What are
/r/flytying's
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/flytying:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/flytying:
Dropbox
Vimeo
Player FM
TechCrunch
Qwant
The most popular reviews in /r/flytying:
There is also an episode of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast that features an interview with Kirk Johnson, author of The Feather Thief. A fantastic book founded on the event and providing a history of the feather trade.
The podcast is a great listen: https://player.fm/series/the-orvis-fly-fishing-guide-podcast/the-feather-thief-with-kirk-johnson
Hackle essentially refers to a feather used to increase the surface tension of a fly. The more surface tension your fly can create, the better it will float, and thus, hackle is often times added to dry flies. As you wrap a hackle feather around the hook, the fibers splay outward which helps them "grip" the surface of the water and keep your fly above water.
When I first started, I also had really bad hackle. I had to save up to get a decent beginners cape. If you're interested, I purchased a Whiting Farms introductory hackle pack. Its pricey on amazon, but you might be able to find it cheaper if you do some digging. It also lasts a LONG time. I still use mine 3 years after purchasing...
Otherwise, not bad for your first attempt! You have the general shape which is a great start. As other commenters have said, try to start your fly further behind the head so it doesn't get crowded up by the eye. Also, the hackle you used is pretty large for the fly size, but you're working with what you got so I totally understand. Once you get your hands on some good hackle, use a feather that has fibers just slightly larger than the hook gap. A hackle gauge is helpful (but not necessary) to find the right size hackle for your hook size.
Watch those YouTube videos and keep practicing and you'll be tying like Davie McPhail in no time. Tight lines!
once you hear Davie McPhail's calming voice, there's no going back. it's free therapy.
jus take yer time
Seriously though, fly tying is extremely rewarding. You absolutely can save money over time, but most of us don't, and don't do it for that reason. Adapting patterns to your waters and experimenting is extremely rewarding. Some of my favorite bugs are not one's you'll find in the shop at all.
I would advise against getting a kit of materials. Just buy the materials for a few of your favorite patterns, and build from there. Tools, sure. Vice wise, this is a very good option on a budget. I've been using this thing since I started, and I'm not sure you can find a rotary with these features for cheaper.
One piece of advice that I wish I had learned earlier: don't get too caught up in the specific hooks that recipes call for. I did this, and now I have like 25 different kinds of hooks, and I really only like using 3 or 4 different varieties for nymphs and dries. Starting with barbless hooks (I like firehole, personally) is a lot more convenient. Don't cheap out, either. Losing a big fish because you wanted to save a few pennies on hooks feels really, really bad.
Local shop in Finland. Apparently you can get them even cheaper from amazon https://www.amazon.com/Whiting-Farms-Tiers-Variety-Pack/dp/B00AKYXU0I Of course you'll have no idea what you get. These are apparently randomly packed rejects from Whitings.
I would recommend the Renzetti Apprentice vise. It is an extremely well made machined vise that will last you a long time. As for tools, I would go with the Loon Core Tools Set. Again very well built tools which you won't have to worry about breaking. Also depending on what flies you are going to tie, an extra bobbin and a deer hair stacker would be a good addition.
One book I like to use for a senko like pattern is "The Best Bass Flies".
The insides of the feather are black and the tips of them are white. This is what the feathers look like. Unfortunately it is feathers from a bird and not a badgers cock (I was meaning cock as stiff feathers and not hen feathers which are softer).
Letting people submit new patterns from the app would be nice.
Links to YouTube videos attached to the patterns would really helpful. especially with the new android api
Being able to enter in specific materials that I have available and get a list of patterns would be a killer feature
Didn't even realize the price but yah, that Amazon price is a good deal. For nymphs you really don't need many tools. I've made a lot of my own tools with materials at home and from the hardware store. For starters, get a good ceramic tube bobbin (should be in the $15 range), a bobbin threader (they are not expensive), this style whip finisher (4" is standard I think) and a good pair of 4" or 5" scissors from Dr. Slick or something. Get fine tipped. Head cement is important to have too, but I use nail polish which is almost the same thing and has the same effect. Sally Hansens Hard As Nails is like $3. Lots of guys swear by the "Hardener" clear version. A bodkin helps to have which is basically a needle on a stick/handle. I make these with 1/4" dowels and Singer sewing needles. They are also cheap if you want to buy a nice one.
I got my dad this for a birthday gift. Not for flies specifically, but he uses it for the fine details on model trains, and I'm sure it could easily be used for tying.
