This book will make you a better fly tier no matter what species your fish for! I have read it about 10 times and it's already been to 11 US states with me, and I've only had it since Christmas!! If you fish for carp, it is a MUST OWN.
I first learned to tie flies by reading Jack Dennis' series of books about 1000 times. Over the years, I've gone through a lot of tying books, internet videos, and tying groups which have given me what I've needed to become a decent fly tyer. Then, I got Jay Zimmerman's book for Christmas this year. Reading it gave me the same feeling I had as a beginner reading Dennis' books. This book has everything you ever want in a fly tying book and more. However, there is no fluff, stupid romanticized stories, or bullshit. It's just good stuff. Period.
Ok, so Erin Block (Jay's wife) wrote the forward. She is cooler than the other side of the pillow. Her writing style is awesome and I've been a fan of hers for a while. She writes for many outlets but she also has written for TU's Trout Magazine, which makes me love her even more. The forward is classic Block and you can tell that parts of it were used in "The Long Shot," one of my favorite fishing movies.
Chapter 1 is Jay giving you the total lowdown on fly fishing for carp. He describes everything from carp ecology and habitat to leaders and fly weights. He describes the types of carp behavior you'll encounter and types of shots you'll likely find yourself having to make. He even has a section on how to fight a carp. Jay's writing style is somewhat unique and adds, even more character to the subject.
In Chapter 2, Jay takes carp flies to a systematic science. This chapter alone, will make anyone a better tyer and fly designer no matter what their quarry. The way he breaks down hook and weights pairings, what he calls "chassis," is outstanding. His tying tips are real tips, not just advice for beginners. Jay's humor and pictures are great. You'll learn more in the 12 pages of this chapter than you will in many other books on the subject.
The rest of the book's chapters are dedicated to a carp fly each. All of these flies work for other species but the focus always stays on carp. Each chapter starts with a fun genesis story for each pattern. Then, there is step by step instruction with color pictures for every step. At the end of most chapters, there are even additional versions for each fly. So, the book is packed with carp patterns! This book will have flies that your local carp will eat no matter where you live on this planet. There are general attractor-type patterns and match the hatch ones as well. Jay even has a cottonwood seed fly in there which he ties with hair from his dog. "The Best Carp Flies" is truly one of the best fly tying books I've ever read, and that says a lot!
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