Are there any good fly tying kits online?

[SafariSam]

Well i've recently started fly fishing and i really want to get into fly tying, are there any good online kits or should i buy my vise/materials separate? If so what is the best vise and tools for the price?

[Kevin2023]

Originally Posted by SafariSam

Well i've recently started fly fishing and i really want to get into fly tying, are there any good online kits or should i buy my vise/materials separate? If so what is the best vise and tools for the price?

A kit might be cheaper but more than likely you will not like some of the tools included. I suggest you find something you like and purchase it. I like griffin all purpose scissors. I can't recommend anything else since I'm still looking.

[NCL]

A couple of months ago there was this same question about fly tying kits. It seemed universal that it was best to stay away from the kits because there were materials that you would not use.

You will probably get a number of opinion on what is the best fly tying vice, I personnaly have a Dyna-King so obviously I thought that was the best vice available, that doesn't mean other vices will not work as well, it is just a matter of personal preference. I bought most of my tools when I found them on sale or as I needed them, I recently saw that Sierra Trading Post has Dr. Slick scissors for $4, I have also found other deals on tools that shops have on sale. To start about all you need is a good pair of scissors, a couple on bobbins, a bodkin, and a hackle pliers, and a whip finisher (although I first learned to finish by hand and later went to the whip finisher) along with the vice. Pick a couple of flies that you know you will use, buy those materials and that will get you started.

You Tube has some great videos on fly tying that are very helpful. You probably would best be served by taking a fly tying class from your local fly shop. This will give you the basics of tying and give you a chance to see different vices and tools. You are about to start a fun journey down the fly tying road.

[MsOutdrs]

You want some good reliable info? I would suggest you make a trip over to River City fly shop by Washington Town Square...Don Nelson (the proprietor) will give you honest information without trying to sell you stuff you don't need. Be worth the trip...

[SafariSam]

Thanks for the info, i have been looking around and found a sturdy vise and some reliable tools to start with.

[etacada]

Cabelas makes some good fly kits as well as Orvis with vise and tools included. I think a starter kit and a good fly book is a great way to start off.

cb

[kilchisfisher]

Originally Posted by MsOutdrs

You want some good reliable info? I would suggest you make a trip over to River City fly shop by Washington Town Square...Don Nelson (the proprietor) will give you honest information without trying to sell you stuff you don't need. Be worth the trip...

A follow up question which addresses the second part of the OP's question -- kits include fly making materials as well as tools -- what would one want to get in the way of materials (assuming one picks up a vise and the tools separately as suggested)?

By the way -- I stopped in at River City Fly Shop when I was out in the valley the other day and and second the opinion above. Very helpful and very friendly. I live on the coast and he even offered to try to find a local instructor for me due to the drive. That kind of service I really appreciate.

[PacificCoastSteel]

Originally Posted by kilchisfisher

A follow up question which addresses the second part of the OP's question -- kits include fly making materials as well as tools -- what would one want to get in the way of materials (assuming one picks up a vise and the tools separately as suggested)?

well if you really get into tying your own stuff you'll end up with a desk full of stuff... i'd recommend getting a book or going online to look at patterns that you want to tie, make a list of supplies and get em as you need em for different patterns...

flytying forum .com can help, or almost any beginning fly tying book...

[SafariSam]

I talked to one of my friends that ties and he got most his stuff from river city, i'll definitely check it out before i make any major purchases.

[FLGator]

Skip the kit.

Instead, purchase a quality vise and have a local fly shop advise you on the basic top notch NECESSARY tools. Buy top quality materials to tie a few of your favorite patterns. Find a mentor, take a class, rent a video, use the internet or buy a book and learn the basics.

[clarkman23]

Originally Posted by Kevin2023

A kit might be cheaper but more than likely you will not like some of the tools included. I suggest you find something you like and purchase it. I like griffin all purpose scissors. I can't recommend anything else since I'm still looking.

I'll echo that...although my personal favorite for vise is my HMH but either way.

I started out with one of those kits, but almost every single item from that kit has been replaced with something better...scissors, bobbins, even the thread that came with it is no longer used...that said, it certainly was a good starting point...

oh, what would a fly tying thread be without a picture or two...

this is almost right after a organizing things...I'm pretty sure I need more materials...or at least more of something...

there are also several bins of stuff I don't use as often under the table...

[SafariSam]

Wow

[PacificCoastSteel]

[SafariSam]

Stop, please...

[Twothirteen]

Originally Posted by SafariSam

Stop, please...

Yeah, you've opened up a dangerous thread here.

[Beeatease]

Thanks for asking the question

I'm in the same boat, debating a kit or piece something together. I saw some vices at the old Sportsman's Warehouse store (I don't recall it's new name) and liked the dynaking.