I like this thing. I label each jar and it has subdividing section (not very stable but they work) where I can separate tungsten, color, coneheads, eyes, etc. Eventually I am going to need a second. I keep this in my tying desk storage where I can quickly grab it. Basically anything to do with smaller items, check out the bead/jewlery organizing world - tons and tons of options there. Hardware and fastener organizers aren't a bad option too for more of a "long term" storage. There are some hooks and patterns and items I don't use as often, storing them in a handy but out of the way place as with those table top organizers is a good system too.
https://www.amazon.com/PaintiCraft-Container-Embroidery-Transparent-Organizers/dp/B0895YTW2V
Lightblade 1500S by Lumiy (Series 2) LED Desk Lamp with Best in Class Brightness at 1500 lux and Color Rendering at 93 CRI, Pivoting Head, Captive Touch Controls for Brightness & Color Temperature https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFYJIHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_McCcGb5FDHSA1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This light changed my life lol. For real though, it’s pretty reasonably priced and the light quality is amazing. It’s also easily maneuverable which is probably my favorite thing about it.
Thanks for sharing and very cool. That's a very interesting way to hog out the material and you did a really good job all said and done taken I assume the dremeling had to be done by hand.
If you are interested, this is the style of bit I'm hoping to get. I'm not sold on this brand as it seems you'll get mixed results if you are doing heavy work, but for a handful of depressions in stuff that's not going to be heavy duty hardwood, I hope it's going to work out. Not sure what types of equipment you have but I do own a drill press which I would plan to use with this. If you plan on making more, maybe this could save you some time and elbow grease?
Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy your table.
I got you.
Grab yourself a few of these. Can't beat the price and they're super functional.
Here's a slightly older pic of my bins with labels (most peel right off of hook packaging, making this an easy step) for hooks, and two bins for countersunk and slotted beads (arranged in size and color).
Hope this helps!
I see you have a small desk lamp there. I use this one and I live it. It has 4 different light settings, different brightness settings, and can be easily manipulated so you can see what you’re doing better! Just something to consider, I can’t see for shit, and this thing made a huge difference.
Lightblade 1500S by Lumiy (Series... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFYJIHC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Depends a bit on where you fish, but the CK Baitfish is responsible for more big river smallies in the mid-Atlantic than anything else I know of: https://www.amazon.com/Krafts-CK-Baitfish-Minnow-Assortment/dp/B00XTMKSJY
and it works very well where I live now in the upper midwest.
(don't buy it, tie it.)
other Kraft flies--clawdaddy with the leather claws and rubber-legs. Simple, super effective crawfish. Anything Chuck made catches.
For satisfaction, I like simple deer-hair flies, so you can learn to spin hair. Dahlberg Diver may be the purest expression of a smallmouth fly in deer hair. I tie it on the TMC 800 S, left it lanky and long, because the Potomac/Susquehanna fish like a sunken water-pushing presentation more than the simple dive/float/bubble dahlberg. Now I fish in MN/WI and they like that CK baitfish very well, too--up against the bank, always against the bank out here. I lose a lot to pike and muskies, so yay! I get to tie more!
butch minnow (that's a deer-hair body streamer over lead eyes that gets a Zoom Fluke action). All of these are big flies--I'll fish smaller poppers sometimes, or clawdaddies, but nothing smaller than a four and mostly 1/0 hooks and flies minimum 3" baitfish, up to 5". Big flies, big fish.
(though I have often taken big smallies on dry flies. White Miller imitations back east, stonefly hatches in the BWCA, caddis--they do suck bugs, so be ready of an evening.)
Ha! i've had both these exact thoughts. Already looked at these flexible desk arms for my ipad on amazon. And i've got some peg board in the garage I thought about putting up.
I shopped around forever to find the right light for tying. I went through three floor lamps and a couple of those cheap clip on LED lights over the years. Picked this up from Amazon a few weeks ago and have been very pleased. Sturdy, adjustable, and the light is just right for my eyes. No magnification, but I got my very first pair of reading glasses and that has made all the difference.
It's this one from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014KQE6RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_YxKpBbKPQFPDP. I like it quite a bit, it stays cool and I can tilt it so it is not shining in my face. Even at the brightest setting I feel like I have to keep it fairly close to the work. But not a huge deal.
I tie on a peak rotarty vice. It is my first upgrade from my starter kit vice. Overall it has been a great vice and only cost about $150 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003APK796/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_2L4rBb7YPZFQH
I love doing DIY stuff like this for my fly fishing related activities.
I grabbed a pop filter to make a profile plate out of on amazon for 6 bucks. .
Ended up the clamp and neck didnt fit my space so well so I unscrewed the filter from the stem and removed the filter. In the ring that held the filter I used a clear plastic top from a pack of burnable DVDs that slides in perfectly for a waste container.
I then used strong magnets on the part that the stem went into and it sticks really well to my vise stem. Works a treat.
Craft County Bonnie Macramé Cord - 4mm - 100 Yard Lengths (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NHL7NM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_s1hjEb0P4S1P6
Look here on amazon. Then use a dog brush and brush it out
High table where your vise is almost eye level.
This and the Slumpbuster are similar ties and both great introductions to tying with rabbit strips. There not complicated, per se, just awkward when dealing with the rabbit strip. When you get it down, you've literally knocked off one of the more difficult materials to tie in. In preparation, get a package of hairclips. They have many uses, and I think you'll know when the time comes.
It will work fine on UV resins. Any UV source will (including the sun!).
The thing that matters is intensity. If it's a low wattage flashlight and the wavelength is broad (less likely) it might be inefficient/slow.
Personally, any battery powered tool is a no-go for me. Unreliable power, variable intensity when it comes to light sources in particular etc. I went through two battery powered lights before I just folded and bought this cheap plug in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QJZ6N9R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's 8W every single time.
I use a craft store bead storage container. Not exactly this one but similar. That and a label maker for size, color, material, slotted etc.
I travel from FL to Upstate NY a lot. This time I forgot my fly tying gear, so I decided to buy a set for my place in NY. I know you said you were gifted a set, not sure which one but this kit has all the thread and hackle you need plus great how tos for the most tied and basic flies for trout. I was pleasantly surprised by the effort they put into this kit. It’s expensive, but worth it IMHO.
https://www.amazon.com/Hareline-Fly-Tying-Material-Kit/dp/B01MG1K933
Having said that, depending on what river you fish, learn Adams, beetles, Trico (especially now), blue winged olive, royal coachman, white and dark Cahill, Hendrickson, and a renegade and you’ll have a great variety on the stream.
I sew also, I have quite a few of this style, though I screw them to the wall.
"Amazon.com: New brothread 2X60 Spools Wooden Thread Rack/Thread Holder Organizer with Hanging Hooks for Embroidery Quilting and Sewing Threads" https://www.amazon.com/New-Brothread-Organizer-Embroidery-Quilting/dp/B07S6TJ8SC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=28H73W1E83FTK&keywords=thread+storage&qid=1656724385&sprefix=thread+st%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdG...
This is the heat gun i used. Notice the thin slotted head attachment. That helps to focus the heat to keep it away from the worm material.
I have this book specifically for that purpose:
Fly Pattern Encyclopedia: Federation of Fly Fishers https://www.amazon.com/dp/1571882081/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_N3JFESQ3H7G9JKXH2V5V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Those are bead boxes, they hold hooks up to size 6 2xl.
I ordered them from China but these ones are close: https://www.amazon.ca/Embroidery-Compartments-Painting-Accessory-Containers/dp/B07BKPJ1WK
I have used these. I found them identical to the MFC hooks my fly shop was selling me. Eupheng 100pcs Plus Best Barbless Fishing Hooks Comp... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RCB2MG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_i_TZYNTW79CPQMCT45HDZQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Pretty sure it’s these https://www.amazon.com/Flies-Direct-Waterproof-Fly-Box/dp/B00K2S1MK2/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=OC1PSR69GOCM&keywords=fly+boxes&qid=1646277605&sprefix=fly+boxes%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-7
Personally these boxes are my favorite
Get these ones. I break mine in half and keep the halves in a metal tin. Also nice and flexible for shaping spun hair.
I'm not sure I can share the label template. I used this label maker from Amazon and it comes with it's own app that you use to make labels. Luckily it lets you import an Excel sheet so I was able to type in all of the hook details into a spreadsheet and just played around with the layout of the labels.
I bought those and they are horrible. I also make plastic models and these scissors from Tamiya are my go to for tiny stuff. They’re are incredible
TAMIYA Model Scissors, Photo Etched Parts, TAM74068 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E7ONR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_77FJ6H5QAA8WSKSF0NY3
Couldn't agree more. I feel way more justified tying some of these over the top patterns with lots of segments. I was staring down the price of a few different sizes prepping for these and was motivated.
Gunnar seems to have an eye for things like that. I imagine tying that many flies you start to get good at cutting some of the more ridiculous things. The UV light he recommended a year or two ago was also amazing if you do a lot of UV work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QJZ6N9R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$14 for 8W and you never have to buy batteries.
I got you.
Grab yourself a few of these. Can't beat the price and they're super functional.
Here's a slightly older pic of my bins with labels (most peel right off of hook packaging, making this an easy step) for hooks, and two bins for countersunk and slotted beads (arranged in size and color).
Hope this helps!
https://www.amazon.com/Super-lon-Stringing-Micro-Macrame-Compatible-Saturation/dp/B01G5UO0QS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=SLON&qid=1642965549&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-3 its littlebit thicker than silk. About same as 3/0 Uni thread. I usually use it as a rib to replace silk. But sometime ago I started to use it on bodies too.
I do bit of beadcrafting/jewellery so I have surplus available.
I am all about supporting the local fly shop, but some items I think should be purchased at the craft or hardware store. The flytying industry relabels and repacks a lot of really simple tools and materials.
Consider getting some wire brushes like this from a local hardware store:
Most places should have em and it's the same thing as a branded dubbing brush. Or buy them online. I'm not the flytying police.
Another easy option is a handle of sorts with some velcro hooks (different sizes for different ends). Hook and Loop tape is the non-branded stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJZ6N9R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Boo batteries.
Mostly just don't like that lights get less powerful as batteries get used. This never has that problem.
If you need help/inspiration on getting flies to flip consistently just look at how carp flies are designed. Jay Zimmerman wrote a bunch about the mechanics of flipping flies over.
I’m no expert but here’s what I see you can do:
Use a different hook. Something like a 60/90 degree jig hook will help a bunch if your design is almost right. The center of gravity on jig hooks is at a place where the naked hook will flip. Although I haven’t tried your kind of hook myself, I bet it has the opposite effect that you want.
Add lead or bead chain eyes towards the front. If you’re worried about weight (.30/.60/.90 gram are usually my breakpoints) you can add two thin strips of wire under the weight to move it further from away the shank, moving the center of gravity.
Add light material on top of the fly. As unintuitive as this sounds, two pieces of chickabou sitting right on top would cause this to flip due to drag in the water.
Looks like you’re already tying materials up into the bend of the hook - which is great. This is another method you can use to control drag.
I went with this little kit right here , it's very basic but it gets the job done better than i could've expected!
Original recipe: https://www.qwant.com/?q=zulu%20fly&t=videos&o=0:693d9a70cd3bee16416ea13ca8749c9d&order=relevance&source=all
Some color replacement to better suit my local river. Target fish is perch and chub.
Yep, home grown materials ate great! There are also many materials you can use, and this book is really helpful to get your gears turning..
https://www.amazon.com/Tying-Common-Household-Materials-Tyer-ebook/dp/B006MCG0CM
Impresa Products 5-Pack of Stretchy String Fidget / Sensory Toys (BPA/Phthalate/Latex-Free) - Stretches from 10 Inches to 8 Feet! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBSZQ3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5QMKMKMYJQYTDZD3S6VT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon sucks
This. Sally Hansen's is the cheaper alternative. Bonus, buy the "Hardener" clear version to get a better quality seal like this stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Anglers-Standard-Threader-Scissors/dp/B086Q3WLN7/ref=zg_bs_3409441_1/142-1538848-0838262?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QCJJ9PYKAHT7ZN3P9252 That is what got me started. The Vice sucks, but it’ll do until you wanna drop some cheddar on a good one.
I use my Samsung A71 phone camera. But I've added a LED 4' light above my tying station and and use one of these magnifier lamps that boost the zoom by 2.25 while lighting up the subject area and it helps the photo quality quite a bit.
This one is a winner. Smaller and very bright. I’d suggest the higher power unit. Plus it tucks away if you want to store it.
Brightech LightView Pro Flex 2 in 1: 2.25x Magnifier with Bright LED Light - Magnifying Glass Lamp with Base Stand & Clamp - for Reading, Painting, Sewing & Needle Crafts, Puzzle & Hobby Fans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ27QK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z51AM9Z1GKEF9D4EHZXD?psc=1
This completely spoiled me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B4N42YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now Im useless without it lol. I had one that broke about six months after I got it and the seller sent a replacement, no questions asked. This one is 50 bucks right now, but the same exact one is probably on Amazon somewhere for 10-15 dollars cheaper. I got mine for 35 when it had a coupon.
