Fish Books

I was hesitant to read this book despite the recommendation of a friend and despite the accolades written here. How foolish. Reading this book was like sinking into a great mattress. I was near hypnotized by the beauty of the text which simply flowed. At times I was so overcome that I had to put the book down, the sadness of it all is wrenching. But never is the book depressing or is it hateful while describing the hate that people so easily engender. This is an extraordinary work.

This book was a gift to me from someone who knows my love of the Irish and of writers from that country. I began it hesitantly, not sure of the country I was entering, until I got perhaps ten pages into the book. The protagonist was describing how his mother sliced bread:

"..She did it in a trice. In the sewing of a wren's mitten."

I never looked back. His writing is brilliant, evocative, heartbreaking.

The Irish have always been known as great storytellers, but now they're all turning into great writers as well, and it seems they're coming out of the woodwork. Sebastian Barry's The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty places the protagonist in the small village of Sligo where he is an innocent among angry partisans. When he chooses to alleviate his problems of employment by taking a job with the Royal Irish Constabulary, the British-led police force, he irrevocably alters his life - as you might imagine! With beautiful language and ethereal descriptive passages, Barry allows readers to follow Eneas' travels and travails - all of us hoping for a happy ending.

So good that after I had read a library copy, I purchased my own so I could read it all over. This novel takes on indirectly (as in his more recent "A Long, Long Way From Home") Barry's own family's experience as Irish divided between serving the British and aiding those who rebelled against the King. The other reviewers here cover much of the plot, but I might add that a touch of magic realism near the explosive climax makes for a nice touch, and the tension between truth-telling and perceived loyalty moves the story of the modern-day Aeneas along his wanderings efficiently and poignantly.

Barry, also a poet and best known--at least before this novel--as a playwright, brings to his fictional characters a narrative style somewhat at odds with what one might expect. He's not Joyce, that is, striving for a correlative voice to match his character's interior musings. Rather, he takes the rich legacy of Joyce and makes it impel his own telling of the interior life of those that Barry finds empathy with, and whose inner as well as outer itineraries this author feels, you sense, he must tell. This impelling of a writer to find release through his creations makes for a very effective novel, indeed.

...and sure, Mark Twain would likely love the hero of this wonderful book. Eneas is truly an innocent - he never shies from hard work, he loves his family dearly, and (his gift and his damnation) he has no neither mind nor care at all, at all for the politicks. He's not really a simpleton, merely a simple man. Born in 1900, he comes of age with the Irish struggle for independence so vividly painted by events such as the Easter uprising of 1916. When his mates - especially his best boyhood friend, Jonno Lynch - are enlisting in the fight to throw off the British oppression, Eneas, finding it difficult to locate gainful employment, enlists first in the British Merchant Navy (which in itself might have been forgiven by those who deemed themselves his judges later), then in the Royal Irish Constabulary. The RIC being mainly a police force, Eneas couldn't see the harm in lending a hand in that quarter - but as the fight for independence grew more fierce and factional, the RIC was tied too closely in the eyes of some to the hated Tans, who were responsible for some right bloody work. Eneas, finding himself on a blacklist kept by those calling themselves patriots, is given a choice - get close to and kill the much-hated and feared Reprisal Man of the Tans, or suffer the consequences of a death sentence. Our hero cannot bring himself to kill a man, so he refuses - and when he sees that those who have threatened him with extinction mean just what they say, sees no other choice than to flee his beloved Sligo and his native Ireland altogether.

Thus his adventures and travels begin. He signs on with a merchant vessel and winds up in Galveston, Texas. He enlists with the British Army for World War II in order to save France (a country for whom he bears a great love, of unknown origins) from Hitler. After being shell-shocked on the beach at Dunkirk and lodging with a French farmer for a growing and harvesting season, he makes his way back to England, pays a quick visit to Ireland, then winds up in Nigeria, digging a canal for a British company. He finds the best friend of his life in the person of Harcourt, a Nigerian national he first meets on a boat heading to Ireland, then again in Nigeria. Harcourt's friendship becomes one of the true treasures of Eneas' life - and a lifelong friendship it is.

Barry's language and prose capture his characters, the setting and their story perfectly. The reader can't help but feel a great empathy for Eneas, and for others in the book as well. Through the story of one man - and a very believable story it is indeed - Barry lays bare the pain through which Ireland has passed in its journey to find itself. There's a lot of sadness to be found here - but there's a lot of joy as well, so.

