Post by robbie on Oct 2, 2007 6:51:50 GMT
BOOK REVIEW – FINER POINTS OF FLY FISHING FOR SALMON
By Fruity
Although many anglers will recognise his fishing tackle, today some would classify some of it as outdated but it wouldn’t do to dwell on such as the result may be to miss his valuable experience and knowledge that has woven its way into modern salmon angling. Easily read with easy to understand instruction and valuable anecdotes give an often entertaining yet educational exploration of particular subject matters. Unafraid of many subjects he had an intelligent yet practical approach to salmon angling that is balanced and backed up by his lifetime’s experience which includes lessons learnt while fishing in clear water where he has observed the salmon in all manner of activities. I have the four Neil Graesser books, being “Fly Fishing for Salmon” 1982, “Advanced Salmon Fishing” 1987, “The Finer Points of Fly Fishing for Salmon” 1989 and “Salmon” 1991. While the last is more about the salmon, its environment and the industry, I can not help but feel there is duplication of material within the first three angling related books and initially this may annoy the buyer.
Published in 1989, the book covers what is called the Finer Points of Fly Fishing for Salmon over thirty various sections which are divided into seven main chapters of equipment, flies, control of the fly, salmon taking, weather conditions, when to fish and planning a day. The section covering control of the fly was originally of particular interest to me because it covered technical skills and experience that I lacked, other sections such as long tailed flies or unusual flies were not only interesting but became old friends and I revisit them over the winter months. Like others I originally viewed a number of his views with scepticism and disbelief, I didn’t believe the success of the Collie Dog and his Tadpoles, his hooking techniques or what he said salmon did underwater. Time and experience has proved to me that Mr Graesser’s conclusions and opinions are more usually correct, therefore I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
Fruity