Getting started tying...complete new guy.

I am looking to buy my first fly tying setup and would like some assistance. I've read a bit, and have watched videos, but starting out is a bit more mind numbing than buying materials as you need them.

To being, I am looking at the following

Vise - Griffin Odyssey Spider
(http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...tId%253D742898)

Matarelli style whip finisher - Cabela's house brand/model
(http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...her/741549.uts)

Several bobbins - Two (2) Ceramic Bobbins
(http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...tId%253D744426)

Good Pair of scissors - Not sure where to look for these, thought possibly Michaels or Hobby Lobby rather than pay 15-25 for the ones on Cabelas site.

Bobbin threader - Cabela's offering...seems like a basic tool, should be fine I believe. Opinion?

Bodkin - Same as threader...Cabela's offering.

Jig heads - This...I am reading up on still to find what I should use. Targeting crappie, bream, sunfish, and bluegills.
Chenille size #2 and the Nylon is better than the Rayon
Thread, flat wax
Feathers
Krystal Flash

The materials are my hardest purchase I believe as I have no had a the chance to fish with much other than tubes but I want to start and I may as well learn to tie my own from the get go. I fish in stained water typically, with black/chart workin pretty good but again...not much experience. I want to go fro crappie, panfish, and also bass on occasion.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Grant H

my first piece of advise would be to go to the sticky's at the top of this page,

read up on the different vises and tools then check out the different suppliers and their prices because once you start down this road unless you have alot of control you will end up buying alot of materials to tie with which can get in your bank account fast,

buy the best vise you can afford and your tools as they will last longer and work better , you can get a vise from 20$ to 800$ so shop and read alot of reviews watch alot of youtube vids and have fun with it

you dont say if this is going to be a hobbie, if you are going to tie just for yourself or are you going to try to sell them, which ever way you go best thing to do is have fun with it

there are alot of good people on this forum that will offer alot of advise all good as far as I'm concerned, listen and learn is my motto

good luck with your ties and welcome to the fun world of fly and jig tying

I've looked at the stickies a bit but will do more as I can. I looked at the griffin as they seem to make a nice product on their higher end, and this is not a stationary vice and only runs 80 bucks or so. I plan on this being a hobby for myself and possibly those who I end up fishing with. I just need something to do at night while watching tv or listening to music. Why not something fishing related :)

This is just an opinion...and they way I got started...I bought a travel fly kit from bps...i think it was 30.oo and some change it has everything...the whip finisher is not all that great...but learn to use your fingers for whip finish...then it depends on your direction..it can and if you like it or let it can get completly out of hand...I had a fly shop close..but everything was way more expensive than you can buy if you search... I tie with 210 flat thread. krystal flash or flashabou flash-a-bou will curl up on you a little...small draw back...then the sky is the limit...skip calf, craft hair, marabou, the colors can also get out of hand...keep it simple you find (if you like it) that your man cave will become your new home...if your married keep that balanced too...and then you have the sickness and won't want a cure!!! Just keep it simple!

Check some stickys and of course youtube lol

I've done both a bit already, just looking for opinions outside of those as well.

Look at the thread on here form about a week or so ago where they ask about a vise and click in the thread I gave him for the study done by Ohio Fly Fishing guys. I wouldn't call a $80 Bose high end at all, actually not even mid range, but that is a personal choice thing and if you live near a fly shop or some store that has vises you should try as many as you can before buying one. I have 3. And sold my first one do now have a Nor, Renzetti Salt Water Traveler and a Peak! I am a Peak dealer, but that is not important at all, find what you like in person if possible!

I'd Go with the Peak Vise, I have one and love it .also Pm someone like Skip and he will lead you on materials ,Tools etc. to start out with to get you started, Some great guys on this site and skip is one of them , good luck to you .

Buy the $30 kit from Cabelas. If you're just getting started it will be fine for you, which was exactly my situation and that's what I bought. It is what it is, an inexpensive kit, but it will get you started, and if you decide you want to continue, upgrade later. If not, you've not going to lose a larger investment if you decide to sell or leave it to collect dust.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

Buy the $30 kit from Cabelas. If you're just getting started it will be fine for you, which was exactly my situation and that's what I bought. It is what it is, an inexpensive kit, but it will get you started, and if you decide you want to continue, upgrade later. If not, you've not going to lose a larger investment if you decide to sell or leave it to collect dust.

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While this might be good adVICE, I am the obsessive/complusive type when it comes to hobbies/outdoors/sporting goods. All I did was to continue to upgrade. Sometimes settling into the range you are comfortable spending is the best approach. If the coin is tight, get yourself entry level. If you can afford better and you KNOW this is something you aren't going to give up in 2months, go for it. I'll be honest. A better vice makes a world of difference when it comes to comfort and ease. I currently tie on a Peak w a pedestal base and I love it. I like to be able to move my vice since there are times I am at it for hours. Being able to shift positions on occasion helps me stay at it longer.

Hope this helps.