Start Fly Tying
Click on the images below to be taken to the Sportfish online flyfishing store.
Buy feathers here
Threads
Essential colours are black and brown. Add olive and yellow, and you will have most situations covered.
CDC feathers
These aren't cheap, but are essential for the F Fly. And once you have them, you will be able to find other patterns that use CDC as well - there are lots.
Hare's mask
This is one of the most versatile fly tying materials. A single hare's mask contains lots of different kinds of hairs in terms of texture, and in terms of colour. So one can produce many different dubbing effects, depending on what you want for your fly. Great value, one mask will last you ages.
Rabbit fur
You will need this for the grey duster. For this pattern, it is the bluey-grey underfur you need. This lies under the most obvious hairs you can see and is closest to the rabbit's skin. It is probably the easiest material in the world to dub. The longer hairs you can see, the guard hairs, won't be wasted though - there are patterns that use them. That is the thing about fly tying - very little goes to waste.
Unbleached elk hair patch
You will need this for the elk hair sedge pattern. Snip off a bunch, pop it in your hair stacker and hey presto - instant sedge wing that is lethal on the water at the right time of year.
Gold beads
Weight your flies to get them down and deep, and provide that little bit of glitter that so many fish find irresistible. Just say no - but they can't seem to be able to.
Get gold to start with, in medium.
Get gold to start with, in medium.
Gold oval tinsel
This is for ribbing the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear for fishing in the surface film. Choose Gold colour and medium size.
Gold wire
This is for tying the Gold Head Hare's Ear, or could be used onthe Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear for variation. Choose gold colour, and fine.
Cock Pheasant Centre Tails
The pheasant tail is a very versatile fly tying material that is used in lots of patterns, so it is a good idea to get used to handling them. On this site we wind a small bunch of barbs as a body.
Kamasan b401 Hooks
These are suitable for the dry flies and emerger patterns. Get at least size 14 in a 25 pack, and a size 16 as well will improve your chances of catching.
Kamasan b405 Hooks
These are for flies that are to be fished below the surface. As above, get at least a size 14, and preferably a 16 as well.
Buy feathers here