New Guy Here

[txfour]

Hello from Texas! New here at the recommendation of Skiptomylu from another forum I frequent.

I am a fly tying addict. Well, not really. To be honest, I haven't even bought any equipment yet. I have wanted to do this for some time, but my focus on crappie fishing recently has really drove my interest levels to new heights. Also, I am a heavy tabacco user looking to quit. I figure this new addiction may drive me to spend my money on it rather than something that will kill me.

Anyhow, to be honest, I have always been a minnow fisher (hold your fire) when going after crappie just because it is easier to put slabs on the table for me. But, since I am the only one that cleans them (although everyone loves to catch and eat them) I figure it's time to slow down and fish. I have been eyeing some jigs at Academy and such, I just can't find a color scheme I really really like.

I think it would be awesome to be able to make any color/pattern scheme I can dream up, take it fishing, and reap the rewards of my workmanship and efforts.

So, before this gets too long winded I will end with what I want to do for my first color scheme. I want a white head with splatters or red, red chenille body with white tail and just a splash of red flare. Maybe a terrible color choice for crappie fishing, but I still want to give it a try.

Here is what I am looking at for a starter kit if you guys/gals approve
Cabela's Deluxe Tool Kit with Case

[PBUG2009]

got your basic tools....but that vise wont up. had the same vise i started with, lasted about 4mths...

[STUMP HUNTER]

Welcome aboard. This is a great way to quit smoking, all your money can and will go to buying more and more tying material. I quit smoking Nov. 15th of 2009 and there is no way I would start back now.
This is a great habit to have. You can tie any color your heart wants and it will surprise you at the colors crappie bite. There are no wrong color.
Look forward to seeing your pics of the jigs you will be tying.

[sulphurspringsfisherman]

hello from texas i use what i can get ie; jig heads soon from GCD and rabbit fur from camp

[shipahoy41]

Welcome from Alabama.

[Jiggin_Joe]

got your basic tools....but that vise wont up. had the same vise i started with, lasted about 4mths...

I started with that same kit and then i bought a exspensive vise (well for my bank roll it was) and gues what I still use that one more. It dont rotate but I dont need it to. I actually like it. i have a similar kit that is bigger then that one more briefcase size that i picked up. it has some of the tools with it but not sure which i havent looked at it in a while. If you are interested in it Ill let it go for cheap just shoot me a pm.

Any way welcome to the site and look forward to seeing your ties

JJ

[sulphurspringsfisherman]

if he dont i do

[fish_4_all]

Welcome and enjoy. Lots of good advice on here and most of them are friendly.

The kit will get you started. You can upgrade things as you need to. If I knew then what I know now I would have started with better small tools for sure. It makes it so much easier to tie when hackle pliers grip and bobbins don't cut thread.

When it comes to materials, best advice I can give is use good thread. If you don't have to worry about the thread breaking or being too bulky you can concentrate on tying and have more fun doing it. Oh and don't ever tear apart a fly or jig. The ugliest ones I have ever tied have caught me some of the biggest fish.

[quivira kid]

Welcome!

[ScottV]

Welcome from MS. The kit will get you started and you will know if you want to stick with it before too long. You might want to upgrade to a rotary vise later, but that kit will do fine for now. This is a great site for folks just starting to tie. I've learned a whole lot from these good folks.