Hello All,

I recently started getting into fly tying. I am located in the DFW area and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations(locally or online) for "cheaper" but decent hooks and materials.

I am starting with the good ol bugger and working my way to other(maybe poppers or such). Any other fly recommendations for bass is appreciated(as long as its on the easier side when it comes to tying ).

I am also looking for some saltwater recommendations(flies and hooks).

I have looked at the Online Fly tying supplies thread, but no idea on what or where to look at...
I have been to Barlows, Bass pro and Cabelas and have gotten some materials but hooks seem to be on the pricier side of what I would want it to be, considering I am probably going to mess it up.

Thanks for the help in advance.

I have bad news if you're looking for "cheaper" hooks and materials. Nothing is cheap in fly tying...

For hooks, the Mustad 3366 is a decent general purpose hook. You can usually find 100 hook packs for $5 to $6. They are not officially fly fishing hooks, but they work and are a good, less-expensive hook to learn on. I think I bought my last ones from J Stockard.

Don't be in a hurry to buy saddles and capes. All of them are expensive and you can learn a lot of patterns using the same color for all of your flies for a while.

Fly Tyer's Dungeon, can be a cheaper source of dubbing and other synthetic materials. One of his grab bag collections such as his "X-mas Boxes" are a good way to get a wide range of stuff.

While learning use whatever color and material is a close as you have on hand to tie the pattern you are learning. But. try to follow the tying steps as close as possible. Learning the proper techniques is important while you are collecting materials.

Also,every Wed evening and Sat morning there are a few fly tyers at the Allen Cabela's. Stop by and they can help answer questions and help you get started.

Good Luck!

Foam is a good material to start with. Its very forgiving and you can get sheets of it at hobby lobby a lot cheaper than at any fly shop.

Thanks for the advice!

+1 on the Foam from the hobby stores. To that point one of the guys on this forum "hook-line&sinker" did a great video on an easy, top water, weedless, foam bass fly that was and easy tie. I can't find the video. Maybe someone else can and will post it for you.

Well, when it comes to using cheap hooks because you think you're probably going to mess up? We all broke a lot of eggs to get to a good omelet! You can always deconstruct your fly and salvage the parts. I have little wads of those myself - because they didn't work, or because they worked so good the fish wore them out! (I prefer the latter) Now that Bass Pro and Cabela's are not competing with each other anymore, prices are slowly creeping up at those two. Barlows has always lagged behind with their price rises, so that is where - if you need to touch and feel hooks. Otherwise, I have to order what I need and the numbers I need - sad to say - online. Another good hook, and one that is very forgiving to beginners is the Eagle Claw 410 circle hook or the Eagle Claw 413 non circle hook -- both are 60-degree jig hooks. They virtually guarantee the Clousers run HOOK UP and the jig hook will hold the wildest fish.