I waffled for a few months before buying this book. I wasn't sure the price justified a book that appeared to be little more than cross-reference charts. I have several other such charts in other books, and printed from websites.

Schmidt's charts are by far the best. They consist of two lists for each of sixteen hook makers: a cross-reference chart, and a properties chart with illustrations.

Finding the right hook for my own patterns and determining equivalent hooks for those listed in other's patterns has become much easier. It has become hard to imagine how I got along without this book.

I don't know about you, but I have been frustrated numerous times when looking at pattern books and they refer to another manufactures hook that you do not own. This book helps break that problem and provides a great cross referance for all the leading manufactures hooks. This book is really a breath of fresh air that does a very good job as it is intended to. I, like most of you use one manufactures hooks. So now when I see a pattern that calls for a hook from company ABC I can cross referance it quickly and go about my bussiness. This is a nice book for a reasonable price. This book is ment for all levels of tyers.

Avid fishermen who tie their own flies will want to take a look at a title which offers at-a-glance comparisons of the models from all major manufacturers. This isn't for novices: Hooks for the Fly is for the avid fisherman who's long needed such a cross-comparison reference, and includes b&w illustrations of over 400 models.