Well, I'm close to taking the plung into fly tying. Went to the Texhoma Tie In and greatly enjoyed meeting the folks of Red River Fly Fishers group. Lots of talent and experience there. I was surprised to learn that the barrier of entry into fly tying was not as expensive as I thought.

Kyle Hand showed me a fly that would actually be very challenging. Then Sue Spangler showed me a technique using glass beeds that looked like something I could start with. So now I'm researching a beginner kit to see if I have the temperament and dexterity for this.

Even though I am an accountant, I like to "paint with a big brush" and don't enjoy too much detail, so don't want to invest too much initially.

Mike Oser over at Moe's in Mesquite has one for about $40 that looks good. Bass Pro has a little portable unit for $30. I saw this one at the Tie In and one of the tyers recommeded it.

Something portable has an appeal. I'm heading over to Inner Mongolia in July and suspect that I'll need to tie something specific for the river I'll be close to. There's no infra-structure there for fishing supplies, so I plan on taking enough with me to simulate the food source there.

One on-line article I read suggested that anything under $50 is probably not worth it.

Any suggestions? Thanks

my suggestion is the bass pro kits, we will probably tell ya some more materials to buy...

I had a kit, cant remember if it was BPS or Cabelas, doesnt matter since they're the same both, actually most cheap vises are made in India.. that in itself isn't bad, they're okay vise for some occasional tying, my problem with them is they dont hold a hook as well as some better vises.. but ya gotta start somewhere and thats where a lot of folks do start.. a small variety of materials that tie a wide range of flies is the greater challenge .

The BPS bass kit is what I started with. I would NOT go cheaper than that. If you do you will regret it. If you like that, you can upgrade to a better vise later. If you just tie a few flies, and a patterns, you will like it. You can adjust it a little to make it rotate a little..but not much. It does not hold a hook that great, so be careful. The good thing about the BPS kit is that it did come with a DVD, and that was very helpful. Good luck in whatever you decide. Feel free to ask questions here.

BPS saltwater kit is a good bet for a kit. The flies are useful bass, striper, sandie flies too. I've typed this out a million times before and I'm not in the mood but that's a good start

Wow what an adventure!!! I envy you.

I haven't used the kits mentioned but do have a Renzetti traveler, claimed by the marketers as the most popular vise in the world. Its really nice and comes with a great case. Mine has lasted many years, survived airlines and baggage handlers, and helped tie up some effective flies. Heck, I would loan it to you in return for a report on your trip.

You probably already know about the Taimen and flies...so if my info is redundant just ignore. The Taimen is reputed to be super aggressive and mouse flies are said to be very effective. They also have Grayling in their streams and in my experience Grayling will hit just about any standard dry trout flys.

Sounds like a terrific destination....best of luck to you.

Never mind.

no, this is the link I posted
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/tyingtips/

While I do not use a "big brush" I do color with the fat crayons. Just my $.02 here is go on and spend $80-$100 on a rotary vice. Get some bucktail,lead barbell eyes,bead chain,crystal flash, and start tying. It is simple yet effective. Some folks want to make this seem very complicated and convince you that a Phd. in bugs is needed to be able to catch fish. Not so or this small town redneck would never eat fish. BTW the fish do not care if you fly looks artsy only if it looks yummy will they taste it.

That looks like a great vice. A little more than I want to spend now, but I'll keep it in mind for an up-grade.

Dave

I'm leaning in that direction. I'm going to be close to BP in Coppell tomorrow. I take a closer look.

Good suggestion. This one is getting several recommendations.

Thanks. that is an interesting idea.

That is the one thing I don't like about the cheaper vices - they don't rotate. Seems like that would be an important feature. Good suggestions on the materials. I'll start there.

just got the Cabelas flyer and they have the starter tool kit with vice for $20 right now