Buying fly tying materials

xxVickyxx

I realise there is a related(ish) sticky at the top of the page, which I read, but I still think this a valid enough question. But feel free to delete.

Im just wondering where do all you peeps get your materials. Here in Dundalk there are 3 shops that sell fishing tackle but none of them really "specialise" in fly tying. So 2 questions really.

Are there any good shops that actually do "specialise" in fly tying...?

Recommend me a good website to buy from, don't get me wrong I can find plenty myself, but Id much prefer to buy from a site that somebody can give a thumbs up to.

coolwings

Good idea.
It's unbelievably destressing and relaxing as a craft/hobby, and makes all your fishing time more effective, as well as saving cash.

Suggestions to try in increasing distances:
www.rorys.ie
http://southsideangling.ie/
http://www.celticflycraft.co.uk/
http://www.spartonfly.co.uk/
http://www.tomcsaville.com/
http://www.hookhack.com/
http://www.flydesk.com

In recent years Rorys and Sparton have done most of what I required.
I'd use Southside and Rorys more but my work hours make it difficult.
I have not used Saville lately, but got a lot in the past, good range.
Sparton is good on the phone.
I have not dealt with Celtic myself but they have been recomended to me recently.
Longer distance:
Flydesk have changed management since I last used them, but they are still owned by the same family.
Hook & Hackle are very good value on some items, and a good range.

It might be a good idea to get a couple of print catalogues to browse through, as online is quite confusing with all the materials available.
Oh yes! Try not to buy enough materials for 100 years of tying .... most of us end up doing that!

BoarHunter

I would actually be interested in having some lessons. I live in the Clare/Limerick border.

As for the catalogue i think everybody knows :

http://www.fishingmegastore.com/fly-tying_525.html

ironbluedun

dont be under the impression that you will save money by tying your own flies..if you are going to use good quality materials you wont save much or anything at all..try Euro-fly in france they are very good and have a huge selection and good prices too (all in euro) i have found them good to deal with and they dont send the crap they cant sell in the shop like some of them do...dont buy too much stuff just buy the basics and take it from there......most of the high street fishing shops only stock a limited variety of fly-tying items and materials and to be fair to them you would need a supermarket to stock all fly tying materials that are on the market alone.....

xxVickyxx

ironbluedun wrote: »

dont be under the impression that you will save money by tying your own flies..if you are going to use good quality materials you wont save much or anything at all..try Euro-fly in france they are very good and have a huge selection and good prices too (all in euro) i have found them good to deal with and they dont send the crap they cant sell in the shop like some of them do...dont buy too much stuff just buy the basics and take it from there......most of the high street fishing shops only stock a limited variety of fly-tying items and materials and to be fair to them you would need a supermarket to stock all fly tying materials that are on the market alone.....

I know I wont save money. Ive being tying awhile now. I had a cousin who travelled to America a few times a year and I used to give her the list of the stuff to get. But now shes stopped going, so I need to find a new supplier.

Just after looking at that site. I dont think it will be much use to me- I dont speak french but thanks all the same

BoarHunter

xxVickyxx wrote: »

I know I wont save money. Ive being tying awhile now. I had a cousin who travelled to America a few times a year and I used to give her the list of the stuff to get. But now shes stopped going, so I need to find a new supplier.

Just after looking at that site. I dont think it will be much use to me- I dont speak french but thanks all the same

I can help you for the french if you are interested

ironbluedun

xxVickyxx wrote: »

I know I wont save money. Ive being tying awhile now. I had a cousin who travelled to America a few times a year and I used to give her the list of the stuff to get. But now shes stopped going, so I need to find a new supplier.

Just after looking at that site. I dont think it will be much use to me- I dont speak french but thanks all the same

they have an english version of the site.....or google can translate it...

coolwings

As I learned more about what fish want so many of my flies have become "bespoke". Lots of things have been tweaked and become special in one way or another. So they can not be bought except from a professional tier, or made by myself which is what I do.

The first item - the choice of hook - is just one example. In big sizes I'm using fine wire Sprites which are impressive. From 16 and down I'm using heavy wire forged turned wide gape hooks made for carp fishing.
So after a teeny sip rise, and hitting what feels like concrete on the strike, when a 6-8 pounder powers off with an 18 in it's jaw, I'm not concerned about the hook. That alone is priceless and well worth the fly tying learning process.