Think I'll drop in to River City and see what they have.

[clarkman23]

Originally Posted by Beeatease

I'm in the same boat, debating a kit or piece something together. I saw some vices at the old Sportsman's Warehouse store (I don't recall it's new name) and liked the dynaking.

don't do that...

Originally Posted by Beeatease

Think I'll drop in to River City and see what they have.

do that...

[SafariSam]

I've actually found a nice kit, rather expensive but i got the money.
Kit:
http://www.americanflyfishing.com/Fl...Tying+Kit.html

Review:
http://www.flymartonline.com/modules...rticle&sid=103

Hmmm, should i get it with a pedestal or a c clamp.

[PacificCoastSteel]

if youre gonna spend that much money on your first vise at least give Regal a look...

it DOES look like a quality kit tho, with stuff you'll actually use and not alot of filler... still, i'd buy it in pieces as i go if it was me...

and buy local, from a local fly shop! you'll learn way more when you get to know whoever at you local shop

[SafariSam]

Yeah, i'm going to go the river city first. But i am willing to pay that much for a vise and tools for my first setup, i want it to last.

[mkwerx]

get GOOD bobbins. The bobbin is probably THE most important piece of the kit - a crummy vice can get you by, but cheap bobbins will cause thread to fray and break in nothing, and spending more time threading bobbins than tying stinks.

That said - get a wire bobbin threader. A good whip finishing tool. Good two pair of sharp scissors - one for trimming hackles and wire off, and one for precision stuff. Good strong hackle pliers with rubber ends that won't damage the hackle feather. Some needles (regular sewing needles).

Then figure out the materials needed for the flies you want to start with - but a good base set of materials would include

Grizzly rooster neck (dries)
Brown (Ginger) rooster neck (dries)
Black hen neck
Brown hen neck
Black, Olive, Brown marabou
Pheasant tails
Peacock eyes/swords
Hare's mask
Black, Olive, Brown, Yellow, and White chenille
Elk hair - the bleached (light tan color) type (for EHC's and stimulator type dries)
Natural colored deer hair
A box of assorted dubbing - light gray, dark gray, tan, brown, olive, and black
Black and red thread, 3/0 and 6/0 spools each color.
Red and yellow floss spools
Fine gold, silver, and copper wire
Fine lead wire
Head cement
and of course hooks - dry fly hooks, nymph hooks, streamer hooks in assorted sizes.


With the above you can tie up adams, humpies, irresistibles, stimulators, EHC's, hare's ears, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, woolly buggers, woolly worms and countless other patterns.

[SafariSam]

I really needed that, now i have a list. Thanks.

[TrophyTaker]

Originally Posted by mkwerx

Grizzly rooster neck (dries)
Brown (Ginger) rooster neck (dries)
Black hen neck
Brown hen neck
Black, Olive, Brown marabou
Pheasant tails
Peacock eyes/swords
Hare's mask
Black, Olive, Brown, Yellow, and White chenille
Elk hair - the bleached (light tan color) type (for EHC's and stimulator type dries)
Natural colored deer hair
A box of assorted dubbing - light gray, dark gray, tan, brown, olive, and black
Black and red thread, 3/0 and 6/0 spools each color.
Red and yellow floss spools
Fine gold, silver, and copper wire
Fine lead wire
Head cement
and of course hooks - dry fly hooks, nymph hooks, streamer hooks in assorted sizes.


With the above you can tie up adams, humpies, irresistibles, stimulators, EHC's, hare's ears, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, woolly buggers, woolly worms and countless other patterns.

beat me to it mkwerx, i was gonna make a similar list for sam. and don't you need goose biots to tie a prince nymph? thought id point that out.

[mkwerx]

Originally Posted by TrophyTaker

beat me to it mkwerx, i was gonna make a similar list for sam. and don't you need goose biots to tie a prince nymph? thought id point that out.

Well, yeah Course you could always do a faux prince, and just use stripped ends from a hen hackle feather Fish probably wouldn't notice that much.

[clarkman23]

get extra peacock herl...you'll be glad you did especially once you figure out which patterns of yours work the best...

[TrophyTaker]

Originally Posted by mkwerx

Well, yeah Course you could always do a faux prince, and just use stripped ends from a hen hackle feather Fish probably wouldn't notice that much.

that's what i love about tying my own flies, you can improvise and make your own patterns. and if you get good enough at it, your patterns often catch more fish than store bought flies.

[mkwerx]

Sam, if you want some free Peacock herl PM me. I've got more right now than I'll use in up in five or more years of fly tying. Your location says you're in FG - I'm not too far away from there - just south of Hillsboro a couple miles.