Two Fly-Tying Books Worth Gifting This Christmas
Inspired by Iceland's Jólabókaflóð tradition, here are two fly-tying books worth gifting the tyer in your life this Christmas.
The holidays are filled with traditions and moments to make memories. Of the many holiday traditions my favorite is Jólabókaflóð, meaning the "Christmas Book Flood," Iceland's beloved holiday tradition of exchanging new books on Christmas Eve and spending the night reading them.
If you have a fly tyer in your life, these are the two books that I recommend. The first is from Argentinian tyer Lucas Utrera, “The Art of the Trout Fly.” I have always enjoyed Lucas’s work, as he demonstrates in each photo not only a love for tying flies, but a dedication to honoring the art of it. I cannot fathom anyone not being impressed by his collection of flies and the stunning photography (by Barry Orde Clark) in this book.
The second is from Barry Orde Clark, “Deerhair Flytying Master Class.” Barry always does a masterful job of breaking down the materials and steps for tying any fly, and this book is no different. The photography and step by step instructions in any of his books that I have read are informative and easy to understand. What has always set apart Barry’s books for me is the fact that he offers multiple ways to see the process. For each pattern, he includes a QR code to a step by step video. He also includes the link to each video if you don’t want to scan each video.
Either of these books would make a fine addition to this year's Christmas Book Flood, something for the fly tyer in your life to unwrap and curl up with on Christmas Eve.
[Disclosure: Lydia Wickizer has received review copies of these books, and this story does not contain affiliate links.]
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