New to tying

[WDEtrout]

Ok i read an article titled "tyer or buyer" and I think I am ready to tackle this tying thing. I cannot imagine the thrill of catching fish on something I created in myself.

(broad question)
What do I need to begin tying some basic trout flies?

Thanks to all who reply.

:cheers:

[FlygURL]

Keep it simple to start out. As you gain confidence in tying, add to it.

Pick a fly you want to tie - something that you have confidence. San Juan Worm (SJW) is, in my opinion, the best fly to start with.
Buy a vise, bobbin (holds thread), good scissors, and a ball point pen (remove the pen part and use the shell for tying a half-hitch to finish your flies).
Buy the materials for the fly you chose - for a SJW just 8/0 thread (your choice of color) and hot pink ultra chenille.
Tie, tie, tie


As you decide that you can tie that one fly well, pick a second fly in which you have confidence and do the same. Pretty soon your tying area will be full and you will be combing the dog/cat for dubbing.

Take up every opportunity to tie with others. Books, videos, dvds are nice, but you'll learn the most when tying with others. If you have questions, ask.

I have a little info on my website about tying. Also, www.flyanglersonline.com has a wonderful tutorial.

[Fletch_W]

I just started over the weekend, I recommend picking a nymph and picking a dry. Learn both like FlygURL said until you've got the techniques down, it's cheaper on the wallet to buy materials for two flies than for 200.

I've chosen the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear for the nymph and the Adams for my dry. I'm tying them in different hook sizes and in different variations I've found online. It took a few failures and a little trial and error that a book or DVD or anything can't teach you for it to "click".

You don't sound like a complete beginner, sounds like you know a bit about flies and trout fishing in general.

I started with:

Vice (el cheapo)

2 bobbins (holds thread and adds weight to the spool to keep tension on the fly during different steps in the tying process, via gravity, and also keeps the thread spool from unwinding unintentionally)

Tiny scissors, razor sharp

Hackle Pliers (holds a hackle feather to wind it around the hook)

Head Cement

Basic $19.95 fly tying book

Materials according to what I wanted to tie. Materials can be cheap and they can be very expensive.

For the HAre's Ear and the Adams, the materials are very cheap. Like FlygURL said, I've been combing my friend's St. Bernard and Cat for dubbing (fluffy underhair, not the regular hair.)

Good luck!

[WDEtrout]

Thanks for the feedback.

Anyone have a recipe for a BWO Parachute with the orange or yellow paracute?

I would love to attempt tying some of those.

Thanks

[Islander]

Great info...I'm also looking forward to getting into the tieing business!!

I'll be heading to the expo to see some techniques up close...should be worth it.

[Gaines'BowBum]

I just got tying my first 4 flies a few minutes ago. Basically tied 2 woolly buggers and 2 red copperjohn type nymphs. I'll try to get some pictures posted. The hackle palmering gave me a few problems. But with every fly, I got a little bit better.

To start out with: A vise, a few good tools (I got the Dr. Slick tyer gift set. It had a hair stacker, bobbin, scissors, bobbin threader, whip finisher, and hackle pliers. All for 44 bucks, but I got mine for 31 bucks at Wildernessangler.com. :D )

Materials wise, get some peacock, some good hackles, different color threads, beads, wire, dubbing, Hares Mask, chenille, head cement, elk hair, marabou feathers, pheasant tails. That will give you enough pattern to learn on.

Ask for help on here, all these folks are usually more than willing to lend a hand or some advice... Shoot me a PM if I can help, although I probably won't be able to help you. I'm needing help too. What the hell is a whip finisher???:D
--Alex

[bronson01]

and I thought I was the only one to steal from the pets