Smallmouth Fly Materials

[Wayne SW/MO]

Tim I've had a good experience with these people, but the Danvise is one that doesn't seem to vary and that's common with all the higher end fly tying equipment. Dr Slick brand makes excellent scissors and while I haven't used their bobbins they do have the reputation. I don't have anything but Renzzeti bobbins and they are excellent, but pricey today and I doubt they would be my first choice now. These people are pretty competitive for supplies, but not the only ones.

http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category/80000

There is obviously nothing wrong with buying local, but for many of us it cost a small fortune to go to a fly shop and I've not had any bad experiences buying online. When you add shipping and subtract taxes, what is left won't hardly buy enough gas to get you around the block. That's why I think it's good to have both options and not feel guilty about going online.

[ness]

I'd skip kit too. Get a decent vice, the materials and basic tools to tie a couple patterns. Wayne had two great choices for a beginner that will catch fish. They both require minimal ingredients, and will teach a couple basic techniques. A trip to YouTube would show you how to do it, but ideally get someone to tutor you.

I got a pair of Wiss quick clips years ago and have never looked back. Economical, ergonomic, last a long time. The finger ring means you never have to set them down.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000P1HKHA/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1363727338&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

[ness]

...or if you like shopping at Cabela's, you could have the same scissors for 3 times the price

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Tying/Tools-Vises|/pc/104793480/c/104721480/sc/104340780/i/103884480/Rainys-Fine-Tipped-Scissors/1546645.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-fly-fishing-fly-tying-tools-vises%2F_%2FN-1100441%2FNo-48%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd744267%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNP%26recordsPerPage%3D48&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd744267%3Bcat103884480

[exiledguide]

I buy a lot on line when I know what I wan't. The reason I suggested the fly shop was becauseTSmith was wanting to start tying and the fly shop is what 25 miles from Mashfield and there will be a chance for some hands on learning.

[ness]

Anybody know anything about Griffin Odyssey Spider? Looks like a good vice for 85 bux

[Flysmallie]

Anybody know anything about Griffin Odyssey Spider? Looks like a good vice for 85 bux

I've had one for a long time. It's not bad, never gave me a reason to upgrade.

[stlfisher]

The only thing I wil add is if you want to start tying flies to save money...it probably won't work out that way. I have stuff I never remember buying and stuff I will probably never use. You know like my wife with her shoes.

However, I do enjoy tying and it is a great hobby to have. It is tough to beat watching a ballgame, tying a few flies, and drinking a beer.

[TSmith]

So far there is the Danvise and the Griffin Odyssey Spider any others that would be a little cheaper? Im leaning towards the Danvise but Id still like a few more options.
I just bought a few tools. I got a Dr. Slick Titanium Bobbin 4" and Dr. Slick Whip Finisher 4" and for 8$ Im gonna give the Wiss Scissors a shot. Thanks for the tips.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Vise, thread, materials and you're almost there. You still have to put on a hood and make a trip to Walmart and the nail polish department for some clear Hard As Nails nail polish. Best and cheapest head cement available.

[ness]

I did notice Griffin had several other vises, including some for quite a bit less.

I started looking around for info on vises after this post came up. One relatively common complaint on the Danvise is that all or part of it is plastic, and I saw some mention of parts breaking. No personal experience -- seems others have them here and may want to add something.