Going to start tying myself a few saltwater flys for KY fishing, I have ordered a 'Beginners fly tying kit' from Rod & Reel and that should arrive in a week or two. It does have a little tying material included in it.

http://www.rodandreel.co.nz/index.cfm/PageID/104/ProductID/143/ViewProduct/Fly+Tying+Kit+Beginners

While I wait for the kit to arrive I have decided to purchase other materials which would probably be required. I do not plan to tye anything complicated just basic simple flys which a KY enjoy.

Firstly what is a good simple saltwater fly to tie? It only really needs to resemble a small bait fish and probably should not be super heavy when wet.

Which size and style of hooks? Thinking of using size 2 and 2/0 for starters.

What other materials would be essential to purchase?

Thanks.

Hey Mili, I started out with #2, 1/0, and 2/0 Gammies SL12 hooks. It depends on what you want to tie. Because I started mainly with clousers, these were my starting basic materials:

It'll work, Kahawai are more focussed on speed most of the time than fly pattern... but I think you'd be better off tying some white over white clousers. Just as simple and consistently effective on all manner of species. There's plenty of instruction for swimple patterns over in the Flytying section.

IMHO, the eyes add a bit of weight to give you bottom bouncing option, and to make the hook point ride upwards to avoid snags.  I haven't caught any yet, but I'm sure the odd stargazer or flounder would have a go at a clouser.  The position of those eyes will also give it a jigging action when you strip/pause retrieve.

I have made Crystal Clousers and they are very popular with the fishing club I make them for. The pattern only uses krystal flash and no bucktail - I did make some buck tail ones but they were not popular.

The Crystal ones attract the Snapper and Kingfish and they hit the flies with a mighty thud. I used the large eye's and a they wanted them on 5/0 & 6/0 hooks. 

Jeanne