Another Begginer looking to start tying

[jmwhosh]

I'm interested in learning how to tie flies and I'm wondering what you all would suggest to be the best way to about doing that. There's one of those community/city classes that teaches begginning fly tying but reading threads below it seems like videos might be just as effective. what do you think?

[Spanks]

There are plenty of people here that will teach you what you need to know. Before you go buy a bunch of hackle and thread- post what type of fishing you do and guys with a lot more experience than myself will point you in the right direction. There are always guys getting together to tie- It won't cost you any money and you'll meet some great tiers (not me). If you want to come to AF we are going to start meeting at Lone Peak. Good luck.

[jmwhosh]

I'd be more than interested to learn from people with experience. Although i am a little hesitant because I have no tools, no hackel, no idea how to do it and so I'd really have to lean hard on some people to teach me. As long as that isn't a nuissance then I'd love to come.

[Spanks]

Send me an email with some contact info and I'll let you know when we get together. Believe me- We all have enough crap to share, so don't worry about that. You can try a few different bobbins and vises to see what you like.

floormarshall@msn.com

[powerbait]

If you have the chance to visit a fly tying group or learn from someone with experience, you should certainly take advantage of that opportunity, but you should know that tying isn't all that difficult. It takes practice, sure, but you can learn it on your own--with a "how to" manual or two--if you are so inclined. I did, and, though I don't profess to have any real skill at it, I tie 90% of my own flies without too much trouble and catch plenty of fish with them. You can tie a variety of nymphs with little more than a decent vice (Thompson A or better) and a hare's mask.

[r adams]

My wife and I bought a beginning kit from SW for her brother one Christmas for about $50.00. The good part about the kit is it gave him some basic tools, materials, and instructions all in one package with the opportunity to see if he liked it.

The down side from my point of view, having tied flies for a number of years, was the tools were suited only for a beginner. Any one with a serious interest would likely end up replacing most of them. The materials included tied about a 1/2 dozen flies for approximately 18 patterns. However, most of the patterns were of little use in this area. I have noticed recently that there are several types of kits available and you might be able to find one with patterns more suited to our area.

If most of the patterns are useful I think this type of a kit is a bargain, especially when the included tools are considered.

You can't beat hands-on instruction from an experienced tyer, especially in the beginning. As others have noted, you can certainly teach yourself with books from the library or from the numerous internet sites.

My $0.01 worth.

[Curtis Fry]

I am teaching a beginning fly tying class at Lone Peak in American Fork starting next Tuesday (all materials and tools included in the cost). I'm not sure on the cost of the class, but you can call Greg at the shop to check on that and the schedule for the other classes. 801-756-1468

Also, just a heads up too, we're going to be releasing a Provo River Fly Tying DVD here in the next month or so. It's meant to be a more intermediate video, but it could help you out possibly.

[ezlehappy]

I would recommend just getting your feet wet by renting a couple of videos from the local library. THey have a decent selection. Also western rivers rents out its videos or you can watch it there if the VCR is working.

After you are at least a little familiar with the terminology and very basic techniques, then I'd recommend trying a couple of flies on your own and then go to the classes and meetings. just my .02.