Feather Brain: Developing, Testing, & Improving Saltwater Fly Patterns

As an experienced fly tyer and saltwater fly fisherman, I found Chicone's book to be quite informative. His approach to tying is what I hope to emulate. He is creative with materials, creates durable flies, and gives suggestions how to fish his "inventions." Although his focus is clearly on southern, warm water fishing (i.e. snook, 'cuda, etc). Many of his ideas and flies are applicable to Northeastern cold water fishing (stripers and blues), which is what I do. I have found this book to be an excellent addition to my fly-tying library. If you or someone you know ties his or her own flies for saltwater fishing, then buy this book. It will provide experienced fly tyers with new ideas. I would also recommend the book for new tyers, but Chicone assumes that his audience has some tying experience. I would not buy this book for a first time fly tyer.

Chicone states that the purpose of this book is to help people understand fly design so that they can come up with their own creations. To that end I suppose it does fairly well. However, I have personally profited much more from subscribing to EP Flies. EP has an extremely diverse amount of patterns, video instruction with lots of inside tying tips, and the opportunity to purchase any materials needed.I was pretty excited to tie some of the patterns in the Feather Brain book but when I ordered some yak hair I found it was a tangled mess and extremely frustrating to work with. When I wrote to Chicone's company and complained about the quality they didn't even bother to reply. So I have 3 shanks of yak hair that are probably going in the garbage.It's more expensive to subscribe to EP Flies but I think it is well worth the money. You get a seemingly endless list of patterns, excellent video tutorials, a broad range of materials that are easy to work with, and I am producing some quality flies that are very productive.

The Author (Drew Chicone) goes into great detail on subjects that all Fly Tiers will find useful, like, counting the number of fibers/bucktail for each color, so each fly will be consistent in it's color, and proportions. The chapter on dying feathers is worth the price of the book alone. He uses some of his best patterns to demonstrate what's being covered in the chapter. I tie flies for a lot of different species as it's my Profession. You will find that, a lot of what the Author describes in this book will be valuable for all styles of fly tying. Saltwater and Freshwater tiers will find this book to be a favorite!

Great reference book for new and seasoned fly tiers alike. Drew shows you concepts and techniques that get you thinking about how the fly should look and move to produce results.

I think this is likely one of the more innovative fly books to have come down in several years - Mr Chicones patterns in some cases are very unique, in use of materials, in some cases new materials I was for half century of fly tying unfamiliar with, can only be considered 'ground breaking'. If you fish inshore for any of the saltwater species you owe it to yourself to own this! I can only say I tied two new (to me) patterns and took them out within hours and caught fish on them within just a few casts.

I loved this book so much knowledge in this book I would recommend this to anyone who is starting off with fly tying!

This is the best source for insight into the importance of action in flies for anyone!The process that is used is insightful and educational in that the variety of flies described and the history of his tying thought process gives the reader a much better basis of operation in tying planning. I know my plan for tying will be changed forever and I'm confident everyone can benefit from reading this book. Each pattern selected provides a broader base to improve your own thought and planning. I especially like the diagrams to planning out your flies.

Good book with lots of ideas to get your creativity going. Wish it had some more pattern ideas. Reinforces the concept that simple patterns work.

Very informative book. A great help for me.

l really like the book ! Drew Chicone sent me a personal email offering any help with questions about fly tying. Quite generous fellow.