BOOK REVIEW | 'The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques'

A comprehensive review for the discerning fly tyer of 'The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques' by Barry Ord Clarke.

When Barry Ord Clarke was crowned Fly Tyer Magazine 'Fly Tyer Of The Year' in 2021, it was as much a recognition of his technical prowess as it was an acknowledgment of his unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, and, bring that to the every day tyer. His latest offering, 'The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques,' is just another example of why this was well-deserved.

While Clarke is adamant that even experts can benefit from revisiting the basics (and that many didn't get the proper grounding to begin with), he respects his audience's intelligence from page one in The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques. Instead of rehashing fundamentals, he dives into the nuanced aspects of our craft that separate competent tyers from artisans: understanding buoyant feather properties, mastering head varnishing techniques, and strategic wax application. These are the details that elevate flies from functional to exceptional.

Clarke's organizational approach is brilliantly conceived. Each of the 28 patterns demonstrates exactly three specific techniques—a pedagogical sweet spot that prevents overwhelming beginners while ensuring experienced tyers encounter new approaches. This yields an impressive 84 distinct techniques across the book's 256 pages, creating exceptional value for serious students of the craft.

The pattern selection is thoughtfully curated, ranging from essential staples like the Ubiquitous Nymph and Hare's Ear Parachute to more specialized offerings such as the Anorexic Mayfly and Diving Caddis. While primarily focused on trout patterns for streams and lakes, the techniques translate beautifully across species and water types, exactly what you'd expect from a tier of Clarke's caliber.

The integration of QR codes linking to video demonstrations represents the evolution of instructional materials. Rather than gimmicky add-ons, these videos serve as genuine extensions of the written content. Clarke's on-screen presence is methodical and clear, allowing you to see subtle hand movements and material manipulation that static photography simply cannot capture. For complex techniques, this multimedia approach proves invaluable.

Clarke's photography has always been exceptional, and The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques maintains that standard. The step-by-step sequences are clearly lit and properly staged, with consistent angles that make following along intuitive. More importantly, the images capture the critical moments in each technique—the instant where materials transform from components into integral parts of a cohesive pattern.

The book's large format (222 x 282mm) provides ample space for both detailed imagery and comprehensive written instruction. The layout strikes an ideal balance, never feeling cramped despite the wealth of information presented.

The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques is for tyers who understand that mastery lies in the details and who aren't satisfied with 'good enough.' If you're the type who appreciates the difference between adequate and exceptional materials, who experiments with technique variations, and who views each fly as an opportunity to refine your craft, this book will resonate deeply.

Intermediate tyers will find it transformative, providing the missing links between basic competence and true skill. Advanced tyers will discover refinements to familiar techniques and new approaches to common challenges.

"The Feather Bender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques" succeeds brilliantly as both a reference manual and an educational journey. Clarke has created a volume that respects its audience while challenging them to elevate their craft. The seamless integration of written instruction, detailed photography, and video demonstration sets a new standard for instructional materials in our field.

For J. Stockard customers who take their tying seriously—who invest in quality materials and tools because they understand that superior components enable superior results—this book belongs in your library.