Read this book - and read Barry's novel ANNIE DUNNE as well (even better, I think, but that's me...).

I was pleasantly surprised to find out this is the book used on a Simply Quilts episode, which I had wanted to buy anyway. A good, fast strip method for making Trip Around the World, Blooming Nine Patch, and other patterns. Lovely photos, definitely worth a buy.

I took a class with this wonderful, spunky lady a few years ago. She makes HUGE quilts, and this book has a great selection of variations. The sizes only include either very large, or baby. But the designs are so simple!

I love this book. I've made a couple of quilts using it and plan to make a few more. I've gotten nothing but rave reviews on the quilts I made using this book and I can't recommend it highly enough. I purged through my quilt book collection and got rid of most of them but this book stayed in my top ten list. The use of color alone is worth the price of the book.

Very clear directions and beautiful designs. Good ideas on blending colors. Great for beginners but interesting enough for the experienced quilter.

This is a great book that includes the Blooming Nine Patch that many have seen popping up recently. There are several very inspiring quilts in here that are not difficult to piece. Great instructions that include even the orientation of pieces to minimize problems with bias edges. I've already done the Blooming Nine Patch and plan to make a few more as the possibilities are endless. This is one book you will definately use and not just look at and enjoy

pam h
[...]

Whether you want to learn to make Crab Cakes and/or feel confident enough to make them for dinner parties this is the perfect book. The recipes are easy to follow, every one (7 so far) I have tried has been outstanding. I've also found that I will be able to create my own recipes from what I've learned making these. It makes a great gift for cooks of all abilities that love crab cakes!

I Love Crab Cakes was a gift to my husband, he is the cook in our household. This book has a bounty of wonderful crab recipes. I would recommend this book to everyone that has a love of crab cakes done in allot of different ways.

This book has amazing recipes in it for making crab cakes. I am new to cooking seafood and this cookbook makes great variations of crab cakes. I just love it!

I purchased this book as a gift.The receiver is a gourmet cook and it's hard to find a cookbook he doesn't have.He has tried a few of the recipes and found them to be exceptional. I was a recepiant of a crab cake dinner at his home, and it was delish.

This book has lots of information about types of crab meat and the recipes are easy, fun and taste great. I've made a couple of the recipes and they were all the best crab cakes I've ever made.

what a marvelous book. more than any book i have read on fishing or outdoors, this one is well written. it captures the feelings of the changing of seasons and the hope and dread of how things will be that day. are there fish still in area or have they moved out. what will today bring. one learns a lot about fishing and life and the passion one can have for something. at same time it is not obvious or heavy-handed with some zen philosophy or fishing as allegory. ultimately it is about the love of fishing with a fly rod and sharing that with a few other friends who have the same feelings. while reading this gem of a book, one learns a lot about fishing. i live on the east end of long island but i didnt really know the areas he talked about and the history of some of them. the author really makes the region and the people come alive. it is like you are having breakfast in the local "greasy spoon" with the guys who fish and talk about it. you can see the guys with the bedraggled looks while they try to glean some info on where action is without giving away any of their own secrets. you can see the birds working the water and feel the hard tug. you can also feel the days where nothing working/nothing happening but it isnt dissappointing. the possibilty is almost enough ....but not quite. i have only fished for stripers once with a fly rod but after i read this book i made arrangements to go out to montauk area to try it. if it is 1/4 quarter as good as the author makes it out to be, it will be well worth it.

The Moon Pulled Up An Acre Of Bass

Fishing, cooking, and having a good time with your friends at your favorite vacation house, what could get better than that? That's the "good life" described by Peter Kaminsky in his nonfiction novel The Moon Pulled Up An Acre Of Bass.
Kaminsky shared his humorous fishing stories in October 2000 throughout the whole book. He picked the month of October because of the great fishing experiences he had with bass fishing and many other fish. One of his memorable moments was when he termed the expression "The moon pulled up an acre of bass." He used this term when he stood in amazement and shock while gazing at the water with what he called an "Acre" of bass while the moon glared at his face. Beside being a great fisherman and having a love of fishing, Kaminsky loved other things.
One of the things he loved to do was he loved to cook. He would love to catch fish, have friends over and then cook the fish in his kitchen that he loved. He said the kitchen had "Acres of counter space." Also what he liked to do was to spend time with his friends onshore and offshore. When he was with his friends he became a great fisherman. This happened because all his good fisherman friends gave him all various kinds of advice, which added up to him being a great fisherman. For example, one of his friends taught him how to cast under the wind on a windy day. This was great for him because then he could basically fish whenever he wanted since gusty weather wouldn't make it difficult for him.
Overall I really liked this book because I could connect to it so much. I could do this because I also have a love of fishing and the book takes place on Long Island. I have much background information of Long Island because I live there. As you can see, this book was mainly about Peter Kaminsky and his love of fishing with his friends. Since he and his friends were hilarious, this book turned out to be filled with humor. I really liked this book and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fishing, comedy, and nonfiction novels.

