Started By
Message

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

Posted on 6/27/17 at 11:47 am to
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16576 posts
Posted on 6/27/17 at 11:47 am to
I tie a loop for all flies.
Posted by ccard257
Fort Worth, TX
Member since Oct 2012
1311 posts
Posted on 6/27/17 at 11:48 am to
quote:

Clinch. is that the problem?


No. Are you holding your rod correctly while stripping? Rod tip should be down, at or even in the water.

Edit: sorry if this comes off as insulting, but if I remember right you just started fly fishing so I want to check the basics. When you are retrieving the popper, are you holding the rod still and using the line to move the fly, or are you trying to jerk the rod like you would with a baitcaster?
This post was edited on 6/27/17 at 11:56 am
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10749 posts
Posted on 6/27/17 at 12:31 pm to
No insult taken. Using the line as far as motion, rod tip might have been a little high
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38378 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 10:06 am to
I've been really dreading asking this question and going down this rabbit hole, but it's time

I want to start tying. I need some direction and guidance on a good vise, and some website options for ordering material. I'll mainly be tying bass and saltwater flies, so #2-2/0 size hooks. Obvisouly will need the tools to tie with; scissors, bobbins, whip finisher, etc.

Going into this mostly blind. I've watched some videos on tying but haven't done a wealth of research on everything I'll need to get started for the types of flies I'll be tying and how much money I truly looking at to get good tools and material. Any help from those with experience would be greatly appreciated, just looking for suggestions and a nudge in the right direction
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16576 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 10:21 am to
quote:

I've watched some videos on tying


Youtube is a Godsend for this. Identify 3-4 flies you use the most and buy the materials for them. Ole Florida Outfitters has free shipping and is convenient for buying materials. I was gifted a lower tier beginner tying set from my brother and it gets the job done. Will upgrade to a Renzetti after a while. If I was buying everything for myself I would try to find a nicer used vice on ebay.

I started off tying bonefish flies (Gotchas and small shrimp/crab patterns) for a trip I took. You will notice rapid improvement after a couple of them.
This post was edited on 6/30/17 at 10:23 am
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
3951 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 10:30 am to
quote:

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


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.
Posted by ZacAttack
The Land Mass
Member since Oct 2012
6416 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 12:05 pm to
I was in your same position about a month ago. Instead of buying everything individually and possibly not having something I bought a kit from Bass Pro that is aimed at bass. Comes with all the tools ( vice, scissors etc) and materials and DVD with instructions for 6 different flies. For $100 it's not a bad way to get started.
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38378 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 12:38 pm to
Not to say that isn't a good idea, but my first rod was a $79 combo that collects dust now. I will fly fish for the rest of my life. I know if I get a cheaper vise then I'll be looking to upgrade in a year. My second rod was a Scott Meridian

That said, with a vise it seems like ease of use and durability would be what really separates a $100 vise from a $200 vise. I don't like the idea of a "starter" something anymore when I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the activity. I'm not looking to buy a Ferrari, but would rather a Lexus than a used Pontiac if that makes sense.

How have you liked the bass pro set so far? Do you think you'll upgrade in the future?
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 1:02 pm to
I have an Orvis EZ rotary vice and am ok with it - $70. The Regal is supposed to be amazing but I dont want to spend $200 on a vice The ones Stewie mentioned sound really good so I would consider those.


I like the Dr. Slick tools - my curved tip sissors have been great. All I have is those sissors, some more durable sissors I dont care about that I use to cut wire, 1 thread bobbin, and a whip finish tool. Haven't seen the need for much else though I guess I could see the need for hackle pliers one day.

I think you'll get lots of opinions on thread. I've used a bunch of different kinds and I now only use one kind. Waspi Ultra GSP - that stuff is not breaking on you ever. There is nothing worse than finishing up a fly and breaking the thread toward the end without getting to finish it with your knot. I use 100 and 200 denier in white, black, and chartreuse. All of the other colors I would want I can create by just using a sharpie on my white thread. If needed you can really get this stuff to lay down nice and flat if you are looking for a sleeker profile - like for a tiny size 20 trout midge.

