One Best Tip

[CoachBob 0]

Let's be fair to this thread folks.

Name ONE tip you consider to be the best to help beginners (since you can't look over their shoulder).

Buying a good book is a good hint but not what I intend for this thread.

 

For me the best tip is this:

 

You should rarely have more than 1/2 inch to 1 inch of thread out of the bobbin. Sometimes materials or rare circumstances require more than that, but generally the less thread distance from the tip of the bobbin to the fly the better your control. Many beginning tyers end up with 3-6 inches of thread they are trying to manipulate around the fly. All that does is make life difficult. For flies that call for many many winds of thread around certain components (the head of tarpon flies for example), the smaller the distance becomes almost mandatory rather than optional.

[j74snook 0]

You know you just described me. wow! I really didnt know that is a problem but i can see how that would make a big difference. thanks ill try it. Jim

 

[Chase Creek 0]

Tie every day. I don't mean you have to sit down and tie 56 dozen flies in one sitting.Tie a couple of the same pattern every day. You only get better with practice.

[James Daly 0]

Don't buy crap materials. Even to start out. Buy the best materials that you can afford and practice! Good materials make good flies. It is a craft, so eventually once a person's skills are honed, the good materials really start to shine. -Jamie

[Fred H. 0]

when placing your hook in the vice,do it in a fashion that hides the hook point. this will prevent

the thread from being inadvertantly cut off.

[Mr. Steelhead 0]

The very best tip I can give to a beginner who may be using this and some of the many other information boards available is never be afraid to ask questions. And the only dumb question is the one you did not ask because it can never be answered. We were all a beginner at one point and I bet there is not a single person here who did not ask someone something at one point or the other. That is the only way we learn and grow as tyers and as humans. We are all willing to help anyone in any way we can so just ask.

[rhinorods69 0]

learn how to tie the thread on and you will never stop :yahoo:

[riffleriversteelheadslayer 0]

don't be affraid to try something you feel is impossible chances are it looks harder then it is

and keep your first fly you tied yourself as a reminder of what you once were :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[supaflygsr 0]

I apologize but i can't narrow it down between these two

 

1. buy the nicest scissors you can afford

2. tie with as many different people as you can. Its amazing all the little tricks and ideas you can pick up from someone else...

 

and have fun!

[Guest Big E]

If you have the opportunity to be mentored, grab it. In lieu of that, watch a lot of videos from here, youtube, PBS, Rise Form, Fly Fish Ohio, DVDs, etc.

 

Tie as much as you can. Join in on the swaps here.

 

Get tools your are comfortable with and learn to use them properly. I remember not long ago staring at a bobbin threader wondering what the hell I use it for. Not to mention the number of whip finishes I did on a bare hook getting used to a Materelli whip finisher.

 

Use different materials. Not only does this get you used to the materials and how to tie with them but it also builds up your supplies.

 

Lastly, have fun and don't huff the flexament.

[DHise 0]

Perfect the pinch wrap.

 

As suggested beforehand, dont buy crappy materials (from craft stores). They are usually junk. Good materials produce good flies.

[James Daly 0]

Lastly, have fun and don't huff the flexament.

 

 

WHAT!?!?!? THAT'S 90% OF THE FUN!!!!

[Joe Hard 0]

Take it easy, dont get frustrated, learn how to keep the thread flat and its breaking strength.

[peregrines 0]

Lot's of great suggestions above.

 

1. Take a class at a shop and/or join up with your local chapter of Trout Unlimited or Federation of Fly Fishers, it'll take years off your learning curve.

 

2. To bind down materials, 3 good wraps, (tight and laid next to each other) are better than 20 bad ones (haphazardly wrapped with inconsistent tension).

 

3. Pay attention to proportions- length of materials, where stuff is tied in, length of abdomen vs length of thorax, leave room for head etc. Use a well tied store bought fly (or a pic from the internet) as a model and compare with a critical eye. Make your next one better.

 

4. Know that your first flies may be ugly but they'll catch! Retire the first one you catch a fish on as a trophy.

 

 

peregrines

 

 

[Dezod 0]

Don't be afraid to cut it off and start over if you are not pleased with the results. By being satisfied you will find it hard to progress as a tier.

 

C