Do you buy or tie?

[chuck s]

Originally Posted by SCflyguy

Of the flies that you fish with, what percentage do you tie yourself? Seems like fly fishing and fly tying go hand in hand.

I've been tying for about 10 yrs and haven't bought a fly since. Just wondered 'bout everybody else.

I most likely tie 85% of my flies. The 15% that I buy is because they are: unique, a new pattern, they are size 18 or smaller or they are a super bargin!

[bmfa]

I tied commercially for many years so I have enough flies for life. But I will buy the ocassional new pattern to see what all the fuss is about..

[frdfandc]

I purchase flies now, but want to learn how to tie.

[mack_s]

I tie most, 99%, of my own flys. But I do buy on occasion. I just don't feel right pumping the guy in the local fly shop for info without purchasing a couple of 'local' patterns.

[jpbfly]

I tie...97,52%I also use flies given by friends or from swaps

[piscatorial_phd]

I have been tying since I was 6 years old (now 44), and tie mostly original unnamed patterns. About the only time I buy flies is when I am fishing completely unfamiliar water and I'll buy from local shops. The closest flyshop is about 30 miles away, so I tend to support them by buying the stuff that I have to touch to gauge its quality like feathers and fur.

---------- Post added at 07:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------

Originally Posted by mack_s

I tie most, 99%, of my own flys. But I do buy on occasion. I just don't feel right pumping the guy in the local fly shop for info without purchasing a couple of 'local' patterns.

Great point - fly shop owners are hardworking folks and they always seem willing to go the extra mile to get you onto fish. I can't tell you the number of hand-drawn or marked up maps I have in my collection. One of my favorite's is Abe's on the San Juan River. The clerk took a look at my fly box, tied up a dry with a dropper and said "Have fun" with no expectation for me to buy anything.

[martin trj]

I started tying my flies around 5 years ago and never looked back. I haven't bought a fly in years!!

[creekbum]

Fly tying to me is as thereputic as it is cost effective!!!! I buy one every now and again for a pattern, or if fishing a new area and don't have what I need in my boxes....a temporary problem I assure you!

[canonman]

Use to tie a lot but now buy the new patterns and tie my old goto's

[pinkygonzales]

I thought I was the only fly fisher on the planet that didn't like to tie his own flies. I understand how it would be a real thrill to hook something with your own creation, but I just don't think I have it in me. This thread makes me feel a like more "normal." (Or at least as close to that as I'm going to get. ;-)