Head cement - Sally Hanson's Hard as Nails. Find it with the nail polish at the store.

UV Clear Finish by Loon - I love this stuff b/c it really allows you to make a sweet head on the end of your fly. I use both thin and thick. Dont buy the UV light from the fly shop. Just get it on amazon

Some online fly shops offer free shipping with any order. Really dig through the links on the OP of this thread. Some great deals to be had. Also sign up on Facebook for the "Flyfishing and Flytying" and "Flyfishing Gear Buy Sell Trade" groups. Someones guys sell tying materials real cheap

If you need opinions on just trout hooks let me know. I'll let someone else talk saltwater hooks
This post was edited on 6/30/17 at 1:10 pm
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 1:14 pm to
Youtube really is the way to go. I have no idea how much time ive spent watching videos but it's a bunch. I just pour a bourbon, pull up my laptop in front of my vice, and play the tying video as I tie.

Tightlinevideo and InTheRiffle are, IMO, both great youtube channels to subscribe to.
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38378 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 1:19 pm to
Thanks man
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 1:40 pm to
You're welcome. I like the idea from above about just picking a few flies and buying the material for those. I never bought a starter kit and am glad I didn't.

I can't wait for you to land your first fish on a fly you tied. To me it just adds a whole new level to the experience. It's also nice to have control over what flies you own when that short notice trip is coming up and you can't get over to the fly shop to buy them. It also stings a lot less financially when you lose one you tied yourself.
This post was edited on 6/30/17 at 1:43 pm
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38378 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 2:39 pm to
I found a site that sells cheap, quality flies. Gurgles, clousers, streamers etc for $1.95 that hold up to fish. While not "cheap" compared to the cost of the materials it is cheap compared to some of the "big box" fly shops and a lot of these independent guys that are selling flies for 4-6 dollars a pop.

I think the intrigue for me is just as a relaxing/creative outlet pertaining to something I enjoy, as well as catching fish on something I've created like you said. Who knows, maybe if I enjoy it enough and display a semblance of talent I can start selling them
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10749 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 3:06 pm to
quote:

I found a site that sells cheap, quality flies. Gurgles, clousers, streamers etc for $1.95 that hold up to fish. While not "cheap" compared to the cost of the materials it is cheap compared to some of the "big box" fly shops and a lot of these independent guys that are selling flies for 4-6 dollars a pop.


What site? I found a similar site "Big Y Fly Co" that sells them for pretty cheap. i bought $25 worth a while back and got quite a few flies.
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38378 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 3:19 pm to
Millers fly shop
Posted by reds on reds on reds
Birmingham
Member since Sep 2013
4205 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 4:23 pm to
Sportsmans Wearhouse in Slidell has flies for $1.00 a piece. I'm about to load up
Posted by ZacAttack
The Land Mass
Member since Oct 2012
6416 posts
Posted on 6/30/17 at 6:54 pm to
I'm happy with the kit so far. The only thing I might upgrade are the scissors, they aren't the best, but to learn on it's fine and the vice works as it should, holds the hook just fine, it doesn't rotate but so far that doesn't seem to be that big of a deal.
Posted by 257WBY
Member since Feb 2014
5605 posts
Posted on 7/1/17 at 1:07 pm to
[/URL]

The kid tying in Arkansas on a winter camping trip a few years ago. Nice to be able to tie what they are biting. He got good quickly by watching youtube videos.
Posted by 257WBY
Member since Feb 2014
5605 posts
Posted on 7/1/17 at 1:12 pm to
[/URL]

The kid sent this pick this morning. They are floating the Missouri in Montana. He's with a co-worker at the fly shop and his dad. Occasional float trips are nice perks of working in a fly shop for several years and developing great friendships.
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10749 posts
Posted on 7/1/17 at 1:18 pm to
your son is doing it right
Jump to page
Page First 84 85 86 87 88 ... 117
Jump to page
first pageprev pagePage 86 of 117Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram