Fly Tying Starter

[WH308]

Thank you all for the wise words, but an even bigger thank you must go to @enfieldspares for both his generosity in sending me a couple of beginners fly tying books, and also taking the time to chat with me on the phone, and giving me a good steer on all things tying and importantly vices. So many thanks!

I have managed to gather together enough bits and pieces from here and there to make a bit of a start on tying my own flies. You are all very right, it is a most addictive hobby, and a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

So far some of the flies I have attempted are ones I’d like to try on the Dee for trout / sea trout, some are just me playing with methods like palmering, wings etc, and some I’ve just plain made up based on what I have on the table at the time.

 

[Flash G 74]

Hello, They look very good, far right being more a natural, I have a box of non descript trout flies when nothing else goes, PS I always super glue the eye thread

 

[enfieldspares]

Wow they look PFDG! It was a pleasure to pass on the books.

The Pennel looks very usable as does what are the teal blue and silver and the two palmered flies. You might even put some "gink" on the palmered two and try them in a lake fished on the surface? For you as a bob fly. If using two flies on your cast? For the fish? The scruffier the better with those it lets the fish think it is what the fish wants it to be. Be it drowning beetle, snail, something trapped in the surface film that can't break free. It could be all things to all fish. See how you get on with the one on the leftmost picture and be prepared to trim a little shorter the tag. Maybe 2/3 the length as shown if you get takes but can't convert them into hooked fish?

Is that an Odames vice? LOL!

 

[WH308]

Wow they look PFDG! It was a pleasure to pass on the books. The Pennel looks very usable as does what are the teal blue and silver and the two palmered flies. The scruffier the better with those it lets the fish think it is what the fish wants it to be. You might even put some "gink" on the palmered two and try them in a lake as fished on the surface? See how you get on with the one on the leftmost picture and be prepared to trim a little shorter the tag. Maybe 2/3 the length as shown if you get takes but can't convert them into hooked fish?

Thank you again, I am very happy with the Odames vice you steered me towards. Fingers crossed when I’m out on the Dee next weekend I have a bit of joy withe the black Pennell I’ve tied, and if the light goes I might tie on the Falkus Medicine fly inspired silver, blue and red jobby.

 

[enfieldspares]

Tight lines!

 

[Flash G 74]

Hello, There is nothing like catching trout on your home tied flies

 

[enfieldspares]

I saw a really old fellow once fishing on the Lathkill, just before covid, and called out "Dry flies today?"

He shouted back very very angrily. "You cheeky bastard. And if you must know, yes, I'm using a Tena Pad."

"Oh," I replied, "I've not heard of that before. Is it French? Like on the Risle?"

 

[User00056]

I saw a really old fellow once fishing on the Lathkill, just before covid, and called out "Dry flies today?"

He shouted back very very angrily. "You cheeky bastard. And if you must know, yes, I'm using a Tena Pad."

Hang your head in shame

 

[WH308]

Another shout out for some forum generosity, I arrived home to find a parcel from @gelert on the mat. He has very kindly sent me a selection of tools.

Thank you both gents. You are very kind.

 

[WH308]

By way of an update, I managed to catch a fish on a fly I tied.

It was 9pm, fishing a run and hoping for a sea trout. I had a decent strike on the red and blue falkus medicine fly and landed and released a nice size grayling.

I’m off to Cregennan lakes in a week or so and thought I’d try tying a few foam body terrestrials starting with a black ant pattern.

Quite pleased with it, although looking at the photo I’ll shorten the legs a bit.

 

[hw101]

You won’t save money tying flies - but you will have more fun! And you will end up making better flies than you can buy.
Good luck on the journey.
Where do you see yourself fishing?

 

[WH308]

You won’t save money tying flies - but you will have more fun! And you will end up making better flies than you can buy.
Good luck on the journey.
Where do you see yourself fishing?

Thanks, it’s a nice way to pass the time for sure.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a few days on the Welsh Dee with a friend, so have caught a few grayling and brown trout there. My local reservoir offers good bank fishing when the weather is cooler than it has been! I’m off to Cregennan lakes, then going to fish Llyn Dywarchen the day after. I’ve also got a bit of a plan to fish some hill lochs around Oban next year. So a bit of a mix to be honest.

 

[WH308]

Just thought I’d post a little update for those who have helped start me off. I’m loving tying now, and enjoying experimenting with different materials and styles of fly. I’ve found the Davie McPhail videos to be a brilliant resource. The box of stuff continues to grow, and I have even found a local fly tying club that meets only 10 minutes from my house!

Once again thanks to all who helped set me off on this journey.

 

[enfieldspares]

Is that a Bob's Bits (or similar theme) second from the left?

 

[enfieldspares]

Thank you for posting a follow up.

 

[WH308]

Is that a Bob's Bits (or similar theme) second from the left?

I think it was just called a CDC shuttlecock dun. Peacock herl body, small yarn thorax and CDC feathers for the wing.

 

[WH308]

Just a little bump again for those who set me off on this.

Latest endeavour, Davie McPhail’s marabou tailed Alexandra. Size 6 long shank hook, getting ready for reservoirs.

 

[Bo Diddley]

I forgot to add thread bobbin Ceramic are best!

You did say it had been some time since you last tied any flies ... so we will forgive you that omission

 

[Klenchblaize]

Awsome stuff by the Op. If I ever need another 'rabbit hole' ................

K

 

[Bo Diddley]

This was something I tied for fishing a narrow/shallow bit of jungle chalk stream, dropped it level with the fish, and the plop made them turn and take every time. I couldn't put any tippet past them; if I did, they would spook.