Fly Fishing Flies - Is It Cheaper To Buy or Tie?

Here at the shop we often get asked if it is cheaper to tie up flies yourself or to just buy them, so we put together a video breaking down the differences.

Essential Trout Flies Assortment:
Wooly Bugger:
Gold Ribbed Flashback Hares Ear:
Parachute Adams:
Gurgler:
Cutthroat Surf Candy:
Dave's Ghost Bugger:

#FlyFishing #FlyTying

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[Gigharborflyshop]

Use Coupon Code To Save 50% - STARTTYING50

[patmeuchel]

Love tying my own. Long winters in North Dakota gives you lots of time to tie!

[babejones]

I’ve never been fly fish so I’ve never used them. But I got started making flys when I was in HS 40yrs ago because my dad liked fly fishing. I made flys for him. Have always found it a relaxing hobby. Liked to occasionally make variations. changing the shape or color. Some worked some failed. But I enjoyed it, & he didn’t mind trying them out.

[ronmcneal]

GREAT IDEA!! Well-done. Thanks. I'll be sharing this. 😉

[malcolmism]

Me too. I'm a tyer not a buyer. I think it makes U a better angler in many ways. Since tying the most important thing to me is the profile of the fly, I can study and change that and doing that with materials as U tie. Love it.

[TheTwispAngler]

Tying your own flies does make you a better angler. Thanks and I enjoyed watching. : )

[gregmills]

I have been tying flies since my grandpa taught me. My first steelhead was on a fly at 5 years old on the Stilly. I have been tying now 52 years. I have caught everything from trout, Blue fin Trevally, Tarpon, carp and bass on flies I have tied. I do have a lot of $$$ invested, in fact I have a room dedicated to tying flies. You definitely become a better fisherman if you tie your own flies. Its also a great time to enjoy a glass of liquid sunshine. The only time I buy flies is on a trip and I stop in a shop for info they definitely get my business. Support the fly shops!

[j.h.brandon]

Excellent video, BTW. Keep the content rolling in. Great informational videos like this are as welcome as ripping fish lips, really.

[rickydagesse]

Great video I just started tying great hobby bit spendy setting up my bench and supplies but I gave up my boat so this is much cheaper 😊

[anglerfrlife]

Was looking forward to seeing the numbers, did not disappoint! Great upload. I'm a tyer not a buyer!

[robertlittlejohn]

Felt this way for a long time, now it's been proven! Great information. Besides I love to tie my own flies.

[yepyepuhhuh]

Recently started tying. It is fun. Cant wait to fool a fish with my creations.

[j.h.brandon]

I'll admit, when I'm in a hurry, or my fishing location and finicky targets are 1000 miles away, I check in with the shop after spending a couple hours glassing water, and carefully take their advice and buy "what I need + 2" to cover tress, wind and drops! If I'm going to my place, tie all the way . . . for all the reasons you mentioned, except the time. I can make a lot more working than tying right now. Maybe that will change as get a bit older....and hope that happens.

[rickadams]

I like to tie. Not so much to save money but for the art of it. Also I can tie up variations of what’s available commercially. In areas with high pressure my personal ties have been very successful because the fish are seeing something different.

[sgdukerable]

You need to add in the cost of the alcohol you consume as you are tying the flies ;-) . Tying also, for most, provides relaxation and other benefits. Thanks for the informative video.

[SledorFish]

I'm not so sure I have saved any money since I tend to buy a bunch of materials I don't need anytime I go into fly shop, lol. The creativity is a big part of the fun for me and very few of my flies are tied exactly the same. Especially my steelhead flies.

[kevinmcphee]

Man - I have been tying for years, I don't know if I am saving $$$ - I have plenty of material I don't really use (seems like there's always something I need - sound familiar?), and it'd be pretty hard to get through 25 flies of one pattern in one size. That said I will say that I feel like I have gotten a lot more efficient... a pat's rubber legs is simple fly to tie, but it still costs the same as the rest of them at the shop. For the stuff that isn't really complicated and is used a lot (Parachute Adams, BWO, October Caddis), it's the way to go. I also like the ability to do something a little different... I know the colors the local shops have on sale and if my golden stone is a little different color, I like to think I fool an extra fish or two that hasn't seen it.

[augustonthefly]

It's not about saving money, it's about learning a rewarding craft. Tying gives me an unlimited resource to come up with whatever I want. If you buy, you are only restricted to what you can buy. Tying is as I said an amazing and rewarding craft.

[soundbwoikilla]

Cheaper to buy hands down. I've pondered this same question over the years. Obviously, there's a reward to tying your own but don't try to kid anyone on the costs. Sure, the materials to tie a few basic flies are relatively inexpensive but who uses just a few basic flies? The start-up investment costs are enormous, as are the on-going and maintenance costs. And who pays $3/fly, particularly for your basic hare's ear, elk hair caddis or bugger? Plenty of places where you can get quality flies for well under $1 each. (I understand why shops sell flies for $3+ each and always buy some if I stop in)