Author Topic: Secret Flies of the Czech and Slovak Fly-Tyers (Read 783 times)

Todd Oishi · « **on:** January 07, 2010, 09:37:31 PM »

  A few weeks ago I received a complimentary copy of the English version of the highly-anticipated book "Secret Flies of the Czech and Slovak Fly-Tyers" from my friend Karel Krivanec (Author of the book "Czech Nymph"). This book is packed full of colourful photos of the river and still-water patterns that are used by fly fishers from both of these countries. Beyond being inspired by the patterns themselves, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Czech and Slovak fly tyers that are featured in this book, and discovering which patterns they have ranked among their favourites.

  This book reveals some of the patterns that are being used by the members of their national teams and gives a detailed recipe for tying these patterns. There are no fly tying instructions, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the reduction in the "word count" allowed additional patterns to be included in this book.

  As a fly tyer I can truly appreciate the thought and effort that went into the design and creation of the patterns that are shared with the readers, and as a competitive fly fisher I can see the value in using some of the patterns that are revealed within the pages of this book! I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of my favourites have been included in this publication, which tells me that I am definitely on the right track in my pattern selections...

  I love the fact that it the book also provides a fair amount of photos of their more popular dry fly patterns and emergers. I also appreciate the fact that the book gives reference as to the name of the hook manufacturer whose hooks are used for tying that particular pattern. It is a great read and a superb reference book for fly tyers and fly fishers alike.

  Definitely "two thumbs up" in my books...

  Cheers,
  Todd

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2010, 12:21:01 AM »

Thanks for the review Todd it sounds like a winner. The dry and emerger talk really gets me interested that is one are I need to work on.

Jason Baker · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2010, 12:21:39 AM »

Thanks for the review Todd! I'll pick it up...

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** January 08, 2010, 10:03:51 AM »

Sounds very intriguing. Thanx for the heads up. The few excerpts I've seen on the Siman site look phenomenal.

Jeremiah Hamilton · « **Reply #4 on:** January 08, 2010, 10:28:08 AM »

I am going to order the book today!!!

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #5 on:** January 08, 2010, 12:40:27 PM »

Jeremiah,
I haven't seen the book for sale in North America, but you can go to the Czech Nymph website to order a copy. Just be sure to order the "English Version".

Mark,
This book deals more with the fly patterns rather than providing any details on techniques. Most anglers will appreciate how it tells you the patterns proper positioning within a cast of flies (top-dropper, middle-droppers or point)...

The book shows 350 patterns that were contributed from eleven Czech and ten Slovak flyfishers. They organized the flies that were submitted from each tyer into a sequence of: dries, wets, chironomids, nymphs, and streamers. It's sort of like peeking over their shoulders to see what they carry in their fly boxes...

Here's a link to their website if you're interested in checking it out a little further: http://www.czechnymph.com/en/index.php?&show_page=eshop&show_page_mode=full&psection=10.2.&product_id=1241

Cheers,
Todd

Jeremiah Hamilton · « **Reply #6 on:** January 08, 2010, 02:03:55 PM »

Just bought it, it cost me 1,052.16 CZK!!!

Dennis Nazarenko · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2010, 08:55:04 AM »

Todd,

Looks like a great book. Do you find that most of the materials for the various patterns are readily available in North America?

Jeremiah Hamilton · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2010, 04:50:01 PM »

WOW!! The wife said it came today, it was shipped out on Monday and I got it today!!!! Now that is service!!

Nick Naclerio · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2010, 05:37:34 PM »

I've ordered some stuff from that place and it get here quick! Their service is faster than some of the places here in the states.

Jeremiah Hamilton · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2010, 08:44:00 PM »

Quote from: Nick Naclerio on January 13, 2010, 05:37:34 PM

I've ordered some stuff from that place and it get here quick! Their service is faster than some of the places here in the states.

I don't get anything in Canada that fast unless I pay an arm and leg for it. This book is great!! I am just starting my comp career and this book will ad with the learn curve!! THANKS Todd for the recommendation.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #11 on:** April 19, 2010, 10:23:15 AM »

So, are you guys still finding this book useful after the initial read? I'm looking to make some refinements to my confidence patterns and head in a slightly different direction.