Published Dec 5. 2005 - 18 years ago
Updated or edited Sep 13. 2015

Video review: Essential Patterns with Oliver Edwards

Info
Author: 
Oliver Edwards
Publisher: 
DGP Productions
Publishing year: 
2004
Minutes: 
367
Price: 
24.99
£
Reviewed by: 

With the release of "Essential Patterns", Oliver Edwards and his production crew have raised the bar yet again for fly tying instructional video. These new DVDs are terrific in every respect - from the camera work, to the audio, to the general production - to say nothing of the fly tying content. He's a very engaging teacher, and I can listen to him and watch him tie flies all day long. Not only does he demonstrate the techniques required to tie the flies with utmost skill, but he makes the viewer want to hit the pause button and run to the vise.

Whereas in his prior videos the fly tying was in support of the general fishing theme, with this set the emphasis is entirely on fly tying. The first volume is titled "Quick Ties and Favorite Flies", and as the title suggests, you won't find Oliver's signature realistic flies. Many have argued that most of Oliver's popular patterns, such as his clinger nymphs, are not practical for fishing due to the effort demanded to tie them properly. If that has been your complaint, then this video is for you.

All but two of the flies on the first volume are dry flies, and all are thrifty in their use of materials and require no special skills or tools. If you can tie flies - you can tie these flies. I especially liked his technique for winging the CDC Dun. I've been exposed to the "F" fly before, but I never saw flies from the originator, and while it seems to be a simple fly to tie, listening to Oliver makes me want to try them next year on some of my favorite flat water. Everybody has a favorite foam ant, but Oliver's has just enough twists over the normal patterns to make me want to try them out.

The second volume, "Woven Flies", is fantastic in that is captures the major techniques for tying flies comprised of woven strands of material. Woven flies have existed for many years, but it's not an easy technique to teach in print media. What is so difficult to describe in text is easy to demonstrate in video, and nobody demonstrates fly tying skills better than Oliver Edwards. I bet we'll be seeing many more Polish Woven Nymphs in fly boxes this coming year.

There's no need for me to drone on about these DVDs. It's clear at this point that if Oliver's name is attached to a product, then the quality is going to be high. That is certainly true of these. If you've never had the chance to watch Oliver tie in person, pick up one of these DVDs. He's a good story teller, a great fly tyer, and an exceptional teacher.


Comments

I have all of Oliver...

I have all of Oliver dvds and have found them all very great what Ineed to know is if you can help me find the flat lead that Isee the other tyers us larrypauley

Martin Joergensen's picture

John, Check with ...

John,

Check with the British producers. You can most likely order online directly from them.

Martin

how can i order the ...

how can i order the woven flies video in the united states?

hi video clips and ...

hi
video clips and pictures are amazing
i too take pictures and shoot video but not commercial
i like you more because my name is also oliver edward

I have seen previous...

I have seen previous series Essential skills by Oliver Edwards and I would briefly say that' s one of the best video I have ever seen. Beautiful fish, skilfull flyfisher, excellent fly-tyer. So thanks for your notice of new series

Martin Joergensen's picture

Brian, If you fol...

Brian,

If you follow the link to DGP Productions (mentioned in the fact box) you will find plenty of information on these and Edward's other DVDs, patterns, pictures, even video clips. And you can buy the DVDs online, pay in dollars and have them shipped directly. No need for Amazon here.

Martin

I'm a bit disappoint...

I'm a bit disappointed. There is no information on what flies are described, not even a large enough picture to read the label to find out. I know you are not into sales here but I can not find out where in the states I can order either of the DVDs. Not Amazon for sure.

.

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