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Advice on beginner fly tying (East Coast)
Feb 21, 2021 10:18:03   #
FS Digest
 
Hello everybody! I just got into fly fishing/ fly tying and I LOVE it. My dad got me the orvis premium fly tying kit for christmas so im pretty set to start out. That being said, I live in hoboken NJ and i fish up through the east coast as far as Maine (NJ, CT, NH, MA, ME) and there seem to be a fair amount of flies that i cannot tie due to lack of materials. I've done some research and found there are specific ties for specific months/bodies of water so i know there are a TON of options. Basically, is there a go-to material set for the northern east coast or really any specific materials i should load up on based where i live? I know fly fishing is so situational i guess im just wondering how to start moving forward with my tying/fishing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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by NewEnglandLighthouse

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Feb 22, 2021 07:56:10   #
Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware
 
The easiest way to find materials is fly fishing shows. Search online and find one in your area.

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Feb 22, 2021 08:17:41   #
Fish4fun Loc: Clinton, NJ & Venice, FL
 
If you have any fly fishing stores near you they’re a good source for advice and tying materials.

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Feb 22, 2021 14:27:41   #
DC Loc: Washington state
 
when I was younger I got into fly typing and tried everything I could find. If I found a dead squirrel along side the road I'd cut off it's tail, I knew a hunter and would get deer tails from him, I even once cut off some hair off my dogs tail to tie a streamer (didn't work very good so my dog kept the rest of his tail fur). What I found was their were 3 flies that I caught most of my fish on 1. the black wooly worm 2. the black knat and 3. the mosquito. so If I were starting out I would spring for the material needed for a couple flies that work for you and get good at tying and using them and then get into the more advance tyies as you want to and can afford. You really don't have to go all into the match the hatch to catch fish unless you really want to spend the time and effort and of course the money the main thing is just have fun and enjoy it. and Cabela's does sell a lot of different material

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Feb 22, 2021 18:20:39   #
Mark V Loc: Colorado,now RV full time we winter in MesaAZ
 
Get the book Fly tying with common household materials. Has many great sources for tying stuff.

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Feb 22, 2021 21:04:26   #
Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware
 
Is that the one by Fishy Fullmetal have it somewhere around my bench.

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Feb 22, 2021 21:06:48   #
Mark V Loc: Colorado,now RV full time we winter in MesaAZ
 
Don't think so

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Feb 23, 2021 05:21:38   #
bill wood Loc: mass
 
look up the bears den in tauton mass they have every thing you would need goodluck

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Feb 24, 2021 15:06:27   #
Tommy G Loc: Colonial Beach VA.
 
An Orvis fly shop is a good start if within reasonable range from you!! I have found various materials as odd as it seems from dollar stores and birthday party stores!! Christmas garlands come in various colors and are cheaper than flash a boo! I have used my wife's crochet yarn for colored bugs!!Comes in a million colors and it's cheap!!Good luck and tight lines!

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Feb 27, 2021 09:49:14   #
Shtgn
 
Wow, after reading your post and thinking about it I realized I’d been tying for 50 yrs! Before moving to FL I lived in NWNJ, near and fly fished one of New Jersey’s nicest freestone rivers, the Flatbrook. Nothing like fooling a fish on a fly you tied. I remember my first trout taken on a Muddler Minnow I tied like it was yesterday.
There are several materials you can find on your own, if you or a friend know any hunters for deer hair/tails, duck feathers, pheasant tails, etc.
I recall being late for work due to stopping roadside to gut a salvageable roadkill woodchuck, then salting it in the parking lot before punching in! Around this time of year (Feb. and Mar.) Jersey had a Fly Fishing show, around Edison I believe, that kept me and my buddy from going insane due to being cooped up all Winter. (I know several guys fish the river’s fly stretch all Winter.) Try Googling fishing shows near me. But be careful, after a long Winter, it’s easy to part with a lot of cash.
There are several supplies you can find at craft stores like tinsel, beads, wool yarn, etc. After exploring all the non typical sources for supplies, then turn to actual but pricier fly tying supply shops. Ramsey’s Outdoor Store (at least the Ledgewood store) had a nice selection of tying supplies. Other shops exist, especially close to the several well know trout streams in the northeast. Good books and now YouTube are are sources to learn, along with joining a local Trout Unlimited chapter.
You certainly fish a broader range of streams than I have, soon your fly boxes will contain (and you will only truly enjoy fishing with) flies created by your own hands. I got to enjoy fly tying and reloading almost as much as fishing and shooting.
Good luck with your new hobby.

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