Reading his first hand account of 30 straight days tracking the Montauk striper, I found ambitious reason to visit the East End for the first time myself. Not only did I meet one of the colorful characters Peter describes, but I romanticized what it'll be like out there in another month as the fall blitz approaches, with Peter's account coloring every image. A superb read for anyone who finds comfort in the flex of a flyrod, and a fantastic primer to anyone who endeavors to interrupt, albeit mildly and temporarily, one of nature's greatest migration of life: the fall blitz off Montauk.

I enjoyed the book and the concept, but the fawning treatment of certain guides (that probably gave Kaminisky free rides) read too much like promotional materials.

The author gives us a great look into not only the stiper fishng world, but the culture and heritage of the east coast. A pleasure to read, cover to cover. Even for those of us that may never see stripers in the salt, this is defintely a worthwhile read.

the ultimate guide, including all cetacean species known to mna, even the elusive beaked whales. Even inlcudes a species or two that had only been discovered by skulls. The illustrations for those species are the artist's impressions. The artist is the amazing marc carwardine. Excellent guide for cetacean lovers

Once again, reading the list of photo-credits at the back of this book is like reading the index in a "Who's Who in the world of Underwater Photography." This is an exciting book with colour photographs (though occasionally a map or diagram) on every single page and the standard of reproduction is as good as it gets.

As with "Sharks & Rays" (a book in the same series), the content is also as good as it gets and, if you only had room to pack a single book on the subject before setting out to discover some of these excellent creatures, then this book will satisfy all your requirements.

Commencing with their customary "Understanding" Whales Dolphins and Porpoises, the reader is then taken on a journey which provides a complete and wide understanding of these incredible creatures - many species of which remain on the brink of extinction. With sections on hunting, captivity, migration and much more plus a page dedicated to each specific species, this book is as complete as it should be and fully lives up to the promise in the title of being an "Ultimate" guide.

Altogether and excellent book and an essential addition to any scuba diver's library.

NM

Once again, reading the list of photo-credits at the back of this book is like reading the index in a "Who's Who in the world of Underwater Photography." This is an exciting book with colour photographs (though occasionally a map or diagram) on every single page and the standard of reproduction is as good as it gets.

As with "Sharks & Rays" (a book in the same series), the content is also as good as it gets and, if you only had room to pack a single book on the subject before setting out to discover some of these excellent creatures, then this book will satisfy all your requirements.

Commencing with their customary "Understanding" Whales Dolphins and Porpoises, the reader is then taken on a journey which provides a complete and wide understanding of these incredible creatures - many species of which remain on the brink of extinction. With sections on hunting, captivity, migration and much more plus a page dedicated to each specific species, this book is as complete as it should be and fully lives up to the promise in the title of being an "Ultimate" guide.

Altogether and excellent book and an essential addition to any scuba diver's library.

NM

This book is extremely useful to both the general reader and to those with a serious interest in cetaceans. The book is well organized for quick reference and beautifully illustrated to aid in species identification in the field. Cetaceans are grouped by family and unique characteristics are clearly defined and illustrated. In addition the book is lightweight and easily carried on a boat trip. Highly recommended.

