Need some Fly Tying Help

[lookinback]

Hey guys, I got a vice in a kit years ago but never really sat down and learned how to tie. Now I've picked it up again as a stress reliever from some of my studies. I stopped by the local shop to get some dry hooks (12-18) and some new head cement and was shocked how expensive materials are. So I went back and started trying to tie some standard patterns (Cayhill, Adams, etc.) but I'm having problems. Please go lightly understand its a learning curve. I think my thread might be too thick, I'm using waxed UTC 140 black, and I also think the low grade materials I have are part of the problem.

Does anyone have any advice for someone starting out? Where can I get some standard materials on the cheap? Im looking to tie a common dry, and a common wet for the NE, Maine area not looking to get fancy, just looking to cut down on $$ buying flies.

Thanks!

No clue what this was...



Finding that tying with bad hackle is tough...



Friend came over and helped me with this one..

[RockinB]

1) Tying flies to save money on purchasing hardly ever pans out, except on a select few patterns. Materials and hooks are expensive.

2) Don't let the cost detour you, it is incredibly rewarding to trick a fish on a pattern you came up with.

3) Don't learn by starting with a size 18 dry fly. Make it easy on yourself and start with basic buggers and bigger basic dries, like a elk hair caddis or a stimi.

4) Buy a book, or better yet see if they offer courses at your local fly shop. A fly shop where I used to live had an open session on Wednesdays where anyone could come in and get lessons and watch others tie. And if you attended they gave you a discount all tying material you purchased that night.

5) Learn the basics and learn how to dissect a pattern and figure out how you can recreate it or make it better...this is why we tie flies!

That's all.

[Crystal_Mt_Dreamin]

My ties are still shit but I've found that Youtube is immensely helpful, watching others ties, theory, etc. etc. etc

[ak_powder_monkey]

well for dries, try to tie a bunch of parachutes, believe it or not they are easier than split wing ties and a a bit more forgiving hackle wise.

I Really like 8/0 uni thread for tying dries. Your thread is thicker than anything I ever use, ever.

Also if you can find them, the whiting 100 packs are your friend. However I purchased a few high quality saddles about 10 years ago and I'm still working through them.

Allen hooks are pretty cheap and pretty good, and come in barbless.

And wow I wish we had youtube when I was learning to tie, the videos people are putting out these days are absolutely amazing.