available for new fly fisherman. Both have tons of information and both have wonderful color pictures and diagrams. I would not hesitate to order either book. In fact, at the time of this review both books are priced identically here at Amazon. If you must pick only one of the two books I would give the slightest of nods to the LL Bean book. Why? Because it has about 50 additional pages and a better section on fly tying. On a scale of 1-10 I'd give the LL Bean book a 9.5 and I'd give the Orvis book a 9.0. Either way you are going to get a fantastic resource.

This is the new edition of one of the best books for introducing anyone to the sport of fly fishing, whether the angler wants to shop for equipment at Orvis or Wal-Mart. The information is clearly explained without going into tedious details that novices (and experienced anglers) don't want. Everything is covered here--from rod types to fly lines to casting basics. The excellent graphics are helpful--especially of the knots. Some books have knot instructions that are impossible to follow--"knot" so here! For someone who wants to start fly fishing, this book would make a great start. Orvis no doubt added the color illustrations to compete with "L.L.Bean's Handbook to Fly-Fishing" (another excellent "How to" book). So, if you're looking for "How to" info, this is the book to get; for inspiration (both about fishing and life itself), pick up Schreiber's novel, "Life on the Fly."

I am a novice to fly fishing. I had ordered Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide together with the L.L. Bean Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing and I have to say that L.L. Bean Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing has a slight advantage over this one. On the other hand though, this book provides a well-rounded package of information on fly fishing, which the beginners will no doubt appreciate in time as well once they get past the basics. Pros: This is a well written book for all fly fishers. Nobody will find it boring. Even the most advanced fly fishing enthusiasts will benefit from this book. Con: The beginners might have difficulty understanding the basic concepts and terminology. In conclusion, I think I will learn the fundamentals of this sport/pastime from the L.L. Bean guide at the beginning and will advance to Orvis book to refine my knowledge and build on my experience. I definitely recommend it.

I don't know why it is that both Orvis and L. L. Bean have fly fishing books out under their names. They don't seem to have books out on skeet shooting, or mountain climbing or anything else. But both of them produce fly-fishing books. And any fly fisherman would appreciate having them as gifts, unless of course, they have already purchased them for themselves.

The books cover essentially the same things:

equipment such as rods, reels, and fishing line
clothing such as waders, hats, vest (they are clothing companies after all)
flies, an endless number of flies,
techniques and tactics to lure the wiley trout, OK, you CAN go after other kinds of fish, or at least it is so rumored.

There's an old saying that God does not subtract from man's allotted time on earth that time spent fly fishing. And if that's the case, then the time spent reading about fly fishing can only count at half the actual time spent.

A great gift.

This is a great book to have if you're just beginning or if you want a quick reference as an expert. The size is a bit unrealistic to travel with and is the only reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5.

Just recently started Fly Fishing again after 20 year so thought I would update my copy. It was more than worth it. The book has been updated with changes in techniques. Highly recommended for beginners or even more experienced fishers who my be trying new things or brushing up on their basics.

Good General Guide, good reference materials but not that helpful if you are already and experience fly fisherman. I did not really learn anything new. But good book anyway.

For very good information tool for the novice flyfisherman and it's even a good reference guide for the more experienced flyfishing individual.

Great book very informative, incredible pictures and drawings, very easy to follow.
Highly recommended to all fly fishermen.

My father, has been an avid flyfisherman for 20+ years and we got this book for him. It was well written and demonstrated many great techniques that many dont know about. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more or who is just beginning to fish.
Thanks for the great product.
Chase

Nice, all about this fishing method. A lot of graph and fotos.
There is a better choice off orvis that came in hard cover

New fly fishermen will love this great resource, which is full of beautiful pictures and helpful diagrams. Rod types, fly lines, and casting basics are all covered.

For someone just getting into the sport, like myself, this book provides plenty of punch for the money. I find myself using it as an encyclopedia of sorts for all things related to fly fishing. Highly recommend!