fly tying beginner

[keithnu]

well lads,

I'm sick of paying for flies. it starts to get very expensive after a while. i want to get into tying flies, but i haven't a clue where to start. Ive been looking at this on ebay as a starter kit.

FLY TYING KIT,WITH VICE,TOOLS AND MATERIALS,kit101 on eBay (end time 10-Aug-10 00:24:50 BST)

as i said Ive no idea what I'm looking for.

cheers for any help

[darwin]

Originally Posted by keithnu

I'm sick of paying for flies. it starts to get very expensive after a while. i want to get into tying flies, but i haven't a clue where to start.

Hi Keithnu,
With all due respect I think you might want to reconsider.
I do not know anyone that has ever said they save money by tying their own flies. Most of the people that I know that are into fly tying do it because they (1) they enjoy it or (2) they can not get the fly they want anywhere else. The more experienced tiers will be awake in a few hours, (some never sleep) and will add their wisdom to your query. Maybe you should find a place that sells discount flies. Don't rush, help is on the way.

[keithnu]

I'm also very interested in fly tying. i could only imagine the feeling you get when you catch on your own fly. id say its a real feel of accomplishment.

probably go with what this guy has suggested in one of the other threads

Beginner tyer

but where to start after that god only knows

[darwin]

That guy (your second post) knows what he is talking about. Where to start... One folder up is a large collection of Step By Step (SBS) documents, give those a look. Start with the simplest fly that you use and try to learn that one. A few good to have would be the pheasant tail nymph, hares ear and a buzzer. Then add the ones you use... Google is your best friend when you want to know something, also go look on YouTube for fly tying videos. Join a local fly tying/fishing club if you can. Start simple and you will get the hang of things. There are a lot of seriously good tiers and anglers on this forum... read then ask questions.
Good luck and all that!

[palindromic_bob]

Stop! Don't make the mistake I made. I got a very similar kit and now have a very pointless lump of metal in a drawer. The vice, bobbin holder, scissors and whip finish tool all sucked and have since been replaced. The only thing I still use regularly is the hackle pliers. The bobbin is now only used for very heavy threads, the scissors are fine for cutting mono

The materials where ok but again I replaced the threads with unithread and materials that matched what I wanted to do and rarely touch the kit stuff now. Varnish and thread are cheap.

If you want a cheap but adequate vice to get started then

ROTATABLE REGENT FLY TYING VICE, BRAND NEW, FREE P & P on eBay (end time 23-Aug-10 21:21:45 BST)

is a much better choice.

Find a couple of patterns you want to tie and buy the materials you need for them. Be warned. You will end up with a huge collection of materials over time anyway.

A decent ceramic tipped bobbin holder, a pair of hackle pliers and a pair of fine point scissors should be the only tools required to get started.

If you really want a whip finishing tool then a Martelli style one is the type I'd recommend but you can also use your fingers.

A large sewing needle will suffice as a dubbing needle or take a look in the homemade tools section for more ideas.

Homemade tools.

As for saving money. The cost per fly is lower yes. The initial outlay on materials etc will however seem quite large.

Don't approach tying purely on a cost basis. Just imagine the future. You will be able to add unique variations to patterns rather than sticking to what is available to buy. You can make your own patterns up, experiment and have fun.

Most importantly every fish you catch will be down truely to you. It won't be down to just your casting and strike. It will be the fact you have managed to create something the fish thought good enough to taste instead of just fooling it with Mr Commercial Tyers fluff. That's not to say that Mr Commercials stuff isn't sometimes good, it just isn't as satisfying to fish.

[HOOK]

Hello keithnu you need to see a tyer at the vice, and it can be just as expensive at tying flies as buying them, also it takes a lot of your time up, but a lot of us tyer's never listened either, but it is a gift which has been passed down to those who try, so how many hours a week can you give yourself.
When it comes down to it, it's your choice I have known lads who never had the patience and it has cost them money to set up which in the end it was a bad investment for them. You will always get help off the Forum members and if I was to start again I never asked for help I just did it and found it's a beautiful pastime.

Robbie

[christy27]

This has been discussed many times on here. The majority seem to say no to starter kits because you end up with loadsa stuff you don't need or never use. A popular suggestion is to choose 3-4 of your favorite flies and buy the materials and tools to tie them and see how you go.

Flytying materials are expensive too, tools can be as much as you want to pay. I really believe that it is cheaper to tie than buy (after the initial outlay)and much more fun.

What is the right way to go is really up to the individual and governed usually by financial circs.

I was faced with your dilema about a year ago. My chosen route is not a popular one but it worked for me. I bought two quite substantial lots off ebay. One had everything loads of stuff and cost about 50 quid. The other was full of tinsels and thread cost about 25. I then had tons of stuff to sort through. Some things I didn't even know what they were used for. But as time went by and I learnt more, all slotted into place.

I was certain I was going to give it a good go from the start so easy choice for me-buy the biggest bundle my budget allowed and sort it out later.

I would recommend similar for you if you are sure your going to stick with it. HTH-Chris (a tyer that never sleeps )

[darwin]

Originally Posted by palindromic_bob

Stop! Don't make the mistake I made. I got a very similar kit and now have a very pointless lump of metal in a drawer.

The Regent is better than the one in the kit.

[palindromic_bob]

Bulk materials are never a bad buy you can always sell on the bits you think you'll never use (you wont but the choice is there ).

Bulk tools on the other hand are a different beast. Those cards with all the tools on = low quality and you'll stuggle to feel happy with them.

[greenock]

I learned from all the step by steps on all the forums. On here and on.
Complete Fisher Forum :: View topic - STEP BY STEP LISTS.
UKFlyDressing - Links to all the step by steps

And now you have all the videos of Davie McPhail and David Camis on youtube.