re: The Fly Fishing Thread: Questions, pics, discussion all here

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Any help from those with experience would be greatly appreciated, just looking for suggestions and a nudge in the right direction

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I won't call myself experienced by any means because I took the plunge into tying only a few years ago but will offer advice.

For the vise, if you think you may be serious, bite the bullet and buy a quality vise. I had a cheaper one from a beginner kit when I started and it made life a bit tougher than need be. The two I'd suggest are the Peak Rotary vise and the Renzetti Traveler Vise 2000, both will run in the $150 range. I bought a used Peak Rotary from a guy off of craigslist for half off and it's been fantastic.

Buy some quality scissors because you will want to make some precise cuts and crappy ones will wear quicker. Basic bobbin and whip finishers are cheap and I didn't need anything fancier than the beginner set.

As far as materials, I would suggest watching some online videos and going to a store near you to buy the materials, colors, and quality you want. There's no way to tell online until you get your hands on it.
It's easy to buy a ton of material and some of it isn't cheap but again, go to a store and get your hands on what they suggest in the video and work from there.

For a decent vise, some basic materials, and tools, under $250 but it can blow up quickly.

Focus on clousers to start off. Easy to tie, look great for beginners, and are wildly effective on most any fish.

Additionally, tie smaller than you think necessary. Meaning, smaller hook and less material. The biggest mistake I made was throwing a large hook with a ton of material on the hook. It looks great but isn't practical and won't function properly while in the water.
I now essentially take the material I think I will need and half it.
With that said, it is easier to start off with larger flies but still don't need as much material as you will think.