I got you.
Grab yourself a few of these. Can't beat the price and they're super functional.
Here's a slightly older pic of my bins with labels (most peel right off of packaging, making this an easy step) for hooks, and two bins for countersunk and slotted beads (arranged in size and color).
Hope this helps!
I'd invest in a halfway decent vise that will last you several seasons, will tie and accept many sizes of hooks, and have well rounded features for a decent price. I'd go with a basic but feature packed vise like this. Griffin is from Kalispell, MT and I like to support them whenever I can. There are a few other vises you might be able to do out there but dunno with the price range you have if you'll be able to splurge much more than $60 - $80 on a vise and purchase the tools and materials you need. If you are so new you don't even know if you'll like the hobby, I'd just go with a cheaper $75 kit at Cabelas or a fly shop and take it from there. If you can, get one with the basic tying tools included.
Materials, I'd stick to some really simple nymphs like pheasant tails that will have materials used in other flies you might tie. You can EASILY spend the rest of your budget on materials just for pheasant tails and variants of it.
For you or anyone else who might be interested:
Look up PET Braided Tubing to find a cheaper bulk version. I love using this stuff but holy shit is it overpriced in this form. For like $5-10 you can get 25ft.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01919EC3G?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
My wife got me this thread holder (New brothread 60 Spools Wooden Thread Rack/Thread Holder Organizer with Hanging Hooks for Embroidery Quilting and Sewing Threads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S47JFQN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9B9FRJ5345JGQG7ZPPTT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) that I mounted to the wall above my desk. The bottom row I hang bags that hold all my materials. The top row I hang all my hooks in order of size. Middle holds all my thread and wire.
She also got me this tool caddy (Aventik High Density Foam Fly Tying Vise Tool Holder Tool Caddy and Soft Foam Tool Caddy Tools Combo Pack Fly Tying Accessories Fly Tying Tool Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNH8JQZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6WTFJRBPN683FFWFFW4K)
Pill cases work good for beads
I don't have a ton of steelhead fly tying experience but I know a fantastic book for it. They aren't in production anymore so what you would find would be old stock. Here's a link This book is all about steelhead flies in the PNW. (Winter or summer applications)
Granted we are slowly coming to the end of winter steel here in Oregon, but who's to say there aren't a few still in the bigger rivers. Best of luck to ya mate and tight lines!
For sure. I'll have to post my set up. I've got this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078Y36PZH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And it's awesome.
Those are hair clips, they work well as material clips if you find the right sized one or your vise.
I like this box. It's simple and cheap but it gets the job done. It can get bulky, but small enough to fit in a sling bag or a backpack. It's basically a cheap manufacture that 10 dozen companies use but it's a value option. If you prefer silicone obviously more expensive and there are probably other ones out there. They make this same box with a leaf so I've purchase a few of them and can interchange the leaf as needed if I want smaller flies in there. You also end up tearing that foam up a little quicker with the larger hooks and weight on them.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Phase-Salmon-Streamers-Kingfisher/dp/B00B8YXZCM
This lamp has been working well for me if you don’t want something so expensive. You may want an arm that’s a little longer but it doesn’t bother me.
CeSunlight Clamp Desk Lamp, Clip on Reading Light, 3000-6500K Adjustable Color Temperature, 6 Illumination Modes, 10 Led Beads, AC Adapter and USB Cord Included (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078V2Q9BZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_KSWcGbV1TM6SG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
As other has stated, body, ribbing and thorax are spot on. I tie my post as long as the hook gap is (about) and definitely use dry fly hackle. I usually do 4 to 7 wraps of hackle - depending on the size of the fly. Smaller the fly - fewer wraps.
Whitings 100's pack is affordable (~30 euros in here, about same in USD) or Ewing's Dry Fly Mini Pack's (~7eur in local shop).
Ewing's pak has about 20-30 hackles, and at least some shop sells them by the hook size (see example https://www.amazon.com/Ewing-Hackle-Fly-Mini-Pack/dp/B005Z7VGEM?th=1&psc=1). Not the most high quality, but if just trying out or short of cash, this might be most cheapest way to get some hackles.
