FLYTYERS' FLIES: THE FLIES THAT CATCH FISH. By Chris Sandford and friends.

2009 1st edition. Large 8vo (175 x 252mm). Pp151. Colour photographs throughout. Light brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

Chris Sandford has fished since he was a boy and his collection of vintage tackle ranks amongst the finest in the UK. Perhaps more curious than most about the items we fish with, he became intrigued by the fact that many skilled and experienced fly fishers only ever use a handful, or less, of flies. We all, he concludes, have many more flies than we will ever need. This fascinating, meticulously photographed book is the product of Chris asking eight highly respected flytyers to name, and tie, their three favourite flies. The resulting twenty-seven patterns are, without doubt, the flies that catch fish. Chris's "friends" are Peter Lapsley, Colin Innes, John McGill, Jim Mauries, Chris Reeves, Neil Patterson, Peter Smith, Peter Hayes and Andrew Herd. Also included is a fascinating illustrated essay on "The development of fly-tying tools from 1800" by angling historian, John Knott.