My main objections to this field guide were the illustrations. Artistic renderings are often beautiful, but fail to portray the animal in question with accuracy. Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius)is a case in point. Although I have not observed this animal at sea myself, I spoke with a number of fellow fishery biologists who have spent time at sea as marine mammal observers and no one has ever observed a bright yellow Ziphius in the field. All observed a base color of grey with this genus, at least in the northeastern Pacific. The Tasmacetus rendering is most likely based on the J. Mammalogy (1976) paper by Watkins wherein an unidentified ziphiid whale (probable Tasmacetus) was observed from a bluff overlooking the sea in New Zealand. Useful plates were those showing all similar cetaceans together; eg. all oceanic dolphins without prominent beaks, all oceanic dolphins WITH prominent beaks etc. The ziphidae plates show male Mesoplodon characteristics, but that is to be expected since solitary female ziphiid whales, especially Mesoplodon sp., could be virtually impossible to identify. My own field guide preferences use photographs rather than artistic renderings. Other problems: The distribution maps to not reflect the full distribution (extralimital observations/strandings) of many species. An example: Psuedorca is shown as a species with a distribution much further south than observations/stranding records indicate. The text does suggest that 'numerous records' exist outside of the more tropical distribution shown in the map. Note also that many of the dolphin renderings are positioned so that the dorsal fin is right where the pages meet. We did get a chuckle over the photograph showing what you should wear when watching whales, but that can be explained by our 'silly scientist' bias. One note for potential whale-watchers: do not allow your binocular strap to lie right on the skin of your neck while at sea as you can wear painful wounds into your neck through a day of whale-watching. Make sure your shirt collar or other clothing lies under that silly strap! Voice of experience!

This book has the most awesome animal drawings I have ever seen. The fact that they are wood engravings is more than remarkable!

A present for my daughter-in-law and the illustrations were incredible. She is an artist and will make good use of this book.

Wow - the enormous numbers of animal life is astounding and the book clearly shows this. Unfortunately the images are quite dark and the book is very thick (you get your money's worth - image-wise), so scanning them for use in various artistic media is difficult. Therefore, I bought two of the books and plan to cut one of them up (that hurts to say for I treasure books of all types). This way I can control the scanning and modification using software to bring out details and highlight an image to my satisfaction. And finally, the classic images are impressive and I applaud the author for his selection of animals from all realms of life on earth.

Used several of these drawings in projects. Books like this are great for those of us designers who aren't the best freehand drawers.

This is just packed full of brilliant illustrations of birds frogs fish girafee spiders butterflies you name it , throughly recommended for any one who loves botanical illustrations or engravings , really good source material for artists or designers.very nice book but rember it is a paper back not that that matters to me.

My goodness, what a throughly enjoyable children's story!! I loved every second of it. The animation was breathtakingly beautiful and was obviously done by someone who is extremely talented. This is the story of three little fishes, Sarai, RaaOn and Sesom, who learn the lessons of fear and faith as they transverse the sometimes perilous waters that they live in. One of the greatest pleasures of these young fishes is watching the great fin race where the reward is "sweet lovely food". Sarai and her siblings fantasize about what it would be like to participate in the race and win this much desired bonus. But all of this is put on hold because her parents are caught in a net and she and her siblings have to find a way to secure their release. In this quest the three fishes will have their faith tested, make new friends and above all learn that being part of a loving family is one the greatest joys in life. This story is a "fishy" take on the Exodus tale but is so well done that even if you already know that story as many of us do, you still feel like this tale is fresh. I believe that both parents and children will feel enriched after reading this story and will be dazzled by the extremely gorgeous drawings that make this story come alive. I highly recommend this wonderful book and I can't wait to see what else the writer and animator has in store for his next project.

"Fire Fish" is a masterful creation with story and illustrations by Davy Liu. Davy is well known for his work on Disney Animation films as well as his work with George Lucas. His illustrations have been featured in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications.

In his "Invisible Tails" series Davy exhibits another gift and talent as he writes for children with a mystical power as he shares insights into his own personal faith.

"Fire Fish" is the story of three perch, Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom who live with their parents in the depths of a river bed. Sarai dreams of joining the fire fish who participated in the Fin Race every morning. She wanted to follow them to the Bright Beyond.

In fear of an approaching Croc, the perch family swam to the surface where Momma and Papa Perch were caught in a net. Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom swam to Turtle Pool to ask for help.

Liu uses metaphors to describe calling out to the Finmaker for help as the three perch are faced with the dangers of predators seeking their food. As they meet other sea creatures swimming for cover they invite them to call out to the Finmaker with them for safety and rescue.

The full color pictures bring the characters into vivid life like images, endearing the reader to them. "Fire Fish" is a fabulous book for those frequent teachable moments when a child becomes engaged in a story filled with timeless truth, character building values, and virtue. Destined to be a classic this is a masterpiece of story and art.

