Prospective fly-fishers who are otherwise worried that the sport is too difficult or arcane would be well advised to read Meade's book for a lucid and concise introduction to the popular pastime. Meade effectively presents enough information to get beginners started. He covers such fundamentals as choosing tackle, casting a fly line, and deceiving a variety of fish with fur and feathers made to look like something edible. There are even simple fly-tying instructions. Angling etiquette and safety are also covered, and a thoughtful glossary is provided. A number of other books cover the same introductory topics, but none better in so compact a volume. Recommended.

Essential Fly Fishing - an all-color handbook - presents the fundamentals of this great sport quickly and effectively. Proven teaching techniques and bright, helpful color illustrations will enable new fly fishers to:

Find fish in streams, lakes, and salt water

Select and assemble proper, balanced tackle

Cast a fly line with authority - rhythm, not strength

Recognize and learn to simulate natural fish foods

Learn techniques that really work!

Tie effective knots that have maximum strength

Begin the endlessly interesting process of tying your own flies