How do I get Started?
Some of the questions that we all ask when we want to start tying flies, is what equipment do I need, where is the best place to buy it, and of course how much is it going to cost. If you ask ten of your fly fishing friends these questions you'll get about that many different answers, and they are all correct.
So, my suggestion (this is coming from a beginner) is that you find an inexpensive vise (new or used) that holds the basic size hooks for the type of flies your going to tie. Then find a recipe and instructions for a simple fly you would like to tie and buy those things (a small quantity of materials can tie quite a few flies), a bobbin, a pair of scissors, a pair of average sized hackle pliers (if your going to start tying a fly that you need to wrap a hackle) and your ready to go. There are some basic starter kits and that would work, but you may find yourself with a bunch of stuff you don't want. I spent less than $100 the first time out and was able to tie the flies I wanted to.
One thing to remember is, that when the first fly fisherman tied their flies they didn't have a bunch of gadgets or fancy equipment and they were able to tie flies that caught fish. Whatever you do, have fun with it and know that the main rule to tying flies is that there are know rules, you just want the fish to like them.
by, Harvey Forbes
