TJ, that�s really a good question - there�s a bunch of PB folks interested in that question.
I believe that you are hiding your �light under a bushel� and can contribute to this subject as well as me - I know that Al, Dusty and others can contribute as well.
I am an old fashioned �use it up, make it do, wear it out guy ..
For starters, I don�t like �kits� - I started tying bucktail jigs many years before flies with a clamp on Cabelas Master vise, a spool of nylon thread, bobbin and inexpensive scissors.
Served me well and still use som of the same stuff, but upgraded as time went on.
George
Cabelas and other outlets offer many fly tying "kits" and the choices are pretty confusing to newbies. It might be helpful to provide a list of bare essentials to get started and an approximate price your experience dictates one should expect to spend. It's so easy to go overboard and pay for stuff a beginner doesn't need.
Can you provide some links to examples of:
Vice - do you prefer clamp on or stand up model?Clamp-on if desk or table handy � otherwise stand up if heavy pricy base.
Light �
Desk light..
Is magnifier important?Large flies no � small flies yes..
Hook brand recommendation�It All Depends� on size and style of fly
Good ideas for basic starting materials [thread, hackle, etc.]I like Danville�s Flat Waxed Nylon for large flies and Danville�s Flymaster thread
(the larger the number, the smaller the thred)
Feathers (hackle) fur, synthetics � too numerous to list � I use �roadkill/hunterkill when can find it.
Other tools necessary [bobbin, thread [size/color?], scissors, etc.]
If there s a solid kit of good quality you could recommend, that would be helpful.I normally don�t like kits but other may.
Here�s a list of stuff from Cabelas � Bass Pro likely similar.
Cabela's Master Vise - $29.99
Cabela's Bobbin - $3.99
Bobbin Threader -$2.19
Small Fiskers scissors �~$12.00
About $50.00 bucks for a start but $50,00 bucks will buy a lot of flies
Don�t buy a bunch of stuff to start with � lots of stuff from Craft and Fabric Stores � Hobby lobby has lot of foam and feathers
Some of this stuff most folks have around the house � keep it simple.
Learn Lefty Kreh�s hand whip finish method.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqT33lzdirYOK, Al, Dusty and others � HELP��.
