Taking tying to the next level

[Ol JohnnyBoy]

hey guys,

what are some things that helped you take your jigs to the next level ?i know that i plan to buy a rotary vice in the very near future but i want to start attempting some of the other things that you vets are doing like tying bugs, painting heads, pouring molds, using various other materials aside from marabou deer, etc. so lets here it, how can those of us who have been doing this for under 2 years take our tying to the next level?

[mreinke]

You might try going to this site and checking out the flies and videos on it. They are very helpful in coming up with different things.
Fly Tying
Mike

[azslabber]

I think that watching this board and when you see something that you really like try to duplicate it and post a couple of pictures.Everytime that you try something new it broadens your horizons.I look at a lot of pictures and try to make a jig that looks like it.Especially big saltwater baits.After a while it just comes naturally.The vise will really help you get there faster.

[PBUG2009]

az hit it on the head...visit these guys web sites and look at what theve tied. and try to copy it. look on here at all the jigs shown try to copy it ask questions. and you to will get there...

[quivira kid]

The biggest thing that helped me is to pay attention to proportions. How much of a material you put on, the length, sometimes the angle or location on the hook shank itself, and learning how to handle the materials to make them look up to their potential.

Another thing is using the best materials you can afford. Quality materials are going to end up looking and handling way better than "second rate" stuff.

[skiptomylu]

Just think outside the box and tie what you want. Don't need the better vise to do that. Get some rabbit strips and tie them.

Best thing you can do is visit fly tying sites that show flies and give how they tied it and learn from them guys.

I know I have posted links to several that are excellent sites.

FAOL & Fly Tying Forum are both really great and each has lots of pictures and how to stuff.

I learned to tie by reading them sites and it's all there if you spend the time to search it out and try.
Skip

[ifish]

OJB,
Practice and finding the right materials.I like to try and copy other peoples ideas on C.C
and then embellish on those ideas and try and make something a little different.I think tying is an art and we have some fantastic artist right here. Enjoy and be creative is my goal.

Here are a few video websites I like.
Fly Tying Videos - Fly Fish Ohio - Adventures In Fly Tying Podcast
FlyTying: The Angler's Art on OMN
Fly Anglers OnLine, Your Complete Internet Flyfishing Resource.

[Fatman]

The more ya practice the better you'll get. The sites listed will help you much in your tying. Any pattern in fly tying can be tied to a jig!!!

Fatman

[smoothlures]

Practice practice practice. Ask questions if you're not happy with where you're at.

[Crappiekiller3]

Buying a rotary vise was a big help for me. When you tie, do four or five of the same pattern. Start with what you are comfortable with say a 1/4 oz.
then work your way up to a 1/100 oz. jig. Try to tie a few every day until it becomes natural to you. Don't be afraid to try new stuff!! After all the fish will determine what they want and this can change daily or even hourly. Above all if you hit a snag there are many folks on this forum that will help
you without putting you down. After awhile get into some swaps, as it is a good way to see what material and methods the "other guys" are doing.
Above all enjoy and be proud of your work!!