Tying instructors or courses

[msusawyer]

I'd like to take a fly tying class (either with a group or 1on1) to learn the basics and a few patterns. Does anyone have any suggestions for classes or instructors they have taken, teach themselves, or are aware of.

I live in Columbia and would prefer something in the area, but I can go a short distance if necessary. My primary interest is saltwater, but would also like to learn to tie a variety of trout flies.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for books, videos, or other tips that would be helpful as well?

[djamieson]

I'm not sure what kind of budget you're on, but there are plenty of ways to go. A lot of local TU chapters run free or cheap courses, and plenty of fly shops run more expensive (yet still reasonable) courses. I know Angler's Lie in Arlington will be doing a saltwater class pretty soon; I think it's four sessions for a hundred bucks. Look 'em up online. But in my opinion, it's not overly difficult to learn basic saltwater patterns on your own. The hooks and materials are much larger than with trout flies, so they're much easier to handle. I rented a fly-tying video from the library, learned how to handle the basic tools, and then started doing deceivers and clousers on my own through the internet. They weren't the caliber of flies you'd want to frame and put on your wall, but they caught fish and I got better with time. That said, a little bit of hands-on instruction at a fly shop might be worth your while, too.

[chesapeakeblend]

i believe Joe Bruce still teaches out of catonsville. www.joebruce.com

[HarrisonD]

If you are interested I will be at the MSSA Fund Raiser at Solomons Island on Saturday and Sunday 2,3rd of April, this weekend. I will be tying and I would be more than happy to show you a couple of simple but effective flys. I will be under the Tent and the show is at the Fire Company and starts 0800 hrs until 5 both days.

[msusawyer]

I wasn't aware of the MSSA show, but it sounds like a good reason to head down to Solomon's this weekend.

Is there some place I can find more info about the show? I checked the MSSA site but didn't see any specifics other than date, place, and time.

Thanks
Sawyer

[wpvboat]

I started tying flies about a month ago. I am probably going to catch heck for saying this but I think mine are as good looking as the ones you buy in the store (probably made in China).

Go to Bass Pro Shops and buy the $50 fly tying kit. It was on sale for $35 when I got it but it is well worth the full price. Everything you need to get started. Make sure you get the saltwater one. They have a bass or panfish one too. Watch the video by Lefty Kreh. He will teach you how to make the deciever, half and half, bendback, and clouser. They are all easy. I got a little help from my friend naked goby too who knows some other fly tying gurus so I got a couple extra tips.

I haven't tried any itty bitty little trout flies or anything like that so I wouldn't know. They look hard to tie.

If you just want to learn how to make some flies to catch saltwater fish, you can learn to do it on your own.

Oh yeah, watch out. I went back a week later and bought $40 more stuff that I 'had to have'. It is addictive. I have tied over 70 now!

[bigjim5589]

I give tying instruction from time to time. I tie mostly saltwater & bass flies, have been tying for 38 years, and tied 15 years commercially. I live near Annapolis. Bmail on it's way!

[HarrisonD]

Go to the Solomons Island web site. Contact the tourism office and they have all the info. I don't know if MSSA has a web site.
Cpt Dan