Hi Folks

Having got my kit earlier this season, and yet to get out and use it, (shifts, weather, moving house etc ), I have my box of flies, but little knowledge about what each one is, and how/where/when best to use it.
That is, apart from the one that got me my first rainbow, in my avatar !!

1) Is there somewhwere that will lead me through identifying my flies, and give me sufficient information to know which one to use when I do get out there ?

2) How are hooks sized ?
And again, is there somewhere I can get a print out from to compare my hook sizes to ?

Aiming to get out a few times this winter, and have seen the thread on winter flies, so looking into what those wolly bu**ers are all about !!
(I'm sure that meant something else where I grew up !!)

Thanks in advance

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The reason I keep smiling is to keep everyone wondering what I've been up to

Hi and welcome to the forum. Regarding the flies, take a close-up picture of your fly box and post it on here and we'll have a go at identifying them.

Hook sizes vary a bit between manufacturers so I tend to stick to just one, Kamasan, but it will be down to personal preference once you get a hang of it. The hooks usually go up in twos. Most popular for resevoirs is a 12 or 14 for me but everyone's got different styles. Have you tried googling hook sizes?

Plodger

Hi,
I found this website useful when I was starting out a few months back: The English Fly Fishing Shop
Not so much for buying flies from (it's an American site), but because underneath the images of the various types of flies there are quite extensive explanations of what they are and how to use them. A few of the major angling websites do similar things, but I found this one to be the most detailed.
Hope that helps,
Steve

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There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

A lot of the websites on hook size only add to the confusion for a beginner.

Here's one that is pretty basic. Fishing Hook Size Chart | Dimensions Guide

Here's a prediction. At the end of your first season, you'll have 150 different patterns in your fly-box. At the end of your 20th season, you'll have 3 or 4.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Right folks, now the fun begins !!

I'll name that fly in .........................

Left side of box



Top row (First on left got me my one and only fish, on my second casting lesson !)


Middle row


Bottom row


Right side of box



Top row


Middle row


Bottom row


Have fun !!!!!

__________________
The reason I keep smiling is to keep everyone wondering what I've been up to

If you can find a copy: John Goddard - "Trout Flies of Stillwater" is a great book.

il have ago ,top row,white boobys,coral/peach boobys,middle row4 black montana style lures,orange blob other 2 ???,bottom row white pink and black boobys,right hand side box,top 4 fritz marabou lures,2 black buzzer/nymphs and a coral blob,middle row and your best row imo,2 olive nymphs,8 black buzzers,3 red diawl bach nymphs,bottom row,4 damsel lures and 1 orand damsel style lure ,some folks will probably disagree but i think this is bascially what it is and i hope this helps.

Looks pretty accurate to me with one change, substitute the 4 montana styles to read 4 concrete bowls.

they're all christmas decorations ????

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

Just a quick correction, this is in fact based in Morden, Surrey. I have used them once, and their flies aren't bad for the price.Quick delivery too.
As you say though, good reference for flies.

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"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."