While general fly-fishing books offer abbreviated descriptions of the major long-rod tactics, the addicted will want more detail. Each of the following covers a specific branch of our sport.

To Rise a Trout
by John Roberts
Stoeger Publishing, 1988.

James Stephen wrote, "Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before, but in saying exactly what you think yourself." Such is the nature of To Rise a Trout. John Roberts may be British, but he has eschewed the trap of chauvinism in search of salient ideas. The result is a book of transatlantic character.

While I hesitate to call them emperors, he examines the opinions of several eminent authors, and in the true tradition of the little boy, comments on some southern exposures. He is, in my opinion, guilty of a few errors and questionable conclusions, but such is the nature of fly-fishing egos. But I guarantee you that this thoughtful examination of the floating fly will leave you a much wiser angler.

Presentation

Is presentation different from tactics? Yes and no. In theory at least, presentation should include everything necessary to get the right fly to a trout regardless of method. That is, if one combined several good books on specific tactics for dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers, the result should be a comprehensive tome on presentation.

Two offerings by widely celebrated authors, Gary Borger and Lefty Kreh, purport to do this. Both have their individual strengths but I favor Borger's effort, particularly because of its trout-fishing focus.

Presentation
by Gary Borger
Tomorrow River Press, 1995

In 319 pages, Gary Borger attempts to sum up all fly-fishing knowledge for taking trout. How well does he do? Not badly considering the presumptuous nature of the task. Presentation is divided into three sections: The Predator/Prey Relationship, Equipment and Line Handling, and Angling Tactics.

The first describes the physical characteristics of trout as they impact on trying to catch them, where trout live and feed in both streams and stillwaters, how trout feed, what trout eat, and finally, how to approach and fight fish. In the second, Borger offers his opinions on the most effective tackle set ups and casting techniques. Finally, with respect to tactics, he covers what he calls foundation strategies and minor tactics.

So is this everything you will need to know to catch trout? No! Borger has omitted several successful approaches, is weak on stillwater techniques, and not everyone will agree with his tackle recommendations. Regardless, if you don't learn from Presentation, you must be among the top .05 percent of expert fly fishers, or you weren't paying attention. If I was forced to recommend only one book on how to catch trout on the fly, this
is it.