SilverDoctor

Very unique collection, thanks for posting.

Not an easy question, you are assuming that by buying a vice and some materials you can tie all flies you want and need, and maybe you can, but there is a learning curve, normally many years. The average guy doesn't use up all his materials, often buys hundreds of dollars worth to tie a few flies or gives up on it. Then there are those (I'm guilty) who make it part of a lifestyle akin to religion. Tying becomes a zen and so part of life. I tied commercially for years (my sons still says his education was paid for with fur and feathers) it's more of a hobby now with just a few clients. I've seen and taught countless people at many levels of tying, the bulk give up on it for various reasons, lack of dexterity and patience is the most common. I'd say that if you want to tie just to save money you won't. If you want to tie to learn more about trout hatches and the sport itself then it's worth it. What I find odd is people who do not hesitate to lay down hundreds if not thousands of dollars in rods reels wader etc. and refuse to invest a few bucks in the most important piece of equipment you can have that is closest to that elusive trout. They buy cheap offshore flies that often unravel quickly, have no bearing on what is hatching locally and thus support questionable labor laws offshore. Effectively destroying local markets. So I guess the question is why do you want to tie? If its to save money it will take a long time to realize a return on investment. For some it is good for the pocketbook for others it's good for the soul.

You have some miraculous blackberry there, 2 of mine gave up the ghost with a dunking.

Hare's ear, Herl and Antron depending on what kind of caddis and time of year.

Looks like interesting stuff, I've never tried boar before.

There are times when an interesting color will work great and we can speculate about this and that we have seen on a web site or in a book. Don't forget to have a peek streamside, collect some specimens and use your eyes.

Just these things: Fishing again with good friends Fishing with new friends Exploring new waters big and small Watching trout rise no more...

I have a Redington red storm that was a xmas present from the wife 3 years ago. Well built, windproof, waterproof, cuffs and still in great shape. Very comfortable, believe she paid about a hundred.

Wonderful film love the grip on that rod. I fished carp on the fly a number of items, great fight.

I have quite a few, but the ones that stand out are tiers I have watched, A. K. Best, Paul Whillock, Roman Moser, and Don Bastian. I was very fortunate to spend the day with Mary Dette when I fished the Catskills in the 70's. We chatted and tied in her shop and I sat in awe watching the daughter of two classic tiers, a master herself tie so effortlessly it was like watching water flow.

It was a really great show. The highlight on the Spey side for me personally was casting a Luke Weiser 11ft bamboo Spey rod. Amazing rod but out of my meager price range. Came alive in my hands. Would love to have tried it on the water.

It was a pleasure tying for a good cause.

Spent the day till 3:00 at the fly fish Calgary Booth. lots of fun and met a lot ot people from the forum tons of old pals. If you're at the show Sunday drop in and say hi.

Go for a standard .22 or small shotgun. Better for birds, than an air gun, I have taken grouse with a .22 cal. Crossman but you have much better reach with a standard bird gun that was made for the task.

I leave the Nikon at home and carry a waterproof camera. Less hassle and I don't have to worry.

My favorite is the law also truly a pleasure to tie on. Head and shoulders above others I've used I tend to tie on it most of the time. I like my Norvice for some things but I love my Law. But Dave the advice is very sound from flytier don't buy a pig in a poke. Try a couple of vices,see what's comfortable, any reputable shop will let you try, see you at the show.

Like to wind a couple

A few good vices out there mentioned here. People like different vices. Try before you buy if you peek at my blog I have an article about fly tying and vices. Stop by on Sat or Sun at the Expo and say hi.

Decent on the bow at certain times of year although I tie them a bit darker than the Galloup version. Some people find them a bit tricky to tie, notability the head and nice and straight mallard flank feathers can be hard to find.

Very nice red crest,you've nailed it perfectly for curve. Compliments also on those nails. Great Job.

Ah so many rods and so little budget.

Wonderful watercolor. Love teh action and bright colors.

You can buy here. Really nice dye but like Maxr I normally use rite for general dying and Cool-aid for bright colors. Available locally also, you can sometimes find rite really cheap at a dollar store.

Haven't tried the Scott McKenzie yet but heard a lot of good things. Meiser Classic and S series are impressive (I own a classic). Opti spey had interesting action and very crisp. Did try the Loop Goran and loved it. Looking forward to seeing rods and maybe playing with rods at the show.

funny everyone has mentioned various hatches but on BWO. There are 4 major hatch times during the year I have great luck with them in various stages and sizes.