The Fire Fiish is the tale of three little fish seperated from their parents trying to find their way to the Big Blue. On the way they meet other citizens of the deep, some friendly, some intending harm. When face with a challange they call upon the FinMaker for guidence or comfort. Finally reaching the Big Blue they face the most dangerous foe of all and enlist the other ocean creatures to believe and call upon the FinMaker. This book is richly illustrated and will engage any child (or adult)with its beauty.

"Fire Fish" is an entertaining and beautiful retelling of how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt told in animal's perspective.

Three fish, Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom are excited to watch the Fin Race. The biggest, fastest, smartest fish join the Race, but only a few win and catch the sweet lovely-food that comes at sunrise and then disappear into the Bright Beyond.

When Momma and Papa Perch are caught in a net, the three little fish swim to the Turtle Pool for help. Embarking on their journey, Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom meet one danger after another, and following the advice of The Great Turtle, call on the Finmaker for guidance. And it is that call that brings them a miracle.

A unique and exciting way to bring a story of faith to your child. "Fire Fish" by Davy Liu is a book your youngster will cherish for its beauty and the magic of its storytelling. Liu's work with Disney Feature Animation is evident in the stunning illustrations on every page. Just one book in the Invisible Tails series, "Fire Fish" is certain to become a huge hit with your child.

I eagerly await the next book in this incredible series!

This is a golden fable about a family of fish. When a fishing net catches Momma and Pappa Perch, Pappa tells his kids (Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom) to go to the Turtle Pool for help. The wise Great Turtle tells them to call on the Finmaker. To do this, the three siblings need only to silently call from their hearts and have faith that the Finmaker will answer, even if it is only, "Be patient."

After awhile, the three explore a tunnel and this begins their journey of hope, faith, and trust as they dodge danger and search for their parents.

***** The author and illustrator of this book is Davy Liu. He has worked for Disney on several movie animations, as well as with George Lucas and Warner Bros. I mention this to stress the author's long experience with understanding children and what captures their attention. If you have ever seen the Disney movie "Finding Nemo", then you will see a lot of resemblance in these illustrations. Every single page is bright and colorful, ensuring to fascinate your child from the beginning of the story until the very end. Young children will easily be able to relate to the three main fish. As they enjoy the story, they will also be learning several life-long lessons about God, angels, faith, trust, and how to look beyond the colors and shapes of others. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Davy Liu's book is pure, wholesome bliss! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I picked up this book because we recently got two hermit crabs and I wanted to learn more about taking care of them. While this book was among the more helpful I've come across on the subject, I was hoping it would be more detailed. Everything in it was useful, and it helped me know what to do for the basics, but I want to go a little more advanced.

I found the book to be extremely informative and helpful.
there was a great deal of information that i found very useful. Very pleased with this product.

With there not being out the in pet stores on how to care for your hermies, this book is very helpful for the novice owner or even for a brush up for someone more experienced. I like to try and read as much as I can. It explains the background of the species as well as how to care for them properly. Thru that, it shows that they are NOT just a disposable pet to live in a little plastic container w/ a 1/4 inch of sand :-( hopefully someday that philosophy will change. They are so interesting and can live a very long time if taken care of properly. It is only a lot of work if you do not have the time.

This book has everything that the novice hermit crab owner needs to know to take care of and enjoy their hermit crabs! Information on food, water, environment and behavior can be found easily. This book really helped us learn about our new pets!

I bought this book and WOW, it totally helped me take care of my hermit crab Sidney. It tells you all that you need to know to let your hermit crab live safely and happily ever after!

Alabama moon is a very adventurous tale with lots of facts about the woods. And its so good I got up in the morning and read it until it was bedtime. I rate it 5 stars, my favorite book yet (even better then the golden compass and man was that gooooood.)

This book is abselutely action-packed, full of adventure and shocking endings (made me cry when I read the shocking ending.) Some parts just makes you want to say "OOHH DDAARRNNIITT! But it's still the best book I have read in my whole entire life! This book is so great, I would give it 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars!

My 11 year-old is a reluctant reader, but every now and then a book comes along that keeps his interest even when it is not "reading time". This is one of those books. Moon Blake is a compelling character, having grown up in the woods with his reclusive father. And his story is captivating. He just wants to be left alone to go to Alaska, but he's picked up and taken to a boys home instead. I love how the story evolves, how you see Moon change his ideas of the world, and how he deals with the abusive constable who won't leave him alone.

