Orvis Premium Fly Tying Kit?

Tim G. writes:

snip

Any thoughts on this, or suggestions for any other good kits, are
greatly appreciated.

You could possibly save yourself some money by seeing if you *enjoy* tying
flies. Many flyshops have lessons in the off-season (Nov-Mar), and many supply
the tools and necessary materials.

My advice would be to see if a local flyshop (or fly tying organization) offers
lessons and provides the tools and materials. Enroll, finish the course, and
*then* buy the necessary tools and materials. I have seen friends buy
expensive tools and lots of materials only to give it all away in a year or two
because they didn't enjoy tying.

Just my $0.02.
Dave
http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/myhomepage/index.html

(Tim G) wrote in
om:

Hi,

I'm a non-fly-tying fly fisherman - one of those - who finally thinks
he needs to get into tying.

I've combed your old posts, and read all your warnings against buying
a fly-tying kit... yet, still, I can't help but think that a good kit
might not be a bad way to go, simply for learning's sake. I
understand that I'll certainly be buying new materials (and not using
some that come with the kit), possibly buying some new tools later
on... and that overall it might not be the most cost-effective way to
go... but even so, I still can't help but think this might just make
things a bit easier to start.

With that in mind, does anyone have any thoughts on the Orvis Premium
Fly Tying Kit? I ask about this one because I'd seen a post back when
saying that it actually wasn't so bad...

Any thoughts on this, or suggestions for any other good kits, are
greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tim



Even for learning's sake, I don't think a kit is a very good deal. The
kit won't make it easier to learn, and it won't save you money. A course
is a good idea, but often you need scissors, bobbin, thread, vice, before
you can take a course.

Nothing will get you into tying faster than catching fish on your own
ties. So, pick the fly you want to tie-- maybe something that doesn't
require you to buy a hackle neck, or if you do need hackles you might
consider one of the Whiting 100 packs-- get the stuff you need to tie it,
and tie it. If you don't like it, You can sell the vise, and you're
probably only invested for $20-$30 at the end.

Scott

Tim,
Another option to the "kit" would be to identify the flies commonly used on
your home waters with success. Then purchase the materials to tie those
flies. The shop owner and other mentors can suggest the "easier to tie
flies", form that group, on which you can start. I heartily agree with the
recommendation of taking a beginner's class. Books are great- some better
than others- but they do not listen when you have a question, nor can they
place materials on the hook for you like an instructor can.
Best wishes for many years of tying and fishing those flies.--
G.S. "Stack" Scoville, Jr., Owner, FLYTYER FLIES
Specializing in Framed Atlantic Salmon
and Spey Flies for the Collector

"Tim G" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm a non-fly-tying fly fisherman - one of those - who finally thinks
he needs to get into tying.

Snip

tim - i bought it two years ago. it's mediocre stuff, but probably a
good introduction to tying package. you won't be satisfied with the vise
and materials once you've progressed unless you stick to basic ties.
i've not continued tying. might start back one day... a smart fellow
would follow the recommendations given thus far, or find a friend who
ties. i've watched big dale and dave lacourse tie...i think watching and
learning from someone will prove a better experience than trying to
follow the orvis lesson book.

jeff

Tim G wrote:

Hi,

I'm a non-fly-tying fly fisherman - one of those - who finally thinks
he needs to get into tying.

I've combed your old posts, and read all your warnings against buying
a fly-tying kit... yet, still, I can't help but think that a good kit
might not be a bad way to go, simply for learning's sake. I
understand that I'll certainly be buying new materials (and not using
some that come with the kit), possibly buying some new tools later
on... and that overall it might not be the most cost-effective way to
go... but even so, I still can't help but think this might just make
things a bit easier to start.

With that in mind, does anyone have any thoughts on the Orvis Premium
Fly Tying Kit? I ask about this one because I'd seen a post back when
saying that it actually wasn't so bad...

Any thoughts on this, or suggestions for any other good kits, are
greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tim

"Tim G" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm a non-fly-tying fly fisherman - one of those - who finally thinks
he needs to get into tying.

(snip)

With that in mind, does anyone have any thoughts on the Orvis Premium
Fly Tying Kit? I ask about this one because I'd seen a post back when
saying that it actually wasn't so bad...

Thanks, Tim

Hi Tim,
Good advice by all. The taking a class thing is important.
But, be smart about it. Ask for an outline of what is to be covered during
the class. I used to teach. 4 sessions advertised at 2 hours each, which
usually went 2 1/2-3 hours. I furnished everything. Would only take 6
people for a class. Spent a lot of time covering the selecting materials.
Did 12 flies in four sessions. ( the first fly was a woolly bugger . .
..only fly tied for the first session)

Surprisingly, I seemed to continually have a person or so come to a class,
who had previously had a fly tying class . . .uhh . . .and though, thinking
some level of competence, and trying to " help" me, didn't understand the
basics. Thus showing to me anyhow, the various levels of quality of
instruction that seems to happen. I've met some great guides, in my
opinion, that I wouldn't trust to teach any fly tying stuff.
(sooooo . . . . get the outline . . .the course should provide everything .
.. .don't trust the folks that want you to bring your own tools)

Ohh . . . and the Orvis Kit . . .$249.00 US. Are you kidding? The best
thing about the kit is Tom Rosenbauer's Tying Guide, which people here and
on ROFF have mentioned. ( heh . . .heh . . .I have never seen it . . .I
have met Tom a couple times . . . on other occasions . . .of which he will
never recall . . .but I got the impression, that if he focused on it, it
maybe a pretty good primer.)

Well Tim, where are you located? If in the US, email me.
I'd be willing to send a set of the "cheap" hardware to get you started.
( you would owe me "one" woolly bugger . . .heck, even I need something from
my investment)
BestWishes,
DaveMohnsen
Denver

Tim,
Another option to the "kit" would be to identify the flies commonly used on
your home waters with success. Then purchase the materials to tie those
flies. The shop owner and other mentors can suggest the "easier to tie
flies", form that group, on which you can start. I heartily agree with the
recommendation of taking a beginner's class. Books are great- some better
than others- but they do not listen when you have a question, nor can they
place materials on the hook for you like an instructor can.
Best wishes for many years of tying and fishing those flies.--
G.S. "Stack" Scoville, Jr., Owner, FLYTYER FLIES
Specializing in Framed Atlantic Salmon
and Spey Flies for the Collector

"Tim G" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm a non-fly-tying fly fisherman - one of those - who finally thinks
he needs to get into tying.

Snip