tie own flies

[wildloch]

hi everyone, i fancy giving fly tying a go, but it looks quite complicated. i have been looking at a lot of videos on you tube very interesting.i was wondering does anyone know of any where in durham/ north-east area that do fly tying classes, or is it possible to learn from books/ dvds etc. all advice welcome.
many thanks in advance.
barry.

[cubera]

Believe me, if I can tie flies which catch fish (and I can!), then so can you.It is as simple or as complex as you care to make it. It might pay you to join the fly dressers guild, and a local branch too, if you have one. I started tying using a book (The Fly Tiers Manual by Mike Dawes, as it happens), but have also taken plenty of advice from others, and benefitted greatly from demonstrations as shows, and from visiting speakers at my local fdg branch. Anyway, take the plunge and give it a try. By the way, it would be unwise to think you'll save any money!! I think the majority would agree self tied flies end up expensive, but satisfaction is hard to put a price on.

[wildloch]

thanks for that cubera, i have looked at the fly dressers guild web site but the only branch is up at Morpeth. i guessed it wont save money but like you said its the satisfaction.i was looking at kits on the the web, not sure what to buy. i will keep looking on the forums etc. cheers
barry

[christy27]

Kits are not very popular because you end up with "stuff" you never use. Might be better to work out what you want to tie. For a start do you fish river or lake or perhaps both? It's easier if you fish one or the other. Then what flies do you use-what works for you?

Having worked that out, which fly, that you have had success with looks easiest to tie...that's a good place to start. Buy some tools and the ingrediants to make your fly. Find someone to spend an hour with you to learn the basics. Your local fishery manager could be helpful or know someone. It's a really satisfying hobby and this is the time of year to get stuck in. Good luck.

Chris.

[ibrown]

I started tying this year and realy enjoy it. I am glad i did as Chris said and worked out what i was fishing for and what i wanted to tie. My fishing buddy bought Veniards Fly tying kit and he will never use some of the stuff in the kit. That said it is a good starter kit. One thing I would say is to go to a local Fly Tying guild they are realy helpful to beginners. The book I started and still use is The Fly-Tying Bible
Link:

The Fly-Tying Bible: Amazon.co.uk: Peter Gathercole, Paula Regan, Christopher Jory: Books

The Fly-Tying Bible: Amazon.co.uk: Peter Gathercole, Paula Regan, Christopher Jory: Books

[christy27]

Originally Posted by ibrown

I started tying this year and realy enjoy it. I am glad i did as Chris said and worked out what i was fishing for and what i wanted to tie. My fishing buddy bought Veniards Fly tying kit and he will never use some of the stuff in the kit. That said it is a good starter kit. One thing I would say is to go to a local Fly Tying guild they are realy helpful to beginners. The book I started and still use is The Fly-Tying Bible
Link: The Fly-Tying Bible: Amazon.co.uk: Peter Gathercole, Paula Regan, Christopher Jory: Books
I have found it very helpful. Also I have invested in Oliver Edwards Essential Skills and Patterns.

Hope this is helpful to you and good luck and enjoy tying.

Regards
Ian

Barry, good advice there from Ian. I also have The Fly-Tying Bible. Two pages cover each fly and it's well illustrated so you can see in what order to do things.
I'd also recommend Charlie Craven's Basic Fly Tying. Bible first, Charlie second. Don't be put off because Charlie is American and think his ties are for usa fishing situations. No-no, it's all relevant. In his book he explains lots of things that I've not seen in any other books. Choosing tools, which dubbing, hair selection, choosing a dry fly neck or saddle and lots more. Many "whys" are answered. The photography is simply stunning. Charlie is a teacher of fly tying and his easy way and humour shine through. Find it on ebay for about 20. You won't be disappointed! (someone asked for the recipe for tying a Copper John earlier on here, Charlie devotes 14 pages on how)

C

[HOOK]

Hi wildloch, there's a club at Meadowfield Club I've been asked many times to go but it's a bit far for me I'll ask the lads today when it starts, I've heard of one in Durham also.
Send a PM to Hong Kong Stewy he may help you.

Robbie

[arkle]

Gwent Angling Society has some superb videos on there for all levels of ability. If there's a branch of The FDG near you, join it before you do or buy anything !

[wildloch]

hi, thanks for all your replys all ways spot on. going to order the fly tying bible soon so thats a start. meadowfield club is not far from me so that would be great. also this is a stupid question but how do i pm hong kong stewy never do this before.
thanks in advance.
barry

[christy27]

Originally Posted by wildloch

hi, thanks for all your replys all ways spot on. going to order the fly tying bible soon so thats a start. meadowfield club is not far from me so that would be great. also this is a stupid question but how do i pm hong kong stewy never do this before.
thanks in advance.
barry

See private messages top right-click, look left and see private messages- send new message-click, next in the recipient username start to type Hong Kong Stewy and before you can finish it will appear in a box just below-click. Rem to put in a title, start message then click send.