"Larry L" wrote in
:


"Chad" wrote in message
news:OlGZe.51066$ct5.37568@fed1read04...
Does anyone think that the craft stores carry the same thing that the
fly shops carry, only cheaper? When I first starting tying I spent
alot of money fly shop supplies, only to find out that my wife buys
feathers at a craft store way cheaper.

Chad


It's item specific, and not all feathers are created equal or even
close

Craft stores stock many items that are great for fly tying, but a good
fly shop has some materials in QUALities you'll never approach in a
crafts store. The shoppers goal is two fold. One, find quality
materials ( and I warn all beginning fly tiers, NOTHING is as
important as quality materials if you seek quality results ) for the
best price. Two, to AVOID buying material you don't need, ... if
you don't have a REAL, and NOW, use for it, leave it on the shelf
regardless of store type.



Amen to that! I just went through my stuff to unburden myself of
unneeded feathers (craft store stuff), yarns, tinsels, etc. My advise is
to figure out what you actually tie and shop for that. For the
occasional oddball you might want to tie go to a Trout Unlimited meeting
and make a friend or two and make a friendly trade of materials. (If you
have a fly tying friend just beg off of him/her!!)