BBGFC.com

white_cropped-bbgfclogo-300x100-1
How to tie your flies on – Fishing & Hunting

How To Tie Your Flies On (Fishing & Hunting)

/ Accessories / By
There are several reasons why you might want to tie your own flies, which can include lowering expenses and becoming more involved in the sport. Being able to tie your own flies can also give you a sense of accomplishment, especially when you catch a fish. While tying flies might seem relatively easy it is a continual learning process and the informative tips listed below can help you get started with the basics.

1

Types of flies

Before you start tying your own flies it is important to become familiar with the different types. Dry flies are often considered fun for fishermen to use, since they can see the fish take the floating bait. Unlike wet flies which sink below the surface, dry ones float on top of the water. While there are more patterns for dry flies than wet ones, it is important that you learn how to tie both types.

Some anglers believe knowing how to tie nymphs is crucial if you want to be successful at fly fishing. Since it is estimated that fish found in streams get up to 95 percent of their diet from insects that are in the nymphal stage, it is easy to see why this is an important type of fly to learn how to tie. There are also streamers which mimic smaller bait fish, and knowing how to tie this fly is important if you want to reel in larger catches.

Hooks

There are different hooks designed to be used with specific types of flies, but all have an eye, shank, bend, point and gap. The gap is the distance between the point of the hook and shank, which is where the fly is tied on. The amount of bend will determine which flies it will work best with, along with the angle and shape of the eye. Hooks also come in a variety of sizes and weights, and often the type of fish you are casting for will help you choose the right one. While it is not necessary to own every type of hook, it is a good idea to have a few different styles so you are always ready to go.

Vise

A vise is a helpful tool that holds the hook while you are tying the fly. There are several types of vises to choose from, with a variety of useful features. It should be noted that the number of features will affect the price, but it is possible to find an inexpensive vise that is still capable of holding a variety of hooks. To ensure you can easily work with small and large hooks the jaws should be positioned at a comfortable angle, and also be adjustable. A vise with a rotating head is a nice feature and can make it easier to tie flies onto smaller hooks, but it can also significantly increase the price. The vise should also be able to be securely placed, and most come with a supportive stand or clamp.

Fly tying tools

There are also some tools that are recommended if you are planning on tying your own flies that will make the process easier. A bobbin not only holds the thread, it also keeps the line taut so you can tie neat, tight flies. Scissors are necessary for cutting threads and wire line, which means you might have to invest in a couple of pairs. The scissors should be comfortable to use, and sharp enough to make a clean cut.

Small hackle pliers make it easier to wrap feathers around the hook for specific types of flies, and some even rotate so the material can be completely wrapped around. Bodkins are also convenient tools to have, and can help keep gunk and debris out of the eye. Other fun and useful tools also include hair stackers, hackle guides and bullet heads, but these are generally only necessary for tying complex flies.

2

Summary

Once you are familiar with the different flies and the materials you need it is time to start tying your own. Most experts recommend taking a few classes or investing in “how to guides”. While the best way to learn how to tie flies is through trial and error, a quick class or online lesson can help you get started. Just remember you don’t need to learn how to tie every fly at once, simply start with the one best suited for what you are fishing for.

How To Tie Your Flies On

Aside from the obvious benefits of saving money and becoming more involved in the sport, there are several other reasons why you might want to learn how to tie flies. Being able to tie your own flies can also provide you with a sense of accomplishment, especially when you catch a fish with your creation. While tying flies may appear to be a simple process, it is a lifelong learning process, and the helpful tips listed below can assist you in getting started with the fundamentals of fly tying.

 

Types of flies

It is critical to become familiar with the different types of flies before you begin tying your own. Due to the fact that they can see the fish take the floating bait, dry flies are often considered enjoyable for fishermen to use. Unlike wet flies, which sink to the bottom of the water, dry flies float on the surface of the water. It is important to learn how to tie both wet and dry flies, even though there are more patterns for dry flies than there are for wet flies.

Knowing how to tie nymphs, according to some fly anglers, is essential if you want to be successful at fly fishing in general. Given that it is estimated that fish