BOOK REVIEW

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Designing Popper, Sliders & Divers



By Steven B. Schweitzer

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Wow!  First question I have for the author is, how long did it take to write this book?  On the back cover it says, ". . .most comprehensive book ever written for the top water lure maker."  That's an understatement, lol. Mr. Schweitzer did not miss ANY detail on this subject !  I just happen to come across this book in Amazon and when I saw it, I just had to get one to check it out.  No disappointments at all!

305 pages, softcover spiral bound (very cool) and the photography is top notch!  Eight sections of information from cork to foam, markers to paint, glues to resins, eyes, and tons more.  There's even a page of the author's recommendation of "Best" products he prefers himself.  He makes very good use of charts and diagrams, especially color charts for paints!  There are 17 topwater patterns with complete step by step photos to duplicate.  How about tying a "Harvey Wallbanger"? :)  He also included a half dozen fly tyers with an "Artisan Galleries" showing their popular patterns from guys like Pat Cohen and Kirk Dietrich.

For me, this book is a slice of heaven simply because it has helped me over come my frustrations with important details like painting, body patterns, adding eyes, final finishes, etc.  I like to play with wine and lab corks and lathe them to different shapes.  I know, this is very time consuming but it's fun to start from scratch!  Also, this book is not about creating just a common everyday popper.  There is a plethora of top water types, which, even includes tying with craft sheet foam with an example of a foam hopper!

Folks, you're not even going to come close to finding all this information and technique on Youtube.  I HIGHLY recommend this book!  This fantastic work of penmanship and photography makes it the best fly tying book I have ever seen!

Suggested retail, $44.95 (worth every penny)
Available asap on Amazon

Please note:  I am not endorsed by any means by the author or a retailer for this review.  I purchased the book and the review is strictly my opinion.  Thanks for reading!

These are just a few of some of my own creations.  The book really opens up a fly tyer's creativity.  I didn't realize there was so much one could do to create a top water fly!

Tight lines in your fly fish pursuit!
Joe