Czech Nymphing DVD Review

Czech Nymphing 101 and Related European Methods

Media Resources, 146 minutes, $29.95

The timing of Steve Parrott's new DVD, Czech Nymphing 101 and Related European Methods could not have been timelier because European nymphing is quickly gaining popularity in the United States as one of the most productive methods of fooling trout.  Some call it a fad, others call it a rage, but make no mistake about it, European nymphing has taken the fly-fishing industry by storm. It's been a long time since I remember this much buzz about something new in our sport. This excellent instructional DVD is guaranteed to add an arrow in your quiver if you are looking to diversify your skills.

Produced by award-wining videographer and editor John Smith, this excellent DVD is the perfect introduction into European nymphing. Smith's credentials are quite impressive — he's produced a number of travel related shows for the Outdoor Channel, field-produced numerous domestic travel videos for Rand McNally, other work has appeared on ESPN, Weather Channel, and MSNBC among others.  It won't take you long to figure out that Smith's video production is nothing less than spectacular.

Smith combined forces with Steve Parrott, a 20-year seasoned fly-fishing guide, fly shop owner, and a noted expert on European nymphing. Smith and Parrott meshed their skills producing one of the best fly-fishing DVD's to hit the market.  Landon Mayer, author and guide, gives this DVD a thumbs up and is quoted as saying "An excellent instructional DVD for effective methods of European nymphing."

Parrott begins the DVD by unveiling the history of Czech nymphing; then he smoothly transitions into choosing the appropriate gear, reading the water, and approaching the river.  Parrott's on-the-water instruction thoroughly addresses casting, line control, strike detection, setting the hook, and how to play fish.  There is a nice balance of instruction, one-on-one interaction with Parrott, and plenty of fishing scenes to keep things spiced up.

The DVD is divided into four segments — Czech, Polish, French, and Spanish methods. Excellent graphics provide a detailed tutorial on how Parrott sets up an effective two or three fly rig.  Each segment concludes with bullet points highlighting tips for success. Additional segments include: leader construction and fly tying. A navigational menu provides the viewer the flexibility to scroll to a specific segment or they may opt to watch the entire DVD from start to finish.  This DVD is well-organized and very user friendly.

The fly tying segment is comprised of four of Steve Parrott's favorite fly patterns — all proven patterns to catch trout under a wide range of conditions.  Parrott demonstrates his fly tying skills in a beautiful log cabin setting where the ambiance is simply magnificent. The fly tying section includes a Polish Woven Nymph, Electric Caddis, Original Czech Caddis, and Micro Jig Nymph. Multiple cameras angles exploit Parrott's talents at the vise, especially when Parrott seamlessly weaves two colors of embroidery floss in the Polish Woven nymph section There is a fly recipe at the end of each tying segment, which I found extremely useful when purchasing the materials to tie each fly.

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I think you'll find Czech Nymphing 101 and Related European Methods enjoyable and very informative.  I consider this DVD a must-have in any serious angler's video library.

— Pat Dorsey