Colonial Angler's Manual of Flyfishing and Flytying

by Ken Reinard

Book Overview

Written by an author who has studied the works of men such as Izaac Walton and Charles Cotton, this guide is an accurate portrayal of what it was like to be a colonial fisherman. The book examines 18th-century tackle collections and includes appendices, a bibliography, and an index.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565230396
• ISBN13: 9781565230392
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Informative, interesting...different.

I met Mr. Reinard at a fishing show, and spent a very enjoyable time with him. What I find interesting is that he is not just an authority on this subject, but a reenactor, which means that you will learn just by interaction with him. This comes forth in the book, too, which carries a tone as if you're sitting with him, and listening to his stories. This is vastly different than the bulk of fishing books, however. The information contained within is priceless for a student of history, well angling history at least. Attempting to read some of source material for this can be difficult due to the outdated styles of writing and spelling (assuming one can find them), so to have so much of this information concisely presented in one place is very important. And the information itself is enough to help get someone started, should they be so inclined, on a path to Colonial-style angling themselves. Information covering construction and use of equipment, including hooks, lines, rods and flies, can help anyone think about undertaking this very interesting path. There's sections on things such as clothing and thoughts that might be more of interest to a historian than an angler, and finally, there's even a section on truly antique flies which the most modern of angler can attempt to tie (although, the Colonial Angler was forced to use his fingers, one can certainly cheat with a vise). I'm quite happy to have made Mr. Reinard's aquiantance and own his book. As history continues to write itself, its important to maintain an eye on how things were once done, and this book is an important stepping stone. Simply enough, to put forth in plain, modern, English, this much lost information compilied from rare sources is a treasure. This may be one of the more important fishing books I may ever read for that reason, alone.

"The Colonial Angler's Manual"

An excellent book for the person wanting to re-enact historical fishing or for the one just interested.

Great illustrations!

I bought this book from eBay because of the drawings. Calvin Laur did an A+ job. I cared not of the book itself, but I enjoyed the illustrations. He is also the best teacher I ever had (he taught my high school English class). Highly recommended for those that enjoy art.

Excelent book on the Colonial Era! I have read none better!

This book is 100% accurrate! I have not read a book more interesting on the subject! Ken has done his homework! This is a must read book for anyone interested in the roots of flyfishing!!

A charming visit with a unique gentleman.

This book joins those such as Beautiful Swimmers that can enchant the reader regardless of whether the underlying subject matter is of prime importance to him. Mr. Reinard's enthusiasm for his subject is infectuous. His information is well researched and presented. The book reads like an enjoyable visit with the author.