Don Reed headlining fly tying at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Symposium. Clement image.
Fly Tying 101: What You Need to Start Tying Your Own
By Dan Zazworsky / The Wade
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any people will tell you that tying your own flies can be one of the most rewarding aspects of fly fishing outside of the “Tug.” Being able to tie a pattern from scratch, then take that pattern to the water and catch fish is an incredible feeling. In addition to an ego boost, fly tying also allows you to augment patterns to better mimic your specific fishery, maybe your bass key in on a specific color, or your caddis have a more rusty color than the pre-tied patterns you can buy off the shelves. Fly tying is a great way to pass the time when you can’t get out to fish and a way to gather some fishing buddies for a few beers and to fill fly boxes!
In this Dan Zazworsky blog, the tools you need to build the perfect basic starter tying kit are spot on
The Vise
The centerpiece of any fly tyers kit, the vise is used to hold the hook you are tying on. While vise tech hasn’t changed much in the past few decades, many tyers have their vise of choice whether its a rotary vise or a simple clamp.
Whip Finisher
This tool is used to help tie half hitches when you finish tying all your materials in. Stay tuned next week for our walkthrough of how to use a whip finisher properly and make sure your flies don’t come apart on you after a few fish!
Bobbin & Bobbin Threader
The bobbin is used to hold your spool of thread and control the tension of the thread while you are in the process of tying flies! The bobbin threader does exactly as its name suggests, its the tool that makes threading your bobbin much less of a headache!
Bodkin
Essentially an easy-to-grip larger needle, this tool is used to manipulate materials while you’re tying as well as making precise holes in other materials to feed hooks through like foam blocks for poppers or puncturing zonker strips.
Scissors
Having a very sharp pair of scissors is imperative when you are working with fly tying materials. The more exactly you are able to cut, the more control you will have over the way your flies turn out! As well as will prevent abrasion tears in your thread!
Hackle Pliers
Used when working with hackle feathers or really any material that is being wrapped around the hook but may be too delicate to do with just your fingers. By using the clip you avoid putting too much tension on the feather or material and prevents breakage.
Read more . . .
Skip the hassle of shopping and buying all of these tools and pick up the Postfly Tie One On Kit. It comes with everything above and a sweet tool pouch so you won’t lose any tools on the move!
Tie one on kit . . .
Seven essential tying tools, packed in a travel case the size of your phone! This kit has all the essential tools you need to get tyin’ on the go.
Kit:
1. 4-inch All Purpose Stainless Steel Razor Sharp Scissors
2. Hackle Plier
3. Whip Finish Tool
4. Universal Bobbin Holder
5. Bodkin
6 Bobbin Threader Tool
7. Foam Padded Hair Stacker
Comes in a Leather Travel Case.
