>>435137>>434628>>434622>>434599If you have a Bass Pro around you, or maybe online, they have a cheap kit with a vice, bobbin, bodkin, threader, pliers and scissors for about 20 bucks.
It's a cheap vice (I broke my first one trying to clamp too hard on a 3/0 hook) but they replaced it, even after the 30day warranty: no questions asked. That kit's enough to get you started.
I would suggest getting at least one roll of black 6/0 thread so you can have an idea how an ideal tying thread feels and works. There are alternatives you can get from fabric retailers but they're typically not as good.
I'd also spring for some lead wire and a whip-finish tool and learn to use it. Or you could get adventurous and make your own. You can whip finish by hand but it's a little tougher and I find it harder on smaller hooks to get a clean knot.
Get a few packs of feathers from Hobby Lobby and you're about ready to start doing some simple stuff.
Some tips from a relative beginner:
Start holding onto stuff around the house you would otherwise throw out. My girlfriend gets those little makeup brushes with all her whale sperm products and usually tosses them out. They make great tails and wing-cases. Little pieces of foam, string, rope. I've used thread from a mop as a body for a white grub.
Stuff you can get cheap in the crafts section: craft foam sheets, misc. feathers, metal/glass beads (be sure to inspect that the holes are large enough to fit over a barb and around a hook-bend, many beads only have small openings). and get yourself some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails from the ladies section; great head-cement until you need UV resin.
Another cheap tip - you're going to start using dubbing soon after you learn the basics. Grab some yarn and an electric coffee grinder and just chop up some 1/2" pieces into your grinder and pulse it into a fluffy ball. Lastly, do yourself a favor and subscribe to Jim Misiura's youtube channel - great for beginners. Tight lines!
