learning to tie

[capefisherman]

What is the best way to learn how to tie flies, I have no equipment and no idea where to start. Is it better to teach yourself or take classes somewhere?

[sandyharley]

Go to a good local fly shop and, as questions!I good fly shop should start you off on the rite foot with good advice and, share some knowledge with you.They should have some one there that ties fly's that will take the time to show a few pointers on vices and, equipment.If you can try to stay away from the big mega sport stores.

[gottaflylee]

Capefisherman, Intracoastal Angler has fly tieing I think every other tuesday or thurs. Give them a call 910-256-4545 tell them I sent you. Seath is a great guy and can hook you up. I'll be back home first week of March I hope (Drum are calling me bad) and I will be glad to help you out.

[flies only]

the guys are on the money. local fly shops hang out and listen . watch what other people tie and ask questions oodles of questions , but don't get discouraged. keep tying and keep those first flies. in time you will look at those flies and realize that you have progressed. wooly buggers are a great way to start. ice chenille, a hook and marabou and you have a great fish catching machine.

[brandon558]

As Capt Lee said..Intracoastal Angler. Seath is probably the nicest and easiest guy to talk to and can give you tons of info. and loves talking about it.

Brandon

[Sweet Caroline]

Get with a friend. The person that got me into fly fishn' helped me get started tying. Hit the shows there are always people tying at the shows and they even have group beginner courses. You can also find a local club like Trout Unlimited or one of the many others. I am sure the clubs will have tying nights. I used to help one of the clubs out at the fishn' show and would sit and tie flys all day long. Even though a lot of the clubs are focussed around trout fishn' do not hesitate to sign up. It my start with trout but they get into everything from panfish to trout to striper to tarpon and even marlin and shark. The guest speakers are great. If you ever get the opportunity to listen to Lefty Kreh do not miss it. Lefty is well versed in all kinds of fishn' and is a great public speaker.

[Wave Loudly]

Local fly shops... And remember there is this place to as questions!

[Reel Fanatic]

Capefisherman-

There is no right or wrong place to start. The main point is to just start. If you go to Great Outdoor Provision Co. or Intracoastal Angler, you will see the construction materials used in making clousers and other saltwater flies. These stores also offer instruction clinics regularly because they want you to buy your feathers, maribou, tinsel, vises, and bobbins from them. There are also many books with detailed "how to" directions that will save you the trouble of sitting in on multiple clinics. Once you have understand and have mastered the most basic techniques, the rest sort of falls into place. The magic has been revealed so to speak. It is great therapy if you have the ability to give yourself the time to do it.


I still prefer the forum designation of "Tackle Ho"

[CapeMayRay]

You guys are lucky to have a local fly shop. Here along the southern part of New Jersey they is no real fly shop. Tackle shops here only carry minimal amount of stuff and have no real staff that fly fishes. You have to go half way up the state before you find some good ones.

Fly clubs are a great place to learn and once you learn some basics it it easy to tie with all the great videos (Including ones on here) Our South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers has a great book and video library that our members can use that show tons of fly patterns.

[Dave Sikorski]

It's great to learn from a local shop and from tiers from your area. I've said it before and will say it again. Support small shops even if you pay a little more. You won't realize how much you appreciate their service until they are gone.

Also use the internet to see more patterns, materials, styles, and opinions.

I have a few how to's in the works here.

-D