Getting Started Sequences

[mute]

Just got a shipment of fly typing equipment and furs of a 400$ dollar value. Theres Tons here and im anxious to start. I was actually lookign for a site of anyone knew of one that showed different flies, and how to tie that flavor. Like first do this, then do this ( with pictures ). Also wondering, is there any kinds of Knots or anything when tying. For example, a nypmh, So i would probably start out with thread rapping it around the hook, do i tie a normal knot first around the body of the hook with the loose end of hte thread then continue wrapping and every once in a while apply some SuperGlue for durable purposes so it doesnt unravel?

[Desmond Wiles]

First of all, welcome to the club! $400 is a lot to spend on your first shopping trip, I assume you are not married?

To answer your questions, I don't know of any websites that provide step-by-step instructions so I can't help you there. I would recomend getting yourself a good book though. I started with one book that taught me the basic patterns with a few variations branching off that pattern (Essential Trout Flies by Dave Hughes. He's a local guy in the PNW, so you may not be able to find it in PA) Once you get the basics down, all you really need to know is what materials go into tying a fly, which the gallery in this website has a good selection of our local patterns. I've checked out a few videos from the library which helped me out a ton. You can also rent videos from local Fly Fishing shops. Good luck!

[jimmysworking]

Don't know if it would be kosher to give out other websites here. PM me and I'll send you addresses to a few sites.

Jim

[FT]

I've taught several hunder people how to tie flies and in my opinion you really ought to do yourself a favor and at least get yourself a fly tying book so you have it right there on the tying table for reference as you attempt ('er, learn) how to tie. The absolute best thing you could do for yourself is take a fly tying course from a fly shop or good local tyer.

That said, no you do not use a knot to attach thread to the hook when tying flies. You attach the thread to the hook by simply wrapping the thread over the tag end as you wrap the thread from your side of the hook up and across the top toward the back (hook point and bend) of the hook. You need to make 5-6 of these overlapping thread wraps to lock it into place and keep it from unraveling and coming off. Glue of any kind is completely unneccesary to hold the thread to the hook when it is first put on the hook.

[mute]

Ok FT, how about when you END the tying of the fly. Do you finish off with the technique called, "The Whip Finish?"

[Randy Knapp]

Northwest Fly Anglers are starting a new Beginner Class soon for $35.

http://www.northwestflyanglers.org

[flytire]

Call your local fly shop and see if they offer fly tying lessons. It really is the best way to start this crazy hobby you just got yourself into.

Try here also: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/beginners/archive.html

Go to GOOGLE and type in the search box "beginning fly tying" and search the results. A ton of info is out there.

Good luck

[Kent Lufkin]

. . . $400 is a lot to spend on your first shopping trip, I assume you are not married? . . .

Too funny! Thankfully, all your subsequent shopping trips should be cheaper.

K

[FT]

mute,

Yes, I always finish a fly with a "whip finish" knot because it is the strongest and most secure method of finishing a fly. You can make a whip finish with your fingers, a short piece of thin mono (7x or 8x works well), a short piece of heavy tying (or rod winding) thread, or a whip finish tool. Personally, I use and recommend the Materelli Whip Finisher for several reasons: 1) It makes tying a whip finish very easy and fast once you get the motion down; 2) You don't have to worry about your fingers having rough spots on them; 3) You can very precisely place a whip finish on any part of a fly with it; 4) You don't have to worry about where you put that piece of thin mono or heavy thread; and 5) It is easier and faster to use this tool than your fingers to make a whip finish.

I know there are many who make the whip finish with their fingers and that was how I learned to make one way back in 1963 when I learned to tie. However, after tying several million flies over the years, I find the Materelli Whip Finisher to be the best, easiest, and fastest way to make a whip finish on the head of a fly.

I also cannot say emphatically enough that those whip finishers on the market with the spring loaded arms are a poor choice and should be avoided because they increase the tension on the knot wraps as you are making the knot. The Matarelli doesn't do this.

If you do not have a Materelli Whip Finisher, using the loop of thin mono or heavy thread method is straight forward and easy to understand. To make a whip finish with the loop of mono/thread: 1) place a short loop of either thin mono (7x or 8x) or a heavy thread like size A rod wrapping thread on the head of the fly with the loop going over the hook eye; 2) put 5 or 6 wraps of tying thread over it wrapping them toward the hook eye; 3) put a finger of the left hand against the area the thread has covered the loop; 4) cut off the thread and put the tag end of it through the loop; and 5) keeping a finger on the thread wraps (you can put one of your right hand fingers on the wraps to do this) pull the loop through the thread wraps.