Where do you buy your materials

[Ian Fraser-Stables]

As the subject says, where do you guys buy your fly tying materials.

I have used the larger online shops which tend to sell Turrels and Veniards but I have found them a bit hit and miss. They are ok for things like beads and flash materials, but as I said a bit hit and miss with feathers, especially cul de carnard.

So chaps do you have any independent suppliers you always use for consistency.

Best regards Ian

[Sandy Nelson]

Hi Ian

I don't use that many different materials these days, but i still prefer where possible to go into a shop and pick the feathers i want (especially CDC shades). I stocked up quite a lot with stuff at the BFFI this year (brought some back for Mr B as well) it was fantastic to be able to spend sometime and find the right colour variations of things i particularly want. No way you can do that online however i have had nothing but great experiences with quality and service from.

Lucian at Troutline - Has fantastic products and superb quality, takes a wee bit longer to arrive as its not in the UK (Lots of inspiring flies to look at too). Some of the very best Dyed CDC i've used . https://www.troutline.ro/

Nigel at Lakeland flytying - I'm a bit of a Renzetti monster and if you want Cock Hackles, then he has some awesome capes (and will send you photos of specific ones to choose from). https://www.lakelandflytying.com/

Steve at Cookshill - The best in Natural (Native) feathers , skins and CDC in the UK.  https://cookshill-flytying.co.uk/

Fulling Mill Direct- I use their hooks all the time and this year delved into their materials and have been very impressed with the quality.  https://www.fullingmill.co.uk/Products-UK/Tying-Materials-UK

I've used Lathkill and Funky flytying in the past too, with great service and products, but they seem to change hands and vary the products and i do like what i like.

Sandy

[John Wastle]

I have used and would endorse all the ones listed by Sandy, especially Cookshill. Outstanding.

Also Irish Fly Supplies, particularly if you want dyed materials for loch flies. Colours are superb. IFS  own genetic cock and hen necks are very good value.

[James Laraway]

Cookshill - amazing
The other one that i have used is Kindale fly tying - i have found their stuff excellent and very good value

[Ian Fraser-Stables]

Thank you chaps, there are some very useful names there, indeed I had forgotten about Cookshill, but I'll look at the others.

The BFFI at Stafford sounds fabulous, I guess if you guys go, you'll stop overnight somewhere?

Thanks again
Best regards
Ian

[Robert MacDonald-Lewis]

I would second all of Sandy's recommendations. If you are looking for something specific it is always worth giving tham a call, Lathkill have dyed hen cape specifically for me in the past.

Always worth considering local shops too, during Lock down it was difficult to source Kamasam B175 hook, but Sommers had some stock.

Angus Angling are another that is always worth a look.

[Ben O'Neill]

I know this is an older thread, and I've been tying for less than a year but that hasn't stopped me doing a lot of shopping 🤦🏻�♂️... I have also found the game feathers and things from Veniard to be really poor in all honesty...

I would agree with everything that has been said, although one or two Lathkill products seems a bit in the mean side to be (squirrel Zonker, probably less than 6" in the pack, hopper legs, a 3/4 section of a knotted tail)...

Troutline is great and stocked by get-slotted and tungsten-beads plus...

I also like chucknduck that are well priced and always doing offers. Fly Fish North (Scott Nellings) is about as good value as anywhere on tungsten beads... most would associate FNF with synthetics but their seals fur is the best in the limited range I've tried (vs.lathkill or Veniard... apparently the Cookshill is great too)...