I prefer these. I buy one for nymphs one for dries one for streamers etc. They lock shut and are big enough for a couple hundred hooks each compartment.
https://www.amazon.com/Lockables-Double-Organizer-Fourteen-compartments/dp/B004N5MIF8
I don’t know that it details ecology, but the bench side reference is a wealth of techniques broken down into body parts and detailing materials used for specific body parts. It doesn’t have any patterns, just detailed explanation in methods to attach tails, wings, bodies etc.
It’s not a cheap book, but it’s pretty neat.
Edit to add amazon link:
The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference to Techniques and Dressing Styles https://www.amazon.com/dp/1571881263/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_oVG6Fb9WZEN45
Craft store beads work just fine. There is about one ”million” different kind of beads in diy/craft stores. I tend to look so called ”seed beads” that are not ball shape but more like barrell shape. Ones I have are quite small - so they fit well with midge and nymph hooks. Heavy gauge hooks and hooks with large barb can be quite tricky.
My wife ordered this kind of assortment and I have been borrowing beads from her stash. https://www.amazon.com/YUGDRUZY-Multicolor-7200PCS-Bracelets-Supplies/dp/B08LBKSQ5G
There are plenty of great starter kits that you can find online, without breaking the bank. I suggest finding one of those, because that way if you don’t enjoy tying, you’re not out a boat load of money.
This was the kit I started with: Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Vise, Materials, Tools, Hooks, and Instructional DVD in Travel Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZTM4946/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_bFCRFb9XF2X5V
I quickly learned that I enjoyed tying, and I’ve since upgraded a few of the tools; vice, bobbin, dubbing spinner, and loads of different materials. Buying a good rotary vice is important, but make sure you enjoy tying before you spend any money on nice tools. Hope to see some of your work on here soon!
Here's one that would be portable and looks like it comes with enough materials to learn how to tie basic nymphs and dry flies.
Bobbin is the name of the spool holder you seem to be describing.
Just want to piggyback on this comment with a link to the kit I started with. Very good quality materials. A lot of variety in patterns and styles of fly. I would buy some extra hooks though. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG1K933/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CjYCFbP9T81XD
Forget the worm material from fly shop, price gouging.
I ordered it from Amazon. Look up Spaghetti Stress Toy.
Here's the link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH51ZG7/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_T0tDEbGY92P5W
I got you.
Grab yourself a few of these. Can't beat the price and they're super functional.
Here's a slightly older pic of my bins with labels (most peel right off of hook packaging, making this an easy step) for hooks, and two bins for countersunk and slotted beads (arranged in size and color).
Hope this helps!
I used some crappy ones until finding this. This thing is absolutely awesome. I like having a ton of light when I tie because I feel like it helps me see some of the smaller details, and this was the brightest one I could find in this configuration. The brightness is also adjustable if you find it too bright. Also the arm allows you to really get it out of the way, and it easily adjusts in any way you could need.
I have found that this book is one of the best reference materials to begin with. https://www.amazon.co.uk/COMPLETE-FLY-FISHERS-HANDBOOK-Malcolm-Greenhalgh/dp/0751304999
Littlebit oldish (doesn’t have all new flies and variation), but tells what flies, when, what they imitate etc.
Good online resource is https://globalflyfisher.com/
I bought this $8 one from Amazon, it works perfectly fine for me. My Perdigons are all well cured in just a few seconds and spins of the rotary.
No tops. Amazon
I wish they were a bit deeper...8" instead of 6", but it's better than the three tackle boxes of unorganized crap I had.
All of my bagged items, and some tools, are in there. Have all of my hair in one of the tackle boxes below the desk. All of my hooks, beads, eyes, etc are in the boxes below the shelf.
I've used these before, I bet you could find somewhere that sells less of them together if you look hard enough. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Personal-Protective-Equipment-Earplugs/dp/B008MCTLJE/ref=sr_1_47?keywords=foam%2Bear%2Bplugs&qid=1552087966&s=gateway&sr=8-47&th=1&psc=1
My cats like those mouse toys that are just like a spun-deer mouse fly without the hook. I save the core and tie them up a few as they wear out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S120H2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
I haven’t tied on that vice before or seen it. Seems to be of reasonable quality. The tools, I can’t tell. Usually the bobbins (things that hold the thread) are just steel and will lead to broken thread. You really want the ceramic insert type. I would recommend getting a quality pair of scissors (dr. Slick), a whip finisher and a good bobbin like the loon ergo one (it’s yellow) I have crappy scissors, and bobbins and they just waste space. This is a fun hobby and some good tools really make it more fun.
