I’ve started my beginner lessons in fly tying, using YouTube as my instructor. In my last post on June 6, I began thinking about tying some wooly buggers first. As I progressed, I also tried my hand at tying pheasant tails and caddis flies. These three flies are the top patterns I use 90% of the time when fishing in the lake or tailrace for trout. While using these flies over the years, I've often wondered how a differently colored hackle on the caddis would affect the bite of bluegill or trout. Similarly, I have considered whether using a different-colored body for the pheasant tail, instead of the traditional brown, would make a difference. The same questions apply to the wooly bugger. This curiosity is one of the main reasons why I want to tie my own flies.
According to the YouTube channel I’ve been following, here are the essentials I need to get started with tying basic flies. All the materials, tools, and vice shown in the accompanying image were purchased from Amazon. The vice was the most expensive item. I was advised to invest in a quality vice, which will be beneficial during the learning process. This vice is quite heavy, weighing 2.25 lbs.
Thus begins another venture in my fly fishing adventure. I will be posting some of my flies in upcoming posts, but I should warn you that they may not be the ordinary colors I mentioned at the beginning. I INTEND TO EXPERIMENT!
Hi Bill
ReplyDeleteGood to see you take the plunge, but take care.
I started tying to save money and have now, easily, spent 20x more on fly tying materials than on fishing equipment.
My advice would be to practice on a few patterns you regularly use until you're comfortable with the process, tools and materials, and once you're happy with the results start substituting materials and make your own patterns.
Looking foreword to see what you come up with.
John
Yes, some sound advice; thanks for the website link, I need all the help I can get! Thanks for the comment
DeleteYou might find some inspiration here.
ReplyDeletehttps://flytyingnewandold.blogspot.com/
And I always thought you were a fly tyer! Welcome to a whole new world of how it feels to catch a fish on the fly you tied yourself. And experimentation is the name of the game. I have caught on colors that I never would have thought had a chance to catch! Copper is a favorite of one river. Purple is a favorite on another... You never know. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily
ReplyDeleteI never had the time when I was working to concentrate on fly tying. I plan to use the winter months to tie most of the flies I'll be using come Spring. I've got to find a place in the house to tie the flies; I never realized how much space it takes to set up to tie just one fly. It's good to hear from you; take care. Thanks for the comment
Looks like you're well on your way! Looking forward to seeing some of the patterns you tie up. There's nothing more satisfying than catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself. That Nirvana vise is a nice one btw.
ReplyDeleteMichael
ReplyDeleteI will tie the majority of my flies in the winter months. I'm looking forward to trying some of my first ties on the tailrace in late Fall and winter.
The heat has cut into my fishing during this month. A heat index over 105 is not the ideal time for me to fish. I remember the days when I would brave temperatures in the high nineties, but not anymore. Already looking forward to Fall! Thanks for the comment
Hey Bill,
ReplyDeleteFly tying is a lot of fun. And as you're finding, the internet is overflowing with "how to" vids and articles. Can't tell you how many times I've taken a fly from the vise and said, "this'll get 'em!" That's probably why I have boxes and boxes of flys. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Al
ReplyDeleteI am entering this adventure with the conviction that I can create a fly that will capture the attention of trout, as well as bass and bluegills, which I fish for. If I create that fly, then it will deserve a name! Thanks for the comment