Fly-Casting Finesse reveals expert John L. Field’s secrets of fly-casting based on modern observation, Field’s experience as an angler and casting teacher, and his collaboration with international members of casting clubs and schools. Whether the reader is a salt- or freshwater angler, Fly-Casting Finesse will help the caster increase accuracy and distance as well as hone presentation. It runs the gamut from one-hand spey techniques to dealing with wind on the flats. Although not a complete casting curriculum, the purpose of the book is to help anglers learn how to achieve more and know where to get assistance. Many of the skills at the highest levels of fly-casting require an educated sense of feeling in the rod hand that enables the caster to use finesse and seemingly minimal effort to manipulate the rod and line. The book will guide people down the path of acquiring that magical touch. According to Field’s philosophy, readers should first learn all casting styles and techniques to adapt them for any species and location they encounter, and secondly, they should know the history and purpose of presentation, so they can be innovative in the future. In applying this book to angling, he’s not trying to teach the reader how to catch more fish; he’s trying to help the reader catch the fish he or she wants. Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for fishermen. Our books for anglers include titles that focus on fly fishing, bait fishing, fly-casting, spin casting, deep sea fishing, and surf fishing. Our books offer both practical advice on tackle, techniques, knots, and more, as well as lyrical prose on fishing for bass, trout, salmon, crappie, baitfish, catfish, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home. "John Field provides as much useful casting info as I've seen in one place. Even experienced casters will find a few nuggets. This book is practical, worthwhile, well-written, and rewarding."- The Drake "All told this is an extraordinarily thoughtful, detailed, and thorough casting manual; it's also much more than that; it's a pleasant history lesson on how we came to fish the fly the way we do. There is nothing like it out there. This book is absolutely full of ideas to think about, digest, and then put to use." - MidCurrent "I am wary of guidebooks on any subject that claim to be "complete." They never are; they can't be. But Fly-Casting Finesse is by far, the most detailed, thorough, and everything-that-goes-with-it book out there. It is of course filled with casting advice, but it also contains excellent pieces on presentation, the physics of casting, fly tackle, rod construction, line care, leader selection, fly casting history, world-wide fishing clubs, and just about anything else even remotely connected to fly fishing." Tail Fly Fishing Magazine "...this book is about fine-tuning all the details that mark the differences between a mediocre caster and a true master. ... There are those who will wag their fingers and say they don't need this book because 'casting isn't fishing.' To them I say 'shooting isn't hunting' either, but the best hunters make the shot when they need to." This book will help you make the best shots over and over again." - Fly Fisherman Magazine "That is precisely what shines through the pages of Fly-Casting Finesse - care for the reader, a deep understanding of logical progression, few frills, stark common sense and just a compelling love of the synergy between fisher, rod and line. The book is dignified. Importantly it is a book that makes a case for why you should learn casts, ... The reader understands that it is not just for casting's sake, but for a clearly identified reason such as when casting across streams or trying to tame the ocean with her uncompromising moods and quarry." - Charles Jardine , The Loop "John Field is an innovative fly caster who has put his heart and soul into his understanding of the art. It's great to see he is ready to share this knowledge." -- Joan Salvato Wulff "If you're planning to go in an area to sight fish, especially on the flats where speed and accuracy are paramount, read and take heed to chapter 4, 'The Saltwater Quick Cast,' and you will make what would have been a pretty good fishing trip into a fantastic trip. Fly-Casting Finesse is not only extremely educational and enlightening on techniques but also is a fast, enjoyable read." -- Stu Apte "John's wish to help teach fly casting, for it to become a beautiful experience, will undoubtedly be helpful to all who read this book's chapters and examine its illustrations. The teachings go well beyond the basics for novice casters, though it is a great piece for those just getting started. The lessons are useful to even the most adva