Smallmouth bass swim in lakes and rivers across the United States and Canada and are a premier fly-rod game fish in almost every way—they take flies readily, feed on diverse foods for a long period of time, tolerate higher water temperatures than trout, and fight harder than any other North American freshwater fish their size. This is the first book dedicated to the best modern flies for these fish that includes both detailed step-by-step tying instructions as well as top patterns and recipes for flies that cover the complete water column, from top to bottom. With over 500 full-color step-by-step images and 300 patterns by today’s top tiers from around the country, this book is the definitive resource for smallmouth bass.
Jake Villwock is owner and head guide of Relentless Fly Fishing. Growing up in a commercial fishing family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, fishing has been part of his life from day one, so it should come as no surprise that he chose a career in the fishing industry. After guiding in Alaska, Jake returned to the east coast and worked for TCO Fly Shop. He started Relentless Fly Fishing, which serves as TCO’s contract guide service. In addition to guiding, Jake is Fulling Mills Signature tier, blog-writer, author, contributor to Eastern Fly Fishing magazine, and serves on various pro-staffs of leading industry companies such as Hatch Reels, Scientific Anglers, Simms Fishing, Clacka Craft Drift Boats, Scott Fly Rods, and Regal Vise. He lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
