Fear of Fly Tying Kits

Is something holding you back from tying that first fly? Are you leery of giving it a go for fear that you won't get it "right"?

Well there's no need to hesitate on that account. Tie it wrong. Who cares? Let's face it, all you're really doing is making something small and ugly to attract a fish that likes to eat things that are small and ugly (insects). That doesn't sound very daunting to me!

Some folks do like their flies to be perfect - neat, well proportioned, with all the loose ends tied down. Others just clap feathers, fur, line, wire and glue onto a hook and throw it in the tackle box.

You know what? The fish doesn't know the difference. Don't worry about it. As you get the hang of fly tying, your creations will take on a beauty and style all their own. The trick is to get started.

Other folks worry about the expense. Listen, there's no law that says fish have to bite on flies tied on vises that cost $300 or more. A $25 vise will do just as well when you're just starting out. Fly tying kits contain lots of tools - vises scissors, bobbins, gadgets, doodads, hackle pliers, even watchamacallits. Some you're going to like, others you'll be able to do without. And yes, they can cost money.

But that's all in good time. The best thing to do right now is find some other fly tiers and ask them to let you tie a couple of flies using their benches and materials. They'll be delighted that you're interested and more than happy to introduce you to the sport. It's the easiest way to gauge whether you want to take it up and it doesn't cost a penny.

When you've tried it and decided to get some gear, don't go overboard all at once. Fly tying kits for beginners are available for around $70, maybe less, although this is the quality threshold you should be looking at. Like I said before, start cheap and start small. Once you develop your own style you'll have a better idea of the kind of tools you prefer. That's the time to start looking for the higher end stuff.

But no matter how much you wan tto spend, you'll find that nobody has yet come up with the perfect fly. I read an article recently that suggested cutting down an old toothbrush so the bristles are less that a quarter of an inch long and using it as a dubbing teaser. You'll not only have a fly the fish love, but also one that no tackle shop has in stock.

See what I mean. The only "rules" in fly tying are enjoy yourself and be creative.

When you're ready, learn more about fly tying kits.