I would like to learn how to tie flies.
I have no Idea how to start or what to buy.
Does anyone have used equiptment or sale? Is there a local to Dallas group that meets?
Any advice to start would be greatly appreciated.
I am a fast learner and think this would be therapeutic for my hands, as I have had Carpul tunnel surgery.
Thanks in advanced,
Ron

You will find there are many places around the metroplex that have fly tying groups or instruction. I think groups meet at local Cabela's and Bass Pros, and I know the Red River Fly Fishers up north do a tying group at the Gander Mountain in Sherman.

As far as what to buy or how to get started, a great place to find out is on the Fly Angler's Online website: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/. When you get there, click on "Fly Tying" (on the left side of the home page), and then on "Beginning Tying." That will open up a 20 part intro to fly tying that is very good. You can also click on "Basic Tying Kit" to figure out what tools and materials you may need.

I usually suggest that folks stay away from fly tying starter kits, since they can contain cheap tools and materials you may never use. If there are particular fish you'd like to tie flies for, that would help us narrow down the recommendations on tools and materials.

Hope this helps.

Mickfly...
Thanks for your input. I was wondering about the starter kits.
I will look for a group to join, I live in Lewisville.
Regards,
Ron

A decent starter kit can be had for less than $50.
For tying on the road, I often take the Cabelas "Deluxe Tool Kit with Case," which has a decent fixed (non rotary) vise and a bunch of tools.

If you don't mind spending more, you could go with the "BT's Tying Station" at around $170.

Personally, I have a bunch of vises for my own use and for teaching. I like my Rezetti Traveller and my Dyna-King Barracuda,but that is getting into some real cash.

Bad1, I can only tell you how I got started. It may or may not work well for you.

First you should understand that I am a cheap, cheap man. I didn't like the idea of spending money on a fly tying kit that had a lot of materials or tools that I wouldn't use or want. I read somewhere that one way to start was to pick a certain fly, get the materials to tie it in a couple of colors and work up from there. With that in mind I decided to pick a very versatile and easy to tie streamer: the Clouser Minnnow. I compiled a list of materials and tools and stopped by the Cabelas in Buda.

I picked up this vise: http://www.cabelas.com/tools-vises-cabelas-super-vise-3.shtml It does not rotate (well not very well), turn upside down, or make julienne fries. What it does do is hold a hook like a pit bull with mommy issues.

I picked up these tools: Dr Slick Tools I've used all of the tools in that kit and have been very happy with the quality.

I then picked out the materials on my list and hooks in a couple of different sizes. After talking with the gentleman in the fly shop at the time, I decided to also pick up the materials to be able to tie Woolly Buggers.

You can always upgrade to better equipment if you feel the need later. I started with that vise and those tools about two and a half years ago and haven't felt the need to upgrade any of them.

Good luck!

We'll be having the Texoma on the Fly event at Eisenhower state park on Lake Texoma on Saturday, June 18. This event is a great opportunity to learn from some good tyers for free.

We'll be posting more details soon.

Rex

Hey guys thanks.
I live in Lewisville and will try to make the Lake Texoma event.
Any and all hep would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Ron

By all means try to get up to Eisenhower State Park on June 18 for Texoma on the Fly. You can watch and talk with experienced tyers and practice tying on some equipment there.

If you can't make the meeting...

Get a cheap vise.....
pick one fly to learn, I would suggest a wooly bugger
Jump on YouTube and start searching...
Make a recipe list. Materials and tools needed.
Start lashing.
Post photos here.

The clubs and exhibitions are great and will certainly get you excited about fly tying! But I suggest you find someone that is teaching a basics class and take that as your starting point for the actualy tying. After that you will know just enough to explore on your own the things that interest you and have the skills to give them a try.