As has been stated here many times, if you don't have someone handy to teach you, the kit from Bass Pro is the way to start. Here's a couple of things that can really improve on the kit:

1) If you get into tying as a real hobby, go to Cabelas and look at the tying vices. They have one in store that's not in the catalog that is a knock off of the Regal brand vise. No adjustment knob, but a spring loaded vice-type head that will hold any size hook extremely tight. I looked at mine and can't find a brand on it, but if you look in Cabelas big catalog, it looks just like the Regal Vise that sells for $150. It comes in a super nice heavy wooden box and comes with the C clamp and also a portable stand for it. Sells for under 50 bucks and will save you mucho aggravation.

2) The most confusing thing to me on the Bass Pro tape was the guy tying the knots on the finished jig. Forget trying to imitate him and remember that all it is is a simple half hitch thrown around the head. You will figure out the fastest and smoothest way for you.

You can get a good vice on ebay too.

Don't waste you time on the whip finish tool (knot). I can do the same thing with two fingers. A dab of glue and it's tied for life.

We occiasionally have jig tying get togethers. That's the best place to learn.

I agree with Steve-O, the whip finish tool is a waste of money. Just tie a square knot, dab some glue on it, and it will hold until you loose your jig in some brush. If it does not hold, your tying the knot wrong. As far as the tying vice goes, don't get a cheap one, but don't get the most expensive one either. I've had a cheap one, and their cheap for a reason. I spent about $50 buck on a good vice and it's wonderfull. The only way I would spend more is to get one that rotates.

Mathew Carroll (Jigum Jigs) will be doing a Jig tying seminar on 10/29 from 9:30am to 10:30am at Gander Mountain in Sherman. See the "sticky" at the top. It will be in conjunction with Jerry and Paul's seminar that starts at 11. I'll be there too!

Here's a couple of pictures of the jig vise I bought at Cabelas a couple of years ago. Not sure they carry them anymore, haven't been to the store. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SgAAALAUsuu*1bMETviyykmN4!q73wDNfjUvxMphfJHxXYrdJifiNGIVz*oY4i1CJbCsLQI7s!!miq*kaemjrBGROxci0OkmdAVKco5pAJQ89cYRxzcZQQ/100_0094.JPG?dc=4675543355976671950[/img]
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RgDfAtsTN5u*1bMETviyyiEMnE9kl4epamKezHQ1NhyHiI0zYWHvYdRR0uqIlIgjzKL!HOKrrWz80bgUGAieNx2bhlA5L4U7AAsUtIOUDGM/100_0089.JPG?dc=4675543356033540498[/img]