Flies For Fish & Fishermen
Crafts & Hobbies Animal Sports Educational Textbook Fly Fishing Angling Reference Outdoor Sports Nature & Wildlife Vintage Sports Literature
Helen Shaw’s 1989 classic, “Flies for Fish & Fishermen,” is the vintage hard-cover every fly-tier dreams of finding in collectible condition. Written by the woman who literally wrote the modern bible of fly-tying, this profusely illustrated textbook walks you through every step of creating durable, fish-catching patterns— from selecting the right hook to finishing a whip-finish that will survive hundreds of strikes. Because it was produced as a teaching manual, each chapter builds logically on the last, making it perfect for motivated young adults, adult learners, and seasoned anglers who want to move beyond store-bought flies.
What sets this copy apart is its pristine, all-original state: tight binding, crisp pages, and the scarce dust jacket still bright after 35 years. There are no inscriptions, ex-libris stamps, or dog-eared corners—just clean, smoke-free pages that turn like new. The hundreds of close-up black-and-white photographs and Shaw’s own meticulous line drawings remain razor-sharp, letting you follow each wrap of thread or placement of wing fibers without squinting or guessing. Vintage copies in this condition rarely surface, especially with the jacket intact.
Beyond the collectible appeal, the content itself is timeless. Shaw’s philosophy of matching the hatch, understanding insect life cycles, and tailoring patterns to local conditions pre-dates many of today’s “modern” techniques, yet her explanations are clearer and more concise than most contemporary manuals. Whether you tie classic wet flies, delicate drys, or contemporary nymphs, you’ll return to these pages again and again for reference, inspiration, and confidence at the vise. For anglers who appreciate heirloom-quality angling literature, this copy delivers both practical instruction and enduring shelf presence.
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