The Klink (book)

‘Enjoyable, rich in information and inspiration. Nearest thing to a ‘must have’ book I think I’ve opened in a long time.’ Magnus Angus, Flyfishing & Flytying‘Hans van Klinken needs no introduction to experienced flyfishers, but while he’s been hugely influential, he’s never written a book - until now! [The Klinkhamer] has crossed continents and oceans to the extent that there can hardly be a game river or stream that has not at some time seen a Klinkhamer floating through its riffles and glides. I doubt whether there is an experienced British or European flyfisher who has not used one. From Alaska to Zimbabwe, anglers eulogise about its effectiveness.’ John Roberts, Trout & Salmon‘If I had to restrict myself to using just one fly for trout and grayling for the rest of my fly-fishing career, that fly would be the Klinkhåmer Special. I suspect that many others would make the same choice. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of this superlative fly on the Glomma river in Norway. Since then, it has accounted for many thousands of fish: not just trout and grayling but over 40 species worldwide. This is a very impressive book and one long-awaited by fly-dressers and anglers. It is clearly written and lavishly illustrated with colour photographs. Merlin Unwin Books is to be congratulated for producing a work that will take pride of place on many thousands of bookshelves.’ Keith Harwood, Classic Angler‘The Klink is a most impressive book. Only last year, the Klinkhamer Special was chosen as the most popular artificial fly by fly fishers around the glove. It is a super fly for large grayling, but trout, Atlantic salmon and numerous other species will rise to it as well. His book The Klink took a great many years to complete, but it was well worth the wait. You would be wise to get your hands on a copy of the book, it will serve you in more ways than one.’ Rudy van Duijnhoven, The Flyfishing Blog‘The Klinkamer Special is probably the most popular fishing fly in the world today. Its creator Hans van Klinken has at last written his long-awaited first book. Full instructions for tying Hans’ most important flies are included in his engaging and revealing account of his life in flytying and fishing. I found this book to be a highly interesting and beautiful read. All of the fly patterns covered are done in clear and easy to follow steps. The photos depicted in the book are outstanding! I can’t wait to dive in and tie a few for myself. I would highly recommend this book as an addition to your flytying library.’ Bob O’Donnell, Trout UnlimitedContributors voted the Klinkhamer Special the Greatest Fly of All Time. Even if you are not a regular Klinkhamer fisher, this is s a fascinating insight into the evolution of a game changing fly and the intense thinking of someone who sees a fly in relation to fish and fishing in a manner quite unlike us mere mortals.’ Simon Cooper, Fishing Break Newsletter

Hans van Klinken started flyfishing at the age of 15 in Norway and immediately fell in love with the unbridled beauty of the Arctic regions. His greatest outdoor experience was in 1975 when he spent almost four months in the wilderness of Lapland, where he learned how to survive in the forest and on the tundra.

Hans began flytying in 1976. By the early 1980s, he was creating his own designs, mostly parachutes, which eventually led to his development of several unusual patterns and tying techniques. His international fame increased as he continued his meticulous development of his flies, giving demonstrations, workshops and classes around the world.

Armed with his backpack, rod and flytying material, he and his future wife Ina travelled round Scandinavia as far north as Svalbard and later Europe and North America, fishing their way around. It was in the large variety of the river systems and lakes of Scandinavia and Finland that he honed his flyfishing skills.

Hans’ retirement now makes it possible to commit fully to the world of flyfishing and related environmental issues. He has finally found the time to write his long-awaited first book which sheds light on his ground-breaking thinking behind the world famous Klinkhåmer fly and variations.

Throughout his life he has held free-of-charge educational programmes and flytying lessons for youngsters, something he sees as his way of giving back to society.