Beginners Guide to Fly Tying

Fly tying is a skill that is easy to learn, if you startfly. Sound weird? Whoever decided the scale
out with the correct attitude. It is essential thatmust have been a golfer and the low score wins.
you understand that fly tying is only as hard asIt is better for beginners to start with size 10 or
you make it. In the real world, fish don't care assmaller. Since they are larger, they are easier to
much as the angler does. If anyone tells you anysee what you are doing and require less feel. Feel
different, they haven't fished much or they are ais something you will develop over time.
perfectionist who thinks anything less thanWhen you tie flies, you will find out that you will
perfection is a waste of time.have a tendency to use too much material and
I have caught fish with a fly that has been tornthe fly will be too bulky. This is normal. However,
to a point that it is unrecognizable. So don't worrysparse is better in most cases. This will come with
about the fly looking perfect. The more you tiepractice.
flies, the better you will get. I like to use some ofFish Like: Shapes, Colors, and Sizes
my goofs to see how they work. Most of theWhen tying a fly three things attract fish, shape,
time they work well.color and size.
Start Off with the BasicsWhen you tie flies, consider making two to three
In order to get started, you have the option todifferent sizes of each fly. This will help you gain
buy the essentials of fly tying individually or in acontrol and give you a more versatile array of
kit.flies to show the fish. Additionally, try to make
I would recommend buying an inexpensive tyingthe flies using the same shape and size but
kit first. They will come with all the basics youvarying the color. This way you can find out
need to get started. You can find them at mostwhich fly the fish like best.
fly shops or sporting good stores that sellFly Tying Progression
fly-fishing equipment. They range in priceThe beginner will have the best luck attempting to
averaging somewhere between $20 and $50.make bass flies. Once that has been mastered,
These will work well until you get confidentyou can work your way up to trout flies. These
enough to venture out to flies that are moreflies generally require smaller flies and detail that is
difficult.more intricate.
Beginners Should Start BigGood luck and have fun. Remember, there isn't
When starting out, it will be best to tie flies fromsuch a thing as a bad fly, just one that looks
size 10 or smaller. (If you don't know what this is,funny. Fishermen need a good laugh and fish don't
ask the fly shop to help you.) When you are tyingcare.
flies usually the smaller the number the larger the