New to This

[txsuddeth]

I would like to start tying my own jigs and rather buying a cheap kit off Amazon I wanted to ask you guys what I need to get to get going but also what are some things that has worked well for you, things that you wish you would have gotten or knew starting off. I’m extremely coachable and just want to learn.


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[GrumpyLoomis]

My biggest thing I've learned is go with ceramic bobbins. You are in good hands with these tiers at CDC. Welcome to the addiction. Also my vice is not top of the line but I never had good luck with the super cheap ones.

[DrNip]

I have a $70 vice. It’s good but not great. Plan on upgrading it one day. I have a loon ceramic bobbin, whip finisher and scissors. The ties I’m making the thread is hidden behind the chenille so I only use Denville flymaster plus 210 thread in white. You can get all types of colored thread but if hiding it, it’s a waste of time and money. I have a multi colored set of sharpies and what thread might show when finish I color with a sharpie and you’ll never know. Now as far as material the sky is the limit.

[MCG1]

I tied for years on the least expensive, basic vice available. I recently bought a slight upgrade vice, less than $40. I tied 370 flies the last two weeks, and 100's of jigs this year with it. It works. Good bobbins, scissors, and a whip finisher helps like has been mentioned. Good luck.

[Fridays86]

Agree with everything said above, the level of vice will depend on how it's treated. I tied with the kit vice for several years before it finally fell apart, I am now on my third vice in 20 years and use a peak, do not think I will have to get a new one anytime soon. Experiment with materials first before you buy all of the colors. I did not find the tail material I wanted to use until I had wasted money on other things. Figure out what material you like the most. Jigs can be made out of anything, we have our favorite materials, but the fish are what matter.

[Micanopy]

Learn what folks tie for themselves, and then ask what technique they fish. Many materials are useless but for all but certain techniques. Dipping different than pulling, or pushing, or scoping. Find what matches best to your favorite style, then buy materials to make those. I went from tying lots of stuff to just a little. Making the jig what makes you better……. is the goal of this exercise after all.

Good luck and post your work if you wish advice.

[DrNip]

Lots of Youtube videos. I watch a lot on there.

[GrumpyLoomis]

As has been said, just buy a lil stuff at a time. Don't go bulk buys on anything till your sure you want it. In a few years you will have boxes of stuff that you'll think what was I thinking. The water you fish dictates a lot of where you will go with tying. At the same time don't be afraid to explore. You may create the next great bait on your lake.

[Jamesdean]

I agree with above posts. I would not buy an expensive Vise till you are sure tying is the way you want to go. Don't get into tying jigs and flies thinking your going to save money. That is a tale from long ago. Don't go overboard buying everything that looks nice either. Fastest way to a divorce I know of. As time goes on and you feel certain tying is what you thought it was, I would upgrade to something like a Rensetti 2000 series or a peak vise. Both are excellent vises but a bit of coin, hence the suggestion don't get them at the beginning.
Looking forward to what you come up with . Welcome to the empty pockets club...

[Yodie]

Don’t skimp on the scissors, doesn’t mean you have to buy a super expensive pair though. The Dr. Slick 4” razor scissors with thumb screw tension adjustment are about perfect for all around, its what’s in my hand 99% of the time, I actually have an unopened pair still in the bag waiting for the first to wear out, 5 years and probably 1000 ties later and they’re still going great.

No need to spend a lot on a vise right out the gate, as long as it holds the hook/jig head secure reliably, it is fine.

Dr. Slick ceramic insert bobbins are nice and cheap enough to get a few to cover different thread sizes or colors.

Some might see this as a luxury, but the super thin UV resin and a small UV light are indispensable for me anymore to set eyes, secure thread, stiffen materials. Of course cheap super glue will work just fine too, it just smells awful and has to dry throughly before putting the jig anywhere, and it melts some 3D eyes.