The History of Fly Fishing in Fifty Flies by Ian Whitelaw

A New York Times bestseller, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies recounts the history of a sport that dates back 2,000 years, focusing on milestone flies from the first feathered hook to contemporary patterns using cutting-edge materials.

The evolution of this captivating sport is enjoyably captured in this book, making it a handsome gift, whether for yourself or the fly-fisher in your life. “This glorious book of lures will get you itching for a new toy, a new boat, a new rod—anything to experience the relaxation of this old hobby.”*

From the Catskills, the birthplace of American fly-fishing, to the wide rivers of the American West, to overseas fishing hot spots like New Zealand and Iceland, Ian Whitelaw’s fly-fishing history book features profiles of the key characters involved, tying tips, photographs and illustrations of the flies, and detailed explanations of the techniques used to fish them.

Among the countless fly patterns created over the centuries, these 50 have been carefully chosen to represent the development not only of the flies themselves but also of fly-fishing techniques—and of rods, lines, and reels.

These iconic flies also chart the spread of this addictive sport from its modern origins on the chalk streams of Southern England and the rivers of Scotland to the US, Europe, South America, Australia, and now to nearly every country in the world.

Hardcover