Material inventory

[jfinn 0]

Does any keep an inventory of their materials? If so what method do you use? Also I've been thinking of trying to create a database that will keep the material in inventory and create a list of what can be tied with the materials on hand. Anyone ever try this or already have something similar?

[Bryon Anderson 0]

I would be very surprised if anyone had an up-to-date inventory of every material they own. Some of the folks who have only recently started tying might, but most of us who have been at it for years and and are enthusiastic enough about it to join a forum like this one have way more stuff than we can use in one lifetime, and have likely forgotten that we have some of it.

 

A database such as the one you propose would be helpful in some ways, but I think it would be more trouble than it was worth for all but the most prolific and/or professional tiers. Personally, even though I have a ton of materials, I have it organized well enough that I can find any given item (or at least ascertain by it's absence in the drawer or bin where it should be that I need to get more of it) pretty quickly. I don't tie flies for sale, so I'm never in a position where running out of a material would create more than a minor inconvenience.

 

Of course, this is just me. I'm kind of curious to see what, if any kind of material-tracking system others might be using.

[flytire 0]

simple answer---no

 

with over 30+ years of collecting fly tying materials, creating an inventory would be a waste of time

 

cataloging flies that use for instance---peacock herl---it might take years for just that one material

[RCFetter 0]

I just started tying this past March. I've thought about creating an inventory in Excel but never got around to it. When I go into a fly shop I tend to buy stuff I don't need or already have, like 2 spools 8/0 Carmel UNI-Thread or too many size 10 streamer hooks. Or, I forget to buy what I need, so I just make up a shopping list in Excel.

[bellevue.chartreuse.trout 0]

I do not keep an inventory, but I have started (about 6 months ago) keeping a list of where everything is located (just a brief description and then where it is stored).

BCT

[mikechell 0]

Nope ... inventory not needed.

[FlaFly 0]

I also don't think an inventory of material is needed, except possibly by large businesses, but I do think I should have been keeping track of what I used to tie a particular fly, particularly what hook. If I were ever asked to supply a recipe, I wouldn't have the slightest idea what I used. Fortunately at this point, I still have some of everything, still in their original package, so I can track down what I used on everything.

[Chase Creek 0]

I don't keep an inventory, either. I tried to get one going a few years ago, but gave up trying to keep it current. If I find myself running low on something, I jot it down in a little notebook I keep on the desk just for that purpose. I take it with me when I go to the fly shop, so I don't have any problem buying duplicate material, and can get what I actually need.

[JoeBillingsley 0]

.....get what I actually need.

 

Where is the fun in that??!! Interesting idea, though.....

 

Joe

[Sundance 0]

Given how many times I have bought stuff, only to get home and find I already have it, an inventory might be a good idea. But... am I going to remember to check the damn thing every time I go to the fly shop? Ain't gonna happen.

 

Forget it.

[Chase Creek 0]

Joe - good point. We are in the process of moving right now, and I am AMAZED at the tying materials I have packed. I must have thought I "needed" these at the time, but not sure what I "needed" them for now. But it was fun rediscovering them, part of the game, I guess.

[streamcaddis 0]

I have been tying for 50 years, the last thing I need to do is take an inventory. I have dubbing I got back inn the 60's I haven't used up yet. Every time I dig thru my stuff it's like Christmas all over again...

[tidewaterfly 0]

I tried it one time. Set up a spread sheet & started listing what I had at the time. After several hours of hunt & peck typing since my typing sucks, I gave up! Had I tried to continue, I would still be sitting there attempting to inventory & list what I had on hand those many years ago. Not conducive to tying flies, collecting additional materials or even fishing, much less getting any damn thing else accomplished. Life's too short as it is!

 

Besides, with my luck as soon as I did complete the inventory & get everything listed my hard drive would probably crash & it would all be wasted effort anyway!

[flytire 0]

by the time i got done id be like this guy

 

[mikechell 0]

The "Fly tying material inventorying diet plan" !!!