Beginner Tying

[eric1978]

Hey guys, I decided I'm going to start tying my own jigs and spinnerbaits, and I was wondering if any of you fly-tying veterans could head me in the right direction.

Will any old vise do or should I spend a little more for a better one? What makes a vise better?

Do they make any beginner kits that you would recommend?

I know some tools are better than others, but what brands would do the trick without breaking the bank?

Any tips would help. Thanks all!

[Thom]

Eric:

If you are interested I live just a few miles from St. Peters and could give you a crash course, loan you a vice to start out and some instruction to get you started tying jigs and wollie buggers, scuds, san Jauns etc. . Check out myl profile and send me a Pm if you are interested and we can get together for a crash course. I have taught some classes in local senior groups in the area but one on one is better.

Thom

[eric1978]

Eric:

If you are interested I live just a few miles from St. Peters and could give you a crash course, loan you a vice to start out and some instruction to get you started tying jigs and wollie buggers, scuds, san Jauns etc. . Check out myl profile and send me a Pm if you are interested and we can get together for a crash course. I have taught some classes in local senior groups in the area but one on one is better.

Thom

Thom, that would be fantastic! I haven't graduated to fly-fishing yet, I'm still banging away at smallies with the baitcasters. But I know you can apply a lot of the same techniques to bass jigs that you can to flies.

I'm gonna be pretty busy the next several days and into next week, but I'd love to get together with you anytime it's convenient for you. I really appreciate the offer. Shoot me a PM sometime if you get bored, or I'll send you a message in a few days. Thanks again! Eric

[Gavin]

Eric, there are lots of resources available if you want to get started. I'd take Tom up on his offer, and if you want to check out vices, tools, and materials there are two excellent fly shops in Brentwood. T.Hargrove Fly Fishing and Feather Craft...they have all you will ever need, good advice, and more.

Both shops offer classes, and the Ozark Fly Fishers do several through St. Louis County Parks.

I'd avoid a kit, because most of the tools and materials will be junk...Its just winding thread around a hook and adding materials as you go..Work from back to front and keep your thread tight...One tip with bucktail and marabou....Measure it and cut it to length before you tie it in...It makes a much better looking fly or jig that way. Cheers.

[eric1978]

Eric, there are lots of resources available if you want to get started. I'd take Tom up on his offer, and if you want to check out vices, tools, and materials there are two excellent fly shops in Brentwood. T.Hargrove Fly Fishing and Feather Craft...they have all you will ever need, good advice, and more.

Both shops offer classes, and the Ozark Fly Fishers do several through St. Louis County Parks.

I'd avoid a kit, because most of the tools and materials will be junk...Its just winding thread around a hook and adding materials as you go..Work from back to front and keep your thread tight...One tip with bucktail and marabou....Measure it and cut it to length before you tie it in...It makes a much better looking fly or jig that way. Cheers.

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out those shops.

Yeah, the kits did look like junk, but since I'm just starting out I figured maybe they'd suffice. I'm usually the type to just buy the best to start with instead of wasting money on garbage just to realize I want something better. But I'm also not gonna spend $500 or more on a vise. Around $50 for a rotary sounds about right to me. Thanks again.