Fly Tying Classes at the Flydressers Guild
The fly tying classes are held on the 2nd Monday of the month, the Herts Flydressers Guild has 2 levels of instruction, Novice and Intermediate / Advanced fly dressers. Each class is structured to the abilities of those attending. They are light-hearted affairs and everyone is able to contribute to the class.
Novice Fly Tying Class
The Novice Fly Tying Class is aimed at teaching those members that are new to fly tying the foundation techniques needed to tie basic fly patterns. The patterns that are tied during the classes include both lures and nymphs. As the classes continue, more intricate fly tying skills are introduced enabling different fly patterns to be attempted.
It must be noted that to get the best out of these classes, it is wise to practice tying the fly patterns / tying techniques at home. This will help reinforce those techniques learnt during the tying class and allow a smooth progression through the tying techniques needed to succeed in tying quality flies.
For those new to fly tying, in order to limit the inital financial outlay, the fly patterns tied during the classes can all be tied on a similar range of hooks and materials.
- Basic Tools Rollover list for larger pictures
- 1 x Vice
- 2 x Bobbin Holders
- 1 x Serrated Edge Scissors
- 1 x Fine Point Scissors
- 1 x Hackle Pliers
- 1 x Dubbing Needle
- Materials All the fly patterns can be tied with the following:
- Hooks - Kamasan B160, B200, B830 (or similar) size 10
- Black Tying Thread 6/0
- White Tying Thread 6/0
- Silver Flat Tinsel
- Black Cock Cape or Hackles
- Red Game Cock Cape or Hackles
- Orange Cock Hackles
- Green Cock Hackles
- Black Chenille
- White Chenille
- Fluorescent Green Chenille
- White Marabou
- Bronze Peacock Herl
- Grey (natural) Squirrel Tail
- Goose Secondary Feather
- Cock Pheasant Centre Tail
- Orange Seal Fur or Substitute
- Gold Wire (fine)
- Silver Wire (fine)
- Copper Wire (medium)
- Silver Oval Wire (medium)
Advice on tools, materials & technique is always available from Tutors, either on fly tying class evenings or via the telephone. We are always ready to help and advise. If in doubt please take advantage of our experience, and buy correctly. Cheap tools should be avoided, buy the best you can afford, "Tying Kits" typically do not include quality tools and are probably best avoided. Good quality fly tying tools will last a lifetime whereas cheap tools will cause nothing but frustration. Should you be unable to bring tools or materials to a class, there is usually some loan tools and enough materials to go around.
The Novice Fly Tying Class Fly Patterns
see the programme for when these patterns will be tied
- Black and Peacock Spider
- Black Chenille Lure / Montana Nymph
- Appetizer
- Pheasant Tail Nymph / Soldier Palmer
- Buzzer Nymphs
Intermediate / Advanced Fly Tying Class
The Intermediate / Advanced Fly Tying Class is aimed at those members that are experienced enough to tie a range of fly patterns and want to move to more advanced techniques such as split wings, married wings, weaving and exploring the techniques of realistic fly tying. These classes are informal and the evening's tying is often chosen by those who attend.