First attempt!

[dell]

i visited a Fly fishing shop today and bit the bullet and bought a cheap fly tying kit. I've been itching to tie my own flies since before i even started fly fishing and ive gotta say im thoroughly enjoying it!
i started off a bit worried about tying things wrong and putting pieces in the wrong places but after half a dozen attempts at various patterns i started relaxing and having a play around with various materials and just learning how they tie.
tied about 15 flies and some actually look like they would catch fish!!!
the proof is in the pudding though so cant wait to cast one out and see if they can fool a fish
now i just need to kit out with other materials, wires, dubbings etc
my other halfs looking forward to having a go tomorrow, i reckon shes gonna be way better than me lol
we will see

anyone know any good websites for materials? cheap?
are textile shops a good source of cheap materials?

thanks
Dell

[christy27]

Cheap materials simply make things more difficult. Sure you can pick up a few things here and there, craft shops and the like. But in general it's false economy.

Better by far is to work out which flies you want to tie-which work for you were you fish. Then go buy the bits and pieces from a reputable fly shop (who will be able to help with advice) and concentrate on your choice. That's what I would do .

Chris.

[emerger1981]

welcome to the world of fly tying.. be prepared to be skint
like christy said theres a few things like foam and the likes but other than that its best to buy the right materials for the job..
when i first started tying i tied ptn's buzzers and wet and dry flys with some cheap cock and hen capes. hen capes cheap ones are fine but the cock capes are better to pay for a good one for your drys/emergers. for palmering your wets a cheaper saddle will do. theres not many cheap materials but you cant put a price on pleasure, especially catching on your own fly
and if the missus is into it mate you struck gold!
on the other hand your other gold will be going on her grade 1 grizzly whiting cape that (you) will be wanting

[shortea]

If you look in the search archives there are some good threads on suppliers and alternative materials


good luck Nick

[andypandy]

IMO get yourself on ebay and get what you want on there. you can get some very good quality materials at a cheaper price than some of the shops will sell you.

Andy