newbie interested in getting started

[MatMet]

i have just purchased mt first fly rod, and the reel is in the mail. I guess the next step would be to start tying. If i could get a very basic list of requirements other than the vise. Went into the fly shop and be still my beating heart. They had furr from more animals than i knew existed, more hook shapes, sizes, and different flashy things than i could fathom. A good book or two title would be appreciated. As far as where i fish, southern ontario, and eastern florida a little.

thanks in advance
MAT

[Animal Chris]

MatMet,

Books on patterns: Lefty Kreh's Saltwater fly Patterns has about as large and cross sectioned, not to mentioned well photographed, selection of flys as any book. It's about $20. I picked one up at BPS a while back called Tying Saltwater Flies 12 of the Best by Deke Meyer for $10. It's got some good all around, tried and true files, a list of materials and tools and a brief lessons. There are pleny of other great books out there and I have pretty much all of them. I also have invested a small fortune in VHS tapes and DVDs on tying. I have learned a lot of differnt techniques from these. Lefty Kreh (who is the guy who's name keeps popping up?) has a great tape on tying saltwater flies. He does a great job of illustrating how to as well as a selection of patterns. Probably the best thing to do is find a tying show, get with the local fly fishing club or go to the local shop and get some on hands experience. This is where I have found my best teachers and get some great ideas. Oh, by the way, welcome to the sport. Tight Loops, AC

[tyguy]

Mat,

Welcome aboard! Getting started in fly tying can be overwhelming at first - so many patterns, so many materials, where to start...

The books AC mentioned are tops in my opinion, you can't go wrong with them. The library of patterns on this site also has some great patterns and recipes to follow. Also, do a search on the internet for different patterns. I'd suggest starting out with simpler patterns that are known favorites and really work, such as the Clouser minnow and Lefty's deceiver (there's that name again...). These two patterns are a must in any salty's fly box. Once you get the hang of it, you're in for a world of fun and pleasure, not to mention spending hours at the vise!

[skyomish]

What kind of fish you going after in Ontario?

Bass, trout, pike, steelhead, etc? That will have some influence on what books you buy. Joe Bates, Jr's Streamers and Flies is a classic. Many historically significant patterns that still catch fish today, covers fishing strategies and techniques and photographs of the flies as originally tied.
Very appropriate for Southern Ontario and Florida.

Stripermoon by Ken Abrames has some great teaching sections on tying and on fishing techniques. Again, will apply to both fresh and salt water tying.

My general advice on tying would be to start simple. Tie some soft hackle wet flies, a tail, body and the hackle, just wound a few turns around the shank of the hook. Tied in different sizes and color combinations, this fly will catch you many fish! Some bucktails. Keep them sparse. Two or three colors. White, yellow and olive on top for example, no more than 30 hairs for each color. Each time you tie a small bunch of bucktail on, make it longer than the one you just tied. A good rule of thumb is that the first bunch og hair tied is no longer than 1 1/2 times the length of the hook.

You can do the same thing with natural and dyed fox tail to imitate shrimp. again, less is more. Shrimp are translucent. All of these flies can bw tied unweighted or weighted. To weight the fly you can do it a couple ways. Wrap thin wire around the shnak of the hook. This will help the fly sink faster. Trout nymphs often use a small bead head that is slid in the hook before the rest of the fly is tied. Some flies are tied with dumbell eyes depending on the weight and size of the eyes, the fly will sink faster and have a more apparent jigging action.

I happen to love natural materials. There are lots of very good syntheic materials on the market as well, but someone else will have to tell you about them.

It's all a lot of fun, and there are few set rules. Learn the mechanics of tying. Paul Jorgensen wrote a book on salmon fly tying that does a great job of teaching proper tying mechanics. These mechanics are universal, no matter what kind of fly you tie.

Another thing you will need to learn is how to manage your fly line when it is in the water in order to drift and present your fly to the fish in a natural manner. BBut that's another whole chapter unto itself. Fly fishing has a rich history and it is well woth reading and learning about as you begin this wonderful adventure. It will help carry you along the way!