A terrific book you won't be able to put down.

This book tells the journey of Moon Blake, who have always lived with his father. But when his father died, he must find a way to escape the outside civilziation and find his home. This novel has an exciting plot, wonderful research, and is a great read. By reading this book, one could also learn the meaning of friendship.

This book begs for a sequel and soon, too. We--we readers--have to know what happened to Moon and to Hal...What happens to them as they grow, mature, and face their young adult high school and college days? And when they grow up, get married and have families of their own...As they approach old age...Will they, can they, escape (overcome) the events described here in the formative days of their youth. Rarely has a book cried out for a sequel more than this one.

In fact, Mr. Key may have his own cottage industry here, a book on their continuing relationship (Moon and Hal) and/or single books on each boy.
Mark Twain did it and did it well with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Mr. Key has the same oportunity here. Here's hoping he's up to the opportunity--not the "task," but the "opportunity."

Orginally written as a book for teens and a little older, Alabama Moon has touched all and stirred the slumbering chords of all generations as it deals with youth, growing, up, family, love and lack thereof.

Outstanding. Don't miss it.

I've been fly fishing for over 30 years and live in the epicenter of fly fishing in Montana. I learned a ton from this book ("Barr Flies"). I caught more trout over 20 inches this Summer on the Beaverhead than any time in the past. Filled with great, very specific tactics. Thanks John Barr.

I am usually pretty picky on my fly pattern books and get most of them off the internet. This is a reallyg good addition to your tying library and has lots of info, pictures and organized well. I keep it next to my bench when I get ready to go chase the trout or warmwater fish. Great for remembering patterns I had tied or finding new ones to try.

Barr Flies: How to Tie and Fish the Copper John, the Barr Emerger, and Dozens of Other Patterns, Variations, and Rigs
I have purchased and read many books in the last few years regarding tying and fishing,but this book not only is well-written and enjoyable to read but it just may give you some new weapons in your fishing arsenal! The photography is excellent and Mr Barr's flies,tying techniques and practical suggestions as to how to fish these flies is wonderful.You will not be dissapointed with the purchase of this book!

It is hard to imagine that anyone pursuing trout on flies could have walked into a fly shop in the past five years and not have walked out with one of John Barr's flies. Even harder to imagine is that this same angler has never heard of a Copper John or a Barr Emerger. Walking into several fly shops in the past four months around the country, I can attest not only to the popularity of his patterns, but the more than enthusiastic reception this book has received among the fly fishing faithful.

I admit to having tied my own Copper John's for years, now. While I doubt that the effectiveness of my flies will change much now that I tie them in de facto Barr style, the step-by-step instructions and photographs sure have them looking just flat-out better than anything turned out at the vise previously. From a standpoint of personal pride alone, this book may be worth the purchase.

John's commentary on the development of the patterns is good entertainment, but what I found to be of great value were his explanations for why he was driven to imitate the food organisms he has included (i.e. why they are important to the trout), how to fish them best, and overall how these flies are incorporated into his own personal system of fishing. The final pages provide photographs and explanations of four fly boxes (which may have been featured in an issue of "Fly Fisherman" previously - I have not bothered to check) containing the book's patterns in an array of colors and sizes, in addition to a few other popular western fly patterns. I know I stand on thin and melting ice at the mere suggestion of such a notion, but the thought of consolidating one's fly assortment to just four boxes and covering all of the bases likely to be met on-stream just sounds outrageously tempting. Perhaps when I have put 200 days on the water for the next 10 years and have 20 original patterns designed to tackle all of the challenges faced in that time, I will be able to do so. In the meantime, why start re-inventing the wheel? A great book, whether you want to subscribe to a complete fishing system, learn a few new techniques and flies to add to your arsenal, or just make your own flies look better.

I just wanted to put in my two cents about this great book and Barr flies in general. I hesitated to try Barr flies for a long time thinking them "Western" flies that our Eastern trout might find insulting. I tied up some Copper Johns and slumpbusters for a Western trip and they worked great in Northern Idaho. So one day I gave them a try on a tough Eastern stream and they worked super here too(helped me avoid a skunk.) They have definately earned a permanent place in my flybox. I'm sure they will in your's too if you give them a try.