Review by Mark Rumph
_By Ken Hanley
(The Lyons Press, 2003;
www.lyonspress.com)
182 pp., softcover, $19.95
_
Since the two oceans of the United States are divided by roughly 3,000 miles, it’s often tough for those on one coast to relate to the fly-fishing on the other. Ken Hanley, noted fly-fisherman, author, guide and instructor, brings two great additions on West Coast saltwater fly-fishing. In his new book, Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore, Hanley offers insights and tips that will help fly-rodders targeting the Pacific coastline. Hanley is also presenting Saltwater Salmon on the Fly, a new DVD that about fly-fishing for these popular game fish.
In Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore, Hanley introduces a concept he calls the “trident curriculum.” This incorporates an understanding of habitat, game-fish behavior, and an overview of the equipment used in pursuit of the popular Pacific inshore species. The book is divided into five sections designed to complement his curriculum. Section one covers habitats, including tides, estuaries, bays and beaches. Section two overviews 16 commonly sought-after game fish, and sections three through five offer information on tackle, tactics, watercraft and fly patterns. A thoughtful bibliography, Glossy photos, and a comprehensive index further enhance this book.
By David Klausmeyer
(Adventures Beyond, 2003;
www.pacificextremes.com)
57 minutes, DVD, $19.95
In his directorial debut, Hanley offers a high-quality DVD with Saltwater Salmon on the Fly, Volume I. This 57-minute video filmed in Alaska gives fly-anglers an inside look at the tools and techniques necessary for chasing saltwater salmon on the Pacific Coast. The DVD starts with basic equipment selection, then moves out on the water to explain the various techniques and tactics employed in targeting Pacific salmon. As in his book, Hanley weaves the principles of his trident curriculum into the video – understanding habitat, game-fish behavior and equipment. The video ends with some great fishing action mixed into the educational material.
Both the book and video are fine additions to the growing library of Pacific fly-fishing literature. Each is well thought out and his prose both on the page and in person is easy on the eyes and ears – a gift few modern sportsmen possess. I look forward to future books and videos from Hanley. For more information, visit his Web site, www.pacificextremes.com.
