For the past several years I have been very excited about the new generation of fly fishing films that has given us a breath of much needed new life into our world. Films like the Trout Bum Diaries, Fishizzle and many others has brought excitement to our sport unlike anything I have personally seen. I have enjoyed watching and reviewing these films over the past couple of years but I have often wondered if the day would ever come that this new style would translate over to fly tying videos.
Let's be honest, as bad as most fly fishing videos have been in the past they do not hold a candle to some of the horrific fly tying videos videos I have seen that have as much personality as a way museum. I get it, fly tying videos are some old dude sitting at a desk tying a fly and explaining the process as he goes along(in the most monotone voice possible) so there is not much that can be done to make it more exciting than it is. At the same time there certainly has to be something that can be done to keep me from feeling like I just swallowed a bottle full of sleeping pills by the time I reach the end.
I will be forever skeptical when I hear things like "new" and "unique" so I was less then optimistic the first time I heard from Roger McCoin that him and his crew has created a fly tying video experience unlike anything anybody has seen before. Several weeks later I was putting their DVD into my player to see for myself. To stay I was astonished would be a major understatement, I was floored. As I watched the film I quickly realized that this video was unique and they actually captured what was lacking in almost every other fly tying video; entertainment and clear concise instructions that everyone can understand.
To entertain us they took a very creative approach. Every several minutes during the film they would break away into some crazy hilarious skit that was unexpected and refreshing. They add just the right amount of humor that kept me awake and attentive during the entire video which is nothing short of an amazing feet.
In addition to the humorous entertainment the meat of the video is the instructions. The title of the DVD is "Fly Tying: The Beginning" and they certainly went above and beyond what others have done to help a beginner get started. They took the approach the the person watching has no prior knowledge of fly tying and takes them through their first 8 fly patterns. Every step along the way is paved in clear detailed instructions. Even simple processes like starting thread on the hook is gone over in great detail. Not only do they show how it is done, they often stop, rewind and show it again, and again in slow motion. Their attention to detail is nothing short of amazing.
In the end I applaude the effort of the guys from "The Hollywood Casting Couch", they have shown the world what is possible with a fly tying DVD. They proved that a fly tying video does not have to bore people to tears, it can be creative and entertaining as well. "Fly Tying: The Beginning" is a dual DVD set with over two hours of footage so the $24.95 price tag is more then worth every penny. Even if you considering yourself an experience tier this video is worth the price of admission for the entertainment along and who knows these guys may be able to teach you a few things as well. If nothing else you will have the perfect video at your disposal for anybody you know that shows an interest in taking up fly tying. I wish these guys nothing but the best of luck and hope this video is very successful because I know that I am personally anticipating future releases.
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Hatches Magazine Subscription
Price: $6.95 for each issue
The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.
