Hi 'hopperfisher"!
I agree with what others have suggested. Go to your local fly fishing shop and sign up for a fly tying class. It does shorten the learning curve. Usually you will have to show up with some basic tools, such as a vise, maybe thread, scissor, bobbin, hackle clamp of some sort, bodkin and etc. In my experience many years ago, the classes provide the materials for the fly patterns being taught. In other words...don't buy a kit. Most of what comes in the kit will be junk and not what you want.
I might add, that if you do get into fly tying, there is no end. Before long you will have enough materials, tools and such to last a lifetime. On the otherhand, when you do "kick-the-bucket", they would make a nice donation to your local TU Chapter for their youth classes. I suggest you jump in with both feet. There is nothing more satisfying than catching fish on fly tied by you.
Cap'n Bob
