On Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:55:06 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

I earlier posted Altering Dry Flies to Wet Flies question, and
some suggested that I start to learn to tie the flies to get a better
understanding.
I think they're right.
recommendations for starter fly-tying?
Kits? Purchasing items separate? Books?
-tom

IMO, get a Thompson "A," an enclosed bobbin, GOOD scissors, a bodkin,
some hemostats, and a scalpel. Then decide what patterns you wish to
tie. Look at the recipes and determine what materials you need. If you
_need_ more tools, then get them. Buy only what you _need_ to tie those
patterns you wish to tie. And don't get a whip tool at first - learn to
do it by hand, and then, if you feel the need, get a tool.

If you are generally "handy," just start tying from the recipes, which
are available on the web and any number of books. Tying, short of
full-dress salmons and the like, isn't particularly difficult if you are
generally "handy." If you aren't particularly "handy," and there's
nothing "wrong" with being such, there is at least some sort of tying
group, club, class, etc. in the Palo Alto area, I'm sure.

And whether you want/need instruction or are comfortable simply learning
from the web/books, try to learn from someone who is the same
"handedness" as you - IOW, if you're left-handed, try to find pics
showing left-handed tyers, or learn from a left-hander.

If you decide you like tying, and feel the need, then move up to
whatever of the several styles of "better" vises are available, but I'd
suggest trying as many as possible before you purchase.

Since you probably won't see this, it probably can't help,
R