Beginner Jig Tyer

[JVC243]

So I am fairly new to this group( about a year now), but I just started tying my own jigs for fun. I am currently live in Clarksville, TN. I am using a makeshift vise, homemade bobbin holder, I hand whip finish and am using store bought jig heads. What I am running into is that since I am doing this purely for fun is finding materials that I can get for free or extremely cheap. I have collected some buck tail from a few deer and a few squirrel tails. I also have some chartreuse marabou and hackle. Does anyone have any ideas of other materials I can collect on the cheap to further this hobby. I have tyed about 10 jigs so far. Some look ok ,some need more work. Any advice would be appreciated.

[LedHed]

yarn or shag rug for tail and/or dubbing material

look for xmas tree tinsel (preferably hologram) on sale/clearance right now (might be late)

friends with birds....

clear fingernail polish - for head cement

[addictedangler]

There are some alternatives to buying materials but in the long run buying some basic lower cost materials is the best way to start. If you have access to a flyshop stop in and ask questions. Proper tying thread will be a good starting point. Then a small packet of blood marabou can be a good investment.As LH stated some thin X-mas tinsel can work for very little cost. Also ask around if there is a beginner flytying course in your area. Many times these are very low cost or even free. In my area we have 3 or 4 different ones that will start in early January. Many established (older) guys may give you some supplies if they think you are in need of some. A fly or jig is only as good as the materials you start with. Hope this helps!

[JVC243]

Thanks. I have also started tying some flys for bluegill. I have been reading and studying. I have started using more squirrel tail in my patterns and have used yarn a lot. I will keep looking for more materials and keep learning.

[Micropterus salmoides]

Hunters and farmers who love to fish. Trade jigs for feathers, hides and hair.



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[Yonder]

Craft section of Walmart or thrift stores. Lots of substitute's around, some just don't stand up to water and multiple uses, well.

[JVC243]

Thanks for the info guys. I was going to post some pics of my stuff but I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Got to research that.

[JVC243]

Not too rough on me guys.

[callmecamo]

I'm sure they catch fish. Some of those are really neat looking too. On the standard crappie jigs, is that just a boatload of thread that was used for the body?

[skiptomylu]

Fox tails are very nice for tying. Most anything that has hair of feathers will have something you can use. Many of the materials used by women that knit and sew would use also will work on jigs or flies. Lot of yard and such used in fly tying. If there are any Peacocks around you area, that stuff is pretty fragile, but fish love the iridescent colors of their Herl.

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