G.E.M. Skues: The Man of the Nymph

A magisterial biography of the man widely regarded as the most interesting and innovative fly fisherman of the 20th century, based on research into primary sources The most innovative fly-fishing angler of modern times, G. E. M. Skues spearheaded and near-singlehandedly developed the technique of below-surface fly-fishing for trout with nymphs. His pioneering example is now followed by anglers worldwide. During the six years of research and writing for this volume, Tony Hayter traveled widely in Europe and the U.S. to unearth a treasure trove of original and hitherto unpublished material, which throws new light on the life of this great man. Packed with fascinating detail, the book explores many hitherto unrevealed facets of Skues' life and for the first time sets into proper perspective his early clash with fishing author Frederic Halford, as well as his inevitable collision with the diehard dry-fly purists in 1938. Also detailed for the first time through voluminous unpublished correspondence is the major influence Skues had on anglers in Europe and the U.S., culminating in his election as an honorary life member of the New York Anglers Club in 1927. Vividly illustrated with photographs of people and places long gone and changed forever, this book will long stand as the definitive biography of Skues.