Finally Started Tying

[classicxj]

Well I bought a fly tying starter kit during the summer last year but never really got anytime to sit down and give it a good chance. With the snow tonight I was able to play hookie from work and give it a good try. The kit I bought last year came with a small amount of material to get you going, some basic tools and a instruction book. I tyed a few wooly worms, wooly boogers, P&P Wet Flys, A Pheasnt Tail Nymph, and a couple Grey Hackle Peacocks. I ran outta materail pretty quickly but somehow had enough to practice about 7 P&P Wet Flies, which came out the best looking. The material that came with the kit didn't seem like the best quality but it got me started.

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it but I really did. I was able to sit dow, relax with my wife (she was just watching TV) have a couple of beers and take my time. Well now I am hooked, I've been searching the internet for new patterns with directions for about an hour.

So anyways here's my question. Where do you guys prefer to buy materials and hooks from? There are a couple local stores around here, and then there's always Cabela's in Hartford or over the internet. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on materials but want a better quality that what the cheap kit came with. I made it pretty long list about what I need and it's pretty basic stuff I think...

Marabou, hackle, Chenille, Peasant tail, Peacock ETC...

So where do you guys shop?

Thanks for any help.

PS I am in Westfield, MA next to Springfield

[jskowron]

Classicxj,

They have a good selection at B&G in Westfield, and they seem to have been pretty nice guys the times I went in. I also like Valley Sports up in Easthampton- good quality tying materials and a knowledgeable staff. Both places sell hunting gear as well, so you might come in on a day when there is only a hunter staff on. Daves in Northampton has a limited supply of materials and Dave is a nice guy who can point you in the right direction and will order whatever you need. I have found that Daves also has a lot of marginal stuff that you might need to week through.

I haven't been to the Cabela's yet, but I'm sure they would be able to set you up with some stuff as well. Local shops might be a little better with suggesting things for the rivers you're more likely to fish. I could check out both those local shops first, and then go to Cabelas.

There are a lot of good places to buy stuff online. Helps if you know what you are looking for.

[Mark Patenaude]

classicxj:

Check the posts in this section. I have previously made a number of posts for on-line tying supplies retailers.

On-line is the way to go except for dry fly hackle, which I like to inspect and choose myself. There are certain things you must look for.

Mark