Over the weekend, I attended a fly-tying class.
I was very happy with the class itself but at $65 for 4 hours, it
would've been nice to have something more to take home than the flies
that I and the instructor had tied.
I would've liked a companion booklet on how to tie the flies that I had
just been taught. It's a lot to take in for a beginner. Fortunately,
there are plenty of websites with step-by-step instructions.
Incidentally, the next day I tried out my new skills on the
aforementioned beginner's kit and, while the components weren't of the
highest quality, I tied some pretty decent flies out of it.

I live in NW Pennsylvania, and we have a number of fly tying clubs
that offer free instruction; you don't even have to join the club.
Try a local Gander Mountain store and inquire if they have evening fly
tying sessions. One of our local stores sponsors a local club,
provides a tying room. You can observe, ask questions, tie a few
flies, bring in your own tying equipment, etc. - no cost to you. A
local Orvis store also has classes in the evenings this time of year.
Check it out.

Regards,

Dick

On 22 Feb 2005 14:30:26 -0800, wrote:

Over the weekend, I attended a fly-tying class.
I was very happy with the class itself but at $65 for 4 hours, it
would've been nice to have something more to take home than the flies
that I and the instructor had tied.
I would've liked a companion booklet on how to tie the flies that I had
just been taught. It's a lot to take in for a beginner. Fortunately,
there are plenty of websites with step-by-step instructions.
Incidentally, the next day I tried out my new skills on the
aforementioned beginner's kit and, while the components weren't of the
highest quality, I tied some pretty decent flies out of it.

T'aint nothin' like catchin' a fish on you own hand tied flies. Best
wishes to you! You might check out Ebay for kits, equipment, etc. But
be aware they are not always great deals or quality. However you can
occasionally find a gem (Like old Thompson vices, etc.).

wrote:
Over the weekend, I attended a fly-tying class.
I was very happy with the class itself but at $65 for 4 hours, it
would've been nice to have something more to take home than the flies
that I and the instructor had tied.
I would've liked a companion booklet on how to tie the flies that I had
just been taught. It's a lot to take in for a beginner. Fortunately,
there are plenty of websites with step-by-step instructions.
Incidentally, the next day I tried out my new skills on the
aforementioned beginner's kit and, while the components weren't of the
highest quality, I tied some pretty decent flies out of it.