New at Fly Tying

[Baybum79]

I just ordered my first fly tying kit. Should be here next week. Any advice for someone who is about to start tying? Do's and Don'ts

[kbproctor]

DO find someone to mentor you.
DO tie whatever you like to tie.
DO have fun.
DON"T let anyone discourage you, including yourself.

[Normand]

take lessons at your local fly shop. it solves alot of problems.

[Paddy80701]

Go to the beginning,intermediate and advanced flytying tutorials on this website and read through them, then follow the step by step instructions from a great flytyer! Try to find someone to teach you, either an individual or fly shop. Practice, practice, PRACTICE!
HAPPY TYING

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Start here. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/beginners/ This is one of the best tutorials I've seen. Work your way through the lessons from start to finish as each lesson builds on the skills and techniques you've learned in previous lessons. If you skip around, you miss that .

Aside from that, what kbproctor said. Especially the have fun part. If it ain't fun, you're doing it wrong.

Ask as many questions as needed of the folks here at FAOL. Lots of friendly folks that have been there, done that, and will try to help you out.

REE

[Big Bad Wulff]

1) Don't get so caught up in how someone says you HAVE to make something. There are no 'rules'.

2) You're making these things for an animal with an IQ of just more than dirt. Don't forget that. They don't care if it's "pretty". All they care about is eating and not getting eaten.

3) Have fun with it.

4) Don't buy too much stuff at first until you find out what you really need to make the files YOU want to make.

[kglissmeyer]

Do NOT give up when it becomes a bit perplexing and/or frustrating. There is a definite learning curve, but in the end the rewards will please your soul, let alone the fishies.

Kelly.

P.S.: if you think you're going to save money by tying your own flies, well...

[James Smith]

You've already gotten some terrific advice, but I'd like to add, "Don't be afraid to experiment." Many people think that a pattern can only be tied with the materials listed in the recipe, but 99% of the time this is not true. Change out materials if you feel like it and play around a bit. By Christmas, you will be looking at all the tinsel, ribbons and bows as potential fly tying material to be horded into your man-cave for dissection and integration into new patterns. Good luck and one last thing. Save the first three flies that you complete and keep them where you can see them as you progress. You'll get a kick out of how much better you'll get and the first flies will have sentimental value.

Jim Smith

[modocdan]

Hiya Baybum ! Welcome to FAOL !
And, welcome to fly tying too! It's great, rewarding, and you'll certainly enjoy it.
You've gotten all the advice you need already. Any questions you ask here will be cheerfully answered in triplicate and with good humor. Anytime you need help or get stuck....just mention it here...guaranteed to satisfy........Happy Tyin' and Happy Fishin'
..................................ModocDan

[FishnDave]

I agree about using the FAOL tutorials. Excellent info!

DO use some of your early ties to fish somewhere that the fish "aren't too picky (think bluegills, maybe). Gaining confidence that you can catch fish on a fly you tied is priceless!

Welcome to the OTHER SIDE of fly-fishing!