Sunday, January 25, 2015

Use Caution - entering work zone!!!

So after several years of fly fishing I've decided to enter the world of tying.  I picked up a starter kit from JS Fly Fishing.  Some people will congratulate me.  Others will probably express the "wth" are you thinking...it's hard enough with professionally tied flies.  Whatever your thoughts...my thoughts are it's cool!!

It's an awesome kit!!

Yep, it's also frustrating.  Especially the instructions.  Keep in mind I have put together 2 baby cribs, multiple kits purchased from Walmart (instructions written in India) and traveled to several foreign countries (inc driving on the wrong side of the road-that was in CA but who cares).  Seriously....here's an example of what I'm talk'n about, from the book, "you'll be, dubbing with dubbing"...no kidding...that helps!!


Terrible look'n, but fun to make.
It's all good...I've been look'n at youtube videos all weekend, plenty of info there, and it's even kinda helpful.  Understanding why certain materials are used is pretty awesome!  Can't help but think I have a better understanding of why an idiot (this guy) manages to fool a few on occasion.


Brassie - dubbing with dubbing!

The first fly from the vise was tied by my daughter...the main reason I started this new obsession.  I'm really building memories (a few flies included)!!!!

**If you have suggestions on resources, reading material, etc...don't hesitate to leave a comment.**

10 comments:

  1. Congratulations Drew, you'll love it...and hate it. I would recommend that if you have a chance to take a basic tying class at a local fly shop, you'll thank me later. It helps to get the basics done right. After that, Youtube videos are a wonderful teaching tool. Have fun with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trying to find a class that also offers anger mgmt!!. This was suppose to be relaxing but watching my 1st SH come unraveled 2 seconds later...both classes would be beneficial.

      Delete
  2. Boy you opened up a can of worms here (er' I mean flies)! Fly tying is an extension of any serious fly fisher. Lots of fun ahead for you. You will never forget that first fish you catch on a fly you tied. Suggestion: Keep the first fly you tie put away somewhere where you can go back and look at it after you have completed a class as Howard suggested. You will be surprised how much you have learned in such a short time just from someone who know the ropes. Those You Tube videos are awesome. I would much rather watch them to learn than to be looking through a fly tying book. If I can be of any further help you know how to reach me.............................

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great advice! That would be really cool to look at later!! I gave up on the book after reading through it once. It's just easier to set up beside the laptop and follow along.

      Delete
  3. I'll second Howards suggestion. Videos and books are great but some hands-on teaching will help out immensely. Local fly clubs and even a local Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas will often hold fly tying classes. I found that simple wooly buggers and small streamers are the best starting off fly , not too small to be difficult and easy materials to work with as well. Once you get the thread control and materials down the rest will come easy , let me know if you have any questions I can answer....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I started off tying a few buggers. Then got overly confident and tried making a scud...haha...the plastic back come up as I was finishing. Good times! Seriously, I'm already making a new list of materials I need for SJ's, midges, and streamers.

      Delete
  4. Yeah, when you start making material lists, you're done for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dang...I'm past the point of no return. I'm making material lists for flies needed for streams on my wish list!

      Delete
  5. You tube is a great resource. And there are some wonderful books, most of which you can find at your local library. As far as materials go buy the best you can afford Cheap equals Frustration. And the best investment you can make is a quality vise.

    Have fun with your new addiction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been a lot of fun...but I think I have become addicted to youtube...I spend hours just watching people tie. As you mentioned, the vise is on my list to replace. It'll work in the beginning but I'm planning of giving it to my daughter. Over the summer I hope to set up a side by side station. Thanks for the advice!

      Delete