Beginning Fly Tying?

[CaptainT16]

Just wondered what all of you thought cost wise of what I would be looking at to get the basics to start Fly Tying? I have always wanted to learn, but haven't researched it to much, but am really thinking about taking it up. I hear it's a great hobby and everytime I pick up a fly, it's hard to imagine where to even start. Looks tough anyway, just wondered what pointers you could maybe give or any info would be great.

Thanks

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

The biggest pointer I could give: invest in a good vise right from the start. There are many out there so maybe we could get some input from the other members. Me, I like the Dynaking! Also, there are a lot of good books and videos out there. That's the way I started. But you can not beat one on one with another tyer!

John

[Danoinark]

Like John said, get the vise and tools first. Don't buy a kit. To much unneeded materials. Go to Lilley's or one of the other shops, and tell them you are new to tieing. Start with a woolie booger (a great all around bug) tell them to sell you the materials for an olive woolie for instance. They will get what you need, and I bet will show you how to tie one right quick. There are step by step turorials all over the internet, including this forum site. Learn to tie the woolie, then start the process over learning a new fly. I say start with the woolie booger, because its been my experience it teaches you almost all of the basics in one fly. You will be able to tie up a dozen the first night. Captain if you are not around here, find a shop near you. Also a good source is a local fly fishing club....Good luck....Dano

[mizzouflyfisher]

You can't go wrong with a danvise. It's like 80 bucks, but it will handle a wide range of hook sizes. The only drawback is that it won't handle past a size 20/22, the hooks will start to pop out of the jaws. My dad has tied several thousand flies on his, but I tie the small stuff for him. I agree with the comment on kits. I would start with a couple of patterns (easy ones) and slowly build your collection. For example, wooly buggers, zebra midges (only bead, thread and wire). Get a good whip finisher (I like the wasatch brand) and a good bobbin to start. Remember to look on ebay for materials. I look on ebay daily and buy stuff at least weekly. Great chance to get cheap hooks (dai-rikis for like 7 cents a piece) and materials you need. Just remember though, once you start you will get addicted.

Mizzouflyfisher

[Packman]

I recomend the HMH vice, Jeremy Hunt got a sweet deal on one of their large rotary models for me. It wasnt cheap, but I dont like buying disposable products. I always buy quality and buy it once, my vice will last me the rest of my life.....and then some. As far as tools go, skimping will only make you frustrated; for example buy a cheap pair of scissors and try to shape and trim deer hair. It just wont work.

[Rolan Duffield]

Fly tying is basically learning how to use different materials. I taught classes many years ago. What you should do is try to take a class in fly Tying. I don't know where you live, however, the Missouri Trout fishermans association has classes several times a year.

I agree that you should purchase good equipment to start with. You'll need a good vise, scissors, bobbin to hold the fly tying thread and hackle pliers. Basically thats all you need.

Buy only what you need to tie a certain fly. Believe me you won't save money as you will be collecting materials for the rest of your fishing days and really enjoying the experience.

I'm sure that most of us have supplies that will never run out and yet we have reason to keep adding to the collection because of new flies we want to tie or try.

I can send you a copy of a basic manual that I used to teach Fly tying classes in the MTFA. It starts with very basic tying instructions and gradually builds your knowledge. Once you have mastered the basics, you can look at a pattern and should be able to tie 90% of the flies.

I would advise anyone to learn how to make a basic whip finish on the fly. Once you master this technique, you'll never go to a whip finisher tool.

Fly tying is as much fun as fishing the fly, especially one that you have tied.

[jOrOb]

OK, time for the dissenter. There are like thousands of guys tying every day on a basic AA vise that cost like $20. They tie good flies. Many of those guys are also using simple tools (half of their tools are hand made), and have little invested in the whole thing. So, here is my take:

If you have the disposable income, pick up the $125 + vise (or maybe +++) and $25 bobbins and all that jazz. It will definitely be good stuff and you won't regret it. But if you want to start simple:

basic vise = $20

basic bobbin = $5

Box of toothpicks = $1

Box of paper Clips =$1.49 (you can make whip finisher, dubbing tool, ect)

Now, get a good pair of scissors. No other option

Then get a good hackle plier. It is worth the money

Now pick up those materials to tie some wollies and some midges. Buy a LOT of hooks. You cannot tie flies without hooks!

Now you are ready to tie a bunch of trout catching flies.

I agree that in a little while you will want to replace that $20 vise, but now you will know what features you want, and which ones you don't really need to spring for. Also, you have an idea how tools work, and can decide on those high dollar ones that you really will want.

I know several tyers who still use toothpicks as bodkins. They work great. I myself use a dubbing tool made from a paper clip, as well as a whip finisher made the same way.

Fly tying does not have to be a high dollar hobby. In fact, you could probably start in a class that will provide you with that same cheap vise to learn on, so you can tie your first flies without buying a thing.

Heck, I still have my old AA and it works fine. If you like, I will loan it to you. I will even show you how to use it!

jOrOb

[CaptainT16]

Thanks for all your help guys, I really appreciate it. I am still currently in the process of shopping around trying to find what I can find and what I will need. We do have a fly shop here in Wichita that I know carries many tools and well as classes. I am going to try and go to a couple of classes and see what it is all about. Would be a very good hobby for me when I am sitting around, which isn't often. Trying to get everything bought before baby arrives in Sept!

[Rolan Duffield]

jOrOb. I agree opn the Model A vise. It's been my vise since I started fly tying back in the 50's and I don't have any reason to change. Its a good general use vise that you can still purchase. I think I paid about $20.00 for it then. It's now $53.00 at www.dhthompson.com

[Greg]

jOrOb

One thing you might try regarding a vise is ebay. Sometimes you can get a used Thompson vise for an extremely reasonable price. I've seen them go for as little as $10. A used Thompson is still a great vise. I've had one for 30 years and it still works great. The other tools just aren't that expensive. So you really don't have to spend a fortune to start tying.

Greg