Where Do You Buy Your Flies?

[vanven]

This is a pretty straightforward question. I can't seem to walk into a fly shop and not spend at least $40. The typical stop consists of a leader and 8 to 12 flies. As someone relatively new to fly fishing I am still trying to build up a stock of flies.

I have checked online and actually ordered some flies from one of the $0.75 per fly bulk stores. Although I wasnt super amazed by the quality, most of the flies were in the general ballpark of what I would expect to buy in a local store at a significantly cheaper price. For instance I ordered 20 wolly buggers in various sizes and colors for $20 shipped.

For some of the more Taney specific and delicate flies I will definitely shop at one of the local shops. I expect scuds and and sow bugs to be tied in Branson to be specifically geared for Taneycomo. I expect to buy nymphs that stay together for more than 3 fish at one of the local shops as well.

Anyone else experimented with buying flies online? Thoughts, ideas, suggestions.

-Jerod

[flyfishmaster]

vanven,

You are so right about the cost of getting local flies at the fly shops; it can just get down right expensive. Here is how I handle the situations. I let my brother or friends buy their flies on-line or that the local shops, I will then "borrow" one of each pattern from them and to use a prototype so I can tie my own flies. It usually takes me 3 or 4 flies before I can get it to close to the original, plus I know my flies will hold up a few fish longer than the mass produced versions.

FFM

PS: If you are looking for a few on-line sites for good quality flies at great rates, try these two: http://hillsdiscountflies.com or http://www.anglersdream.net/

[vanven]

I placed an order with www.flyshack.com a few weeks ago. They were great for the price but will never match the workmanship and attention to detail that you will find at a local shop.

I know making my own is always an option, just not one i am interested in right now.

-Jerod

[The Caddis]

I usually buy online, from local shops at the water I frequent. I also try to stop by and pick some up in person when onsite. That being said, I tie over 90% of the flies I actually fish with, so I buy more materials than actual flies.

The local fly shop, may be more expensive, but I always get a warm cup of coffee (on the house) and a place to take a break. Knowledge about current conditions as well as tips and advice that you can't get from Sri Lanka or China. Think about the wealth of knowledge shared on this website.

[vanven]

I just want to clarify one thing. Our local shops are a wonderful resource and I would never intentionally try to take money out of their pockets. Those folks work too hard for too little in most cases. I always find my way to Anglers and Archery to give Chuck some business simply because he is always warm and friendly when I bump into him fishing.

So maybe a simplier question:

If I buy flies online are they going to be quality flies or am i better off not doing it?

-Jerod

[The Caddis]

You get what you pay for, sometimes there are bargains, and sometimes not.

Are you going to be happy if the fly you paid $0.59 for looks like it. When I had been flyfishing for less than 6 months, I purchased from the Flyshack(?) or another online discount fly emporium. To me the fly's don't look right, and a trout is more picky than I am.

I have found that if you get in on a fly swap or two you can pick up some good patterns on local waters used by those who fish them. You can then take the pattern and use it as a model and replicate the patterns until you get as many as you need.

[Rolan Duffield]

Jerod:

Time to learn how to tie your own flies. You won't save money because you'll be continually buying supplies and hooks. The good side is that you will enjoy catching them on flies you've tied and you can customize to your own liking.

There may be some fly classes near you or just try to locate a fly tier close to you.

You'll enjoy this part of our sport.

Rolan

[JobyKSU]

The flies that I purchase come almost exclusively from local shops. I like getting the tips and an occasional experimental fly or two.

Personally, I think the quality you get at the local shops here blows away a lot of the discounters. I like to retire flies to my hat after 7-10 fish or so, but very few of the cheapies make it past 3 fish in my experience. So, you pay half the price, but go through that savings in extra flies, tippet, and lost time because when they DO breakdown, its because the fish are biting. I want to be fishing, not tying on a new fly!

The one exception that I will make is buying online from riverbum. They're a quality outfit with great customer service. I only get 'new stuff' from them that I want to try out on our waters but our shops don't sell.

Bottom line...

<que the Cheers themesong>

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name...

[Indiana Trout]

Sometimes I buy from BPS or Cabelas if it's a common pattern and I know what size and color I need. Usually I buy local when I'm in town and need the local hot pattern or I know something specific I want.

I'm still working on they tying part of it...

[Midge]

I've had decent luck with prchasing flies from www.flydealer.com. However, I now tie most of my own flies, and there is no substitution. If you don't have time, consider the winter months when fishing trips are fewer.

When traveling to a new place I always splurge at the local fly shop, because the knowledge is unbeatable. Then next time I go to the area, I can usually imitate the flies I bought.