After threatening to do this for the last 5 years, I have finally made the plunge!
Probably as organized as it will ever look.
At least 10 years of learning ahead!
Heck wizard, I will soon be 66 years old, I hope I have more than 10 years of learning ahead but not from books. Seems like we remember about 10% of what we read or hear, about 20% of what we see but about 70-80% of what we do.
That’s a mighty nice looking tying area, and group of books you have there, Wizard.
I’ve got to agree with you in part, Uncle Jesse, but back in my working days, when I was doing investigative-type work I used to tell it to my staff a bit differently (you and I are just about the same age): I’d say, don’t believe anything you hear, only believe half of what you hear and see, and only believe only 80% of what you hear, see and independently verify. (No matter what, there’s still a chance of being wrong.)
Applying this to what you’ve said, I’d say that 10% of what we know is from what we read, 20% is from what we see, and 70% from what we do. So, if that’s true, we should never stop reading! (Of course at our age, we might not remember tomorrow much of what we read today!)
wizard,
May I suggest the following link as the best place to start.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/beginners/
The fun has just begun.
What I meant to convey was, about 10 years to get thru the written material, if we are lucky, we NEVER stop learning!
Thanks Joe, if you look on the far right, in the thinner blue and red notebooks are all of Al Campbell’s articles in the archives. I printed those about 3 years ago I believe!
So where is the first fly picture? I have just one suggestion. To prevent eye fatigue when tying you might want to tone down that highly reflective background.
wizard, the fun starts now, enjoy yourself at your tying station and even more on the water. There is just something special about catching a fish on a fly you tied yoiurself. Take care and enjy, John.
The reflection is mostly from camera flash, nowhere near as bad as it looks in reality.
Wizard,
Is that a beer refrigerator on the left? If so, the past time could become even more enjoyable. Old motto of mine was never tie less than a dozen of anything. Give the first six to your friends. They are usually far less critical than you will be. Also learn macro photography. And write down what you do.
Can’t tie anymore - at least not very well. Ostio-arthritis and a spinal injury from a head on collision have ended my tying days. But I can still admire a good tie. My journey is in here. http://www.hatofmichigan.org/uploads/TyingFlies_ebook.pdf
Godspeed and good luck,
Bob
Thanks Bob for all the good advice. On the left is actually a materials cabinet (sorry no beer). On the right not shown is a computer desk and on the top shelf of it…is all the top shelf stuff to make the tying enjoyable! (Scotch, Bourbon, Irish Whiskey)
I make it 65 going on 16…
(Before you harrrrumph me, check with your spousal unit to see if I’m at least close.)
Wizard, there are a lot of good videos available. David McPhail has many on YouTube. The Dick Talleur intro is quite good as is the DVD from Bass Pro on tying trout and panfish flies. Good Luck!
Ed
Heck EdD I was a pretty good kid when I was 16. My dad would kick my butt if I wasn’t. My dad wanted to become a drill instructor when he was in the Army, but he wasn’t sensitive enough. I’m working on becoming “Colorful” now.
I don’t think anyone mentioned http://kwsu.org/offers/flytying.aspx for fly tying instructions. They are enjoyable and instructive. I would really like to meet Roy and the lady and regret I will not have the opportunity of meeting Dave in this world.
Keep them comin’ guys, thanks for all the tips.
Hi wizard,
Lots of good fun a head! I would suggest two things, first, learn to tie patterns you already fish. You’re already familiar with the proportions of those flies, and you’ll have lots of them as models. Second, the first skill to really concentrate on is learning to whip finish, either by hand or with a tool. Tying off is something you will do on every fly, so learn to do it well. It’s not hard, just takes a bit of getting used to. After that, concentrate on neatness of your thread wraps, and learn how much pressure you can put on your thread by breaking it a few times - you learn where the limit is by going beyond it a few times.
Hmm, maybe that’s more than two things. The most important, in my ever increasing “two things” is have fun. Tying can be a great hobby, and it will improve your fishing as you will eventually start to tie flies you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Then you’ll have to learn how to fish them. Great stuff.
- Jeff
Boy, I’m gonna like this. Now when you come fishing with me, you can supply the flies. I’m betting the first fly will be the muscrat fly your always buying. Hey, we’ll need lots of dries for all of us at the cabin. Make sure you make lots and lots of flies.
Seriously, good job Dave. You have lots of friends that will be glad to help you out. I’ll call Uncle Ed and he’ll send you some midttches’ hooks for you to tie on…
Randy
Thanks Randy, look for a private email from me in the next couple of days…
Dave
Dave,
You’re well on your way. Here’s my advice - take it for what it’s worth.
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But high-quality materials. Don’t skimp. From hooks to thread to tools to feathers and everything in between. You will be VERY glad you did!
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Don’t tie sucker spawn. Make Phil you give half of what he has tied, and you’ll have enough to last you at least 5 seasons of lake-run fishing. ha!
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Learn how to make and use a dubbing loop. Comes in handy for SOOOOO many flies, especially streamers and nymphs.
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Keep your tying as simple as possible, especially at first. Get the TECHNIQUES down, as this will form the base for your meteoric rise as a fly tier.
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Last but not least, if you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break. It’s supposed to be enjoyable. I have to remind myself of this constantly.
Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Best,
Marty
Thanks Marty, I’ll take it all to heart, except the sucker spawn!