Hey everyone, I'm wanting to start tying some flies. I tied a few before I was a teen just using moms sewing thread and some chicken feathers on a plain old hook and caught a few in our pond. Do any of ya'll have any experience with the Bass Pro tying kits? I've got $75 in gift cards and their kits are about $80. I was thinking of getting one to get started, unless there is a better option. Thanks everyone.

I'd go out there and get a vise and basic tools, then buy the materials for just the flies you want to start tying. Build your way up from there.

Better than a big box of sub-par materials in my book.

That's kinda what I was thinking. I mainly fish on ponds and Lake Tawakoni. I may have to get in on the Lake Fork Fly Fishing tourny this year. Most of the flies I'd tie would be for bass, brim, crappie, sandbass, and hybrid/stripers....in that order. Thanks

You are welcome. Just tell those guys what you want to do and they'll fix you up.

If you go to the Bass Pro in Garland ask for Bill Sankey. He can help you out.

Well I went by today. There was only one guy working the fly fishing area, had a few guys there before me. The BP guy ended up talking to a guy for about 30min out in one of the regular fishing lure isles, so I just headed out. I'll check back later sometime. I did check out the "books" area on here and am thinking of ordering http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Tying-Beginners-Failsafe-Flies/dp/0764158457/ref=lh_ni_t and http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592282938/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER . Think they'd have some decent info to get a guy started? Would you have any recommendations on a vice? I've read some iffy reviews on some of the bass pro ones and I'd hate to get something that isn't going to last. I have no problem getting a vice and tools now and waiting to get the fly materiel later.

Welcome!

Those kit vises are not very good quality most of the time. For sure. I have a Danvise that I love. There are tons of other great vises under $100. Have a look at this review.

Oh and, the books are always good to have. But also get your Googler fired up and dig around for online tutorials as well.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FlyFishVideo/

http://www.youtube.com/user/DavieMcPhail

Fly Anglers Online has some fine tutorials as well.

If you want to learn a whole lot in a very short amount of time then head to the First Annual Red River Rendezvous will take place January 20th - 22nd, 2012 at beautiful Bonham State Park.

Those folks will advise ya' and teach ya'... They'll help you with selection of hooks, materials, vise, tools, and show ya' a ton of great locally, proven patterns. I'll bet that you even come home with a start on a collection of "famous flies" to use as pattens in your tying.

Secondly, join you local Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF)club. All of these clubs are full of folks who will gladly teach you more about tying, casting and fly fishing than you'll ever believe. By the way most of the folks at the Red River Rendezvous are also members of the FFF, including a number who are invited tyers at FFF shows.

Wow, just started looking at the "Ohio" review page. I like the info, gonna sort through it all now. I'd love to be able to make it to Bonham, but my wife and I already have plans for the weekend with her family. From what little digging I've done, I'm starting to lean toward a higher priced vice than I had anticipated. But, it it's anything like hunting, 99% of the time that initial investment is worth it.

I had seen the Danvise on the Cabelas website. They do have a better variety of vises to choose from. But I did like the overall appearance of the Danvise when I saw it. Heck, I may just have to get the vice out of pocket and use these gift cards on some materials/tools at Bass Pro.

Ugh, looking at all the info and choices is making me want to just buy my flies lol. Can't seem to decide on anything. Bass Pro is closer but I seem to prefer Cabelas options. Then again, I have $75 in Bass Pro cards. Lol I don't know what I'm going to do.

not a bad idea at all

Anyone have any experience with the Anvil Apex Vise? I think I've about narrowed my Vise options down between the Danvise and Anvil Apex. I'd prefer to keep it under $100 since it will be my first vise. But I want something that has the ability to last me a lifetime also. Looks like my best option for what I want to get out of it is buying the vise and spending the gift cards on the materials.

Between hunting, fishing, reloading shot shells, cycling, and starting this.......my wife is going to hate me lol. Only 2 hobbies I'd like to get into still are fly tying and rifle/handgun reloading. Dang Hobbies!!!

Looks like an excellent vise. Good quality, that's a reputable company. IMO, just do it!

I think I will. I really like it. Is the bobbin holder accessory really worth it or would I in most cases be fine without it? I'm gonna have to wait til next payday to get it, but that's the one I'd prefer.

I think you can hold off on that bobbin holder until you need it.

Thanks for you help

YW

I don't know if you have bought your vise or not, but regarding the fly tying, Orvis Dallas is hosting free fly tying lessons for the next five or six weeks. If you haven't bought your vise, take the class, learn some flies, and experiment with vises to see what features you like, you really, really want, and those you don't like. Phone them at 214-265-1600 to see when the classes are. There's one in January and four or five in February.

As for the BPS gift cards, ummm, fly tying is an addiction, and you will need to buy supplies from somewhere. I think I see the fly tying materials in your future via your BPS gift cards.