A Fly-Fisher’s Guide to Saltwater Naturals and their Imitation, by George V. Roberts Jr.

After you have accumulated a few saltwater fly fishing books, finding new titles that offer unique or original information can be tough. Many books simply repeat work that has been described elsewhere, with authors offering new versions of old information. This is not to say these books aren't the result of hard work, or years of hands-on experience, or fantastic photography, but rather that they just don't educate the reader. In truth, only a handful of thoughtfully written and professionally edited fly fishing books are required to adequately cover a large amount of information.

The search for something new and educational is what led me to A Fly-Fisher's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and their Imitation, by George V. Roberts Jr. I have found no other book out there quite like it. Part textbook, and part fishing book, Saltwater Naturals covers the physiology of vision and sensory perception in predators, and the biology, distribution, and life histories of North American saltwater forage species. Also provided is a directory of fly patterns to match key saltwater forage species.

Part one of Saltwater Naturals is dedicated to predator physiology, foraging strategies, prey recognition, and how certain features in flies stimulate a response from predators and trigger strikes. Roberts also discusses evolutionary defensive behaviors of prey species and how anglers can use these behaviors to their advantage. A convenient summary of key points is provided at the end of this section. Part two of the book is dedicated to forage species. Roberts describes the biology and life histories of many of the key North American saltwater prey species and he provides nicely illustrated color plates of each. Part three of Saltwater Naturals is a directory of fly patterns available to mimic the different forage species described in part two. Because Saltwater Naturals was originally published in 1994, prior to the explosion of new tying materials and patterns for saltwater fly fishing, some of the flies shown may seem a bit dated. But, these patterns are no less effective than they were 15 years ago.

I found Robert's scientific approach in A Fly-Fisher's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and their Imitation educational and enjoyable. It didn't describe how to tie a leader for the flats, it didn't show how to double haul, and it didn't preach what brand of reel is superior to all the others. But it did teach me more about the saltwater prey species I try to match and the predators I try to trick. And that is what separates Saltwater Naturals from the rest of the crowd.

A Fly-Fisher's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and their Imitation
By George V. Roberts Jr.
163 pp. Ragged Mountain Press
ISBN: 0-07-053166-8