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The Trout: Man's Nemesis

Spring time is, traditionally, an excellent occasion for new beginnings, cleaning out the old and breathing in new life. Of course, it is a time when those thoughts of home improvement go by the wayside to go out and people go out and get some fresh air instead.
Two weeks ago, fishing season opened in Philadelphia and 17 other counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This is the second year in a row the season started early. But like some vast amphibious continental militia, people lined the creeks and rivers such as the Wissahickon, the Pennypack and the Schuylkill. All were there to match wits in the annual contest of logic and tactics versus animal instinct; the man (or the woman) versus the trout.
In time for this annual match-up, two products came by the editorial desk that combines the best about springtime and fishing: Flies, Ties and Techniques: A practical guide to tying 50 Irresistible Flies by Charles Jardine (Barron’s, $18.99) and 50 fly-tying patterns in a box by Peter Gathercole (Barron’s, $14.99) Both authors are world-renown, award-winning fisherman and authors from Great Britain.
As an Eagle Scout, fishing is cherished pastime. Between the months of April and October, fishing rods were almost as essential as Swiss Army knives. But many of us scouts were bait casters, without much experience with fly casting. One fly casting practice session turned into melee worthy of Ringling Brothers.
The technique and challenge of fly casting has its own appeal. Being a hunter, on the surface or just below the water, using one’s own wits.
“When it gets right down to it, fly tying is, and always will be, a simple manipulation of materials-winding, spinning, and knotting: that’s it, that’s all,” wrote Jardin in his introduction. “Master just the basic principles and then let your imagination-and powers of observation-run riot.”
For the fisherman, beginners and those wanting to try their hand at a new style, Jardin’s latest tome is the place to start. The book offers not just all sorts of interesting and colorful patterns but also offers tip on how the lure is used in or on the water.
“You can craft the finest tied lies that have ever tumbled from the grips of a vise jaw, but if you don’t know how to fish them or are unable to see those flies through a fish’s eyes, then they count for nothing,” Jardine advises.
For the more intermediate fisherman, needing inspiration or a refresher course, the latest offering from the “in-a-box” craze is the one. Gathercole’s latest reminds us that fly fishing is not only just for freshwater trout but their sea-spanning cousins as well as other wild fish such as salmon. The bare-bones style lacks any introduction which supposes that the read is already familiar with fly fishing, so beginners take note. The flash cards give a quick rundown to the reader.
The niche that Gathercole is trying to reach would definitely be men because the booklet and tutorial card are located at the back of the box. But unlike Jardine’s guide, Gathercole has a larger list of resources for fisherman outside of the United Kingdom.
As with any sport, materials and tutorials as only as good as the brain inside the player; whichever product you choose, good luck and see you by the stream.