As for a vice, I would recommend the peak vice. It’s got a clamp base option and is $150. I tied on one of those for 6 years and about 10,000 flies before I have it my wife when I got a Petijean vice as a gift. loon ergo tying set
Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/Tying-Fishing-Bucktails-Other-Wings/dp/0811716767
You can, of course, use the info there to find it outside Amazon as well, if you wish.
We definitely approach tying differently! I tend to avoid the craft store workarounds in favor of just biting the bullet and getting the appropriate thing, or skipping it altogether. In fact, the only things I usually get at the craft store are foam, glue, some yarns, and organizational stuff.
Regarding "scaling" patterns, it is important to keep in mind that some materials, most of them natural, lend themselves to tying in a given size range, and above and below that, may struggle.
If you're looking to tie little bucktails, consider looking at replacing it with craft fur, EP fibers, SF blend, calf tail, or squirrel tail.
I didn't use a video for these since they are pretty straightforward. I am still fairly new, so I have been using this book to help with a lot of my ties: https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Tying-Bible-Step-Step-Photographs/dp/0764155504
Regal...the one that does not have a base but a clamp. It's not a true rotary but you can use it that way. I paid $99 for the one I still use 15 years ago and it still is awsome. Just found one on Amazon for $150 so that is not much inflation. Not the best for tiny hooks (<20, use a Renzetti for those) but rocks for everything else. I love the the slot they put in the jaws for big hooks. Makes it easy to really wrench down on the thread when doing steelhead flies. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Regal-Inex-Fly-Tying-Vise/dp/B004W4TJD4/ref=lp_12713889011_1_9/143-0409082-1232953?srs=12713889011&ie=UTF8&qid=1526679969&sr=8-9
I use a bead head and I wrap their bodies in weighted wire as well. For the little guys, I use a .015 so their bodies don't get too thick. https://www.amazon.com/Hareline-Dubbin-Round-COLOR-0-015/dp/B001U81WU8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1522091609&sr=1-1&keywords=hareline+lead+free+.015+wire
It’s 100$ under your price range but I have a Griffin Odyssey Spider Cam vice and I absolutely love it.
Amazon link for ya: Griffin Odyssey Spider Cam Vise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MO5AHIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q-NpAbKQHR7ZE
I know right, some guy linked me a Vice and was like "Get this one" and it was some $200 "Entry Level" Rotary Vice and I laughed.
I had two picked and went with the Griffin but this is the other one I had my eyes on. Slightly simpler but does the job and is well reviewed.
I bought this one for less than $20 on Amazon last year and so far it's great.
I've been using this stuff, decently cheap and works great. $10.75 shipped with amazon prime for 3 tubes http://www.amazon.com/Solarez-Fly-Tie-UV-Resin/dp/B00FL067UG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1458673686&sr=8-3&keywords=uv+resin
Tom Rosenbauer's Tying book is a good starting point. Starts with flies using the fewest materials and simplest techniques, and every subsequent fly adds more materials and techniques. http://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Fly-Tying-Guide-Tom-Rosenbauer/dp/1592281214
Not bad! The head's a bit big, but like you said, you can always trim it back a bit. I used a dubbing loop for the pink ice dub and wrapped pearl polar chenille. No need to use both ice dub and polar chenille though. I only used both because I didn't have any pink polar chenille on hand.
As for fishing it, the best reference I know of is a great book that came out last month. Strip-Set by George Daniel.
sparkle dun. foam terrestrials.
If you don't have rotating hackle pliers, grab some. Only about $10 and makes working with small hackles much easier. amazon link
That's cool. I mention chartreuse because I read a book called "Trout Sense." The author did some underwater tests and found that chartreuse is the best streamer color for high and dirty water, as it sticks out.
So, I tied up some streamers with chartreuse marabou, and I tied up some black ones dubbed with chartreuse ice dub for the heads. We'll see how it goes!
For the trout fishing I do in New England, this book from Thomas Ames is really good. Lots of details, recipes, and a hatch chart.
So, it may not be what you're looking for, but, perhaps, it's a good example of what may exist for your region or for bass?
Fair point. I mean I've read a handful of tying books and certainly improved at the vice because of it. Specifically I'd recommend John Geirach's "Good Flies"
It is important to know proportions, but that info isn't hard to find online either I imagine. I just feel like money is better spent on materials or good scissors than on new books. That being said, 80 tying books and a float tube for $80 is an absolute steal.