Plea from a novice

[Coaster]

I've resisted tying my own flies for years, fearing it would take up too much time. But it's something I've always fancied having a crack at so I've finally given in and got a basic kit from Santa.

Already had a go but the first concoction I came up with would scare the fish - so much so I've named it the Catastrophlea.

Can anyone suggest the best how-to book for an absolute beginner..ie one that doesn't assume any prior knowledge?

[mick85]

try the fly tying bible, its pretty good for beginners

[A. Fluker]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I've resisted tying my own flies for years, fearing it would take up too much time. But it's something I've always fancied having a crack at so I've finally given in and got a basic kit from Santa.

Already had a go but the first concoction I came up with would scare the fish - so much so I've named it the Catastrophlea.

Can anyone suggest the best how-to book for an absolute beginner..ie one that doesn't assume any prior knowledge?

What kit did you get?

And/Or what's in it?

What sort of fishing do you participate in - stilwater, river etc?

[Coaster]

Thanks for your interest.

The kit doesn't have a maker's name on it. Didn't have much of a say in it to be honest...just dropped the hint a while back and it appeared.

Not having anything to compare it with, I'd guess it's not an overly expensive kit - wife's thinking probably being that if I get into it, I'll upgrade myself. As for fishing, stillwater and rivers for rainbows, brownies, grayling, salmon.

Here are the tool details..still trying to figure out what everything is for.

Black bench mounting vice with adjustable clamp holder and a quick lever operation for release of the hook.
Dubbing needle with brass handle.
Straight tubed bullet ended ball foot bobbin holder.
Hackle pliers with side pads.
Bobbin with finger thumb grip flute ends
Brass handled threader.
Straight blade gold handled serrated fine tip feather scissors.
Brass set of three half hitch tools.
Set of fine tip tweezers.
Brass handled whip finish tool.
Brass handled hopper leg tying tool.
M top revolving handled hair twister.
Bobbin holder that fits on vice.

[BRUCE1]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I've resisted tying my own flies for years, fearing it would take up too much time. But it's something I've always fancied having a crack at so I've finally given in and got a basic kit from Santa.

Already had a go but the first concoction I came up with would scare the fish - so much so I've named it the Catastrophlea.

Can anyone suggest the best how-to book for an absolute beginner..ie one that doesn't assume any prior knowledge?

Coaster , have a look here The Step by Step Fly Tying Resource ,or through the SBS, or if you want i can loan you my copy of peter gathercoles fly tying bible ??

PS davy Mcphails vids on you tube are excellent ..

[darwin]

Originally Posted by Coaster

Can anyone suggest the best how-to book for an absolute beginner..ie one that doesn't assume any prior knowledge?

Peter Gathercole & Charlie Craven both have good books for beginners. YouTube has David Cammiss & Davie McPhail videos. This website has dozens of Step By Step documents created by members, very good stuff.

[the stig]

Hi
Where abouts in Ayrshire do u stay as i,ve got a couple of books that might help u and u can pop along and have them and u never know there might be a little santa bag as well

cheers Bert (Stevenston )

[Paul_B]

You could try fly tying on youtube etc, or check out the videos in Total Flyfisher.com

Steve Cullen's is very good as he shows/explains how to tie, & once you pick up the basics it will get easier

Paul

[nl123]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I've resisted tying my own flies for years, fearing it would take up too much time. But it's something I've always fancied having a crack at so I've finally given in and got a basic kit from Santa.

Already had a go but the first concoction I came up with would scare the fish - so much so I've named it the Catastrophlea.

Can anyone suggest the best how-to book for an absolute beginner..ie one that doesn't assume any prior knowledge?

me as well..just ordered fly tying for beginners p gathercole, and the fly tyers bible same author,got it ordered from wh smith pick up from store price £10.53 per book and no postage

[flytyer0207]

sounds like a good set to start off with.

I would definetly buy the Fly Tying Bible by Peter Gathercole. It was my first fly tying book and i still use it - in fact, I tied a fly from it literally about 10 minutes ago