HOW MUCH DO FLIES COST FOR FLY FISHING?

If you are looking to get into fly fishing, you will want to know what kind of cost you are likely going to be putting down, not just initially but in the future too. You might be pleasantly surprised at how little fly fishing flies cost, especially for all the entertainment and sustenance the sport can give you. But you need to know about it, so read on for all the facts.

In general, most retail fly shops will charge anywhere from $1.25 to $3 for a standard pattern. Larger patterns can range from $3 to $8, depending on the material and tactics they are fished. Saltwater flies tend to be in the higher price range because of this, as with most products, you pay a higher premium for the highest quality.

One of the most popular ways to buy flies is by purchasing a fly fishing flies kit, which will usually contain a lot of flies tailored to your specific fly fishing needs. Most packs of flies contain anywhere between 20-40 different flies, but they can also get up to 60 or even 120 in some cases. You should be able to get a solid starting kit for around $50, but this price can, of course, increase based on several other factors such as quality and additional equipment.

For a nymph fly fishing set of 60 flies, you could be paying as little as $70. For 120, you might get a deal on around $120 to $140. A 80-box of emergers and dry flies will likely put you back $90, while it's more like $75 for around 25 streamer flies.

As you can see, the price varies based on the number of flies and the type of flies in the box. Some companies, such as Drifthook Fly Fishing, provide additional bonuses such as online guides and a fly box to carry them in.

You might find yourself wondering whether you should make your own flies, as you could believe that this would be cheaper. While there is much to be said for making your own flies, as there is nothing more gratifying than catching a fish with a fly that you tied, there is a significant up-front cost to get the materials and tools needed to do so.

In addition to the upfront cost, there is a significant learning curve to become a fly-tying artist that might take years to master.  

If you are going to be spending your hard-earned money on a new sport, you will want to know what you are putting money on. So what exactly are fly fishing flies made of?

A fly pattern is generally constructed out of a hook, thread, and additional natural and synthetic materials. These materials are tied together to represent aquatic insects, adult insects, baitfish, other fish dietary needs.

There are over 6,000 patterns of fly fishing flies that are made today, and they each have their unique properties, which make them suitable for one kind of fishing and not so good for another. Some are also generally regarded as decent all-rounders.

To go further into the materials used for making fishing flies, four broad categories of material tend to go into them. Firstly, you have the metal parts, such as the hook and any lead wires that might be added to help with weight. Then there are synthetic materials that may be used, such as plastic, poly-yarn, silicon, foam, and gold, and silver mylar, amongst other things.

Beyond that, you also have the category of fabrics and threads, which is often where the overall visual aesthetic comes into being. That might also include sewing thread and embroidery items that help to keep it all together as one.

Finally, there are also often natural materials, which can help with appearance and make it look more realistic. This includes fox fur, rabbit fur, and even seal fur. It also contains the feathers of many different animals, such as poultry and game. Sometimes there is beeswax and natural dyes as well.

As you can see, you are getting a lot for your money when you purchase fly fishing flies verses tying them yourself.

01 What flies do you use for fly fishing?

02 What is the best fly for fly fishing? 

03 What flies are in season for fly fishing?

04 How much do flies cost for fly fishing?

05 What are fishing flies used for?

06 What are Drifthook Fly Fishing Flies?