HMK

Some things are ok online. There are times though, when you will want to inspect what you are buying. An example would be buck tail. I bought several dyed bucktail online and was more than a little disappointed. In fact, about 1/2 dozen of them didn't even get their backside wiped of poo! You can just imagine what they smelled like. It was a waste of money. Here are the places I've never gotten anything bad from and will order sight unseen. Flyfishfood Barlows (Richardson, Texas) I have bought the majority of my stuff from Stephen at Backwoods in Fort Worth). When I was able, I used to ty with his group every week. He gave me my first lesson and was always available when I had questions. Most of my hooks come from Allen Hooks. Except for my poured Jig heads which I have done custom.

Like everything it requires practice. Try to find a group that ties in your area and join the fun. Lots of Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops have weekly meetings or maybe a local fly fishing group. When I first started I was lucky to find like minded individuals and it cut the learning curve considerably and it was a lot of fun too.

This is another video I like. It's called Cap Spider. It catches Bluegill like nobody's business https://youtu.be/VzZekzILGRI

Like many, I caught my first fish on a cane pole. Once I became "hooked" on fishing, my Uncle gave me his 1950ish glass rod&reel. That was a few decades ago. I wish I still had that rod and reel. Mom is 85, she's very active, but her hands have a little difficulty manipulating a reel. We went to Walmart and got her a cane pole. She used it all during the winter/spring chasing trout and also Crappie and white Bass. For her, it works great.

Oops sorry forgot link. https://youtu.be/98I5M4tsYeg

There's a feller down close to Bryan Texas and I like his YouTube videos. Look up Fishtales. He and I have the same basic mindset as far as fly's go. Nothing fancy, but his fly's work! Check out his froggyfly.

I use them for hooks, jigs, dubbing, etc

I buy these at the dollar tree. They come in a pkg of 10 for a dollar. The big case I keep them in came from Michael's for a little over 3 bucks.

You can make your own with colored electrical tape and different sized hole punches. Harbor Freight has a cheap set of hole punches. It's easy as pie.

looks like I missed out again. :-(. I'll try next time