Cody Coyote

Does anyone have a favorite for big Labrador brookies? I'm going there this summer and would like to spend the rest of the winter tying some sure bets.

Red Neck Hopper

Noahguide, rstaight, and mikechell - Although I'm helping a friend and wanted to get others opinion on the subject, personally I'm a kit guy. I started with an Orvis kit in the early 1970's. I had no experience and didn't know a good vice from a bad one. Hell, I barely knew what a vice was! By the way, that vice was a Thompson A model and it actually served me for over thirty years until it literally fell apart. I tied from 2/0 down to #22 with it and while it didn't handle the extremes particularly well, it worked. I started in the era before the Internet and You Tube and learned from books and a couple of close friends. Over the intervening decades I've spent thousands on better tools, better materials. I have more stuff than I'll be able to use up in my lifetime and I'm still buying more. That's what we do with any hobby we're serious about isn't it? But that kit got me pointed in the right direction. It gave me a solid foundation to build on. I still have the powder blue maribou that came with it. Never found a use for it but I won't part with it either as it's a symbol of my tying roots. To some extent I equate fly tying with fly fishing. I wouldn't tell someone wanting to take up the sport to go out and buy a top quality rod and reel. That'd be a waste of serious money if they didn't enjoy it. I'd point them toward one of the reasonably priced combo sets and let them get the experience of fly fishing. Once they're hooked, they'll have the experience and knowledge to make more informed (and costlier) choices.

I suspected my initial post might generate some interesting and, at times, passionate responses. Thanks to all who have chimed in.

Thanks to all for your comments and candor. After weighing all of the options, my friend has decided to forego a kit and build up what he needs piecemeal.

mikechell - I'm asking about beginners kits. Something for a friend, not for me. A basic kit that that gets someone started in fly tying.

I'd be interested in getting some suggestions on beginner's fly tying kits. Yes, I know the arguments for and against kits, but sometimes a kit is the best way to go. I started with an Orvis kit over 45 years ago and while I still have some materials from it that I never used (and never will), I also have some tools which are still serving me well.

I'd like to hear some of your recommendations for a good quality kit on the market today. Price isn't as much of a factor as quality.

Thanks mvalbano, that's helpful.

Bimini15 - I've thought about doing exactly that, however the D20 is a stand alone and my current light clamps on. The stand would offer more options. Plus, the various intensity settings and the cool, warm, daylight options are very nice. I just don't want to make a $$ mistake.

I know this is an old post but I'm new to the forum. I'm wondering if this light is bright enough for good fly tying. It would be replacing a 25w incandescent spot that is very bright, but also very hot. I like the features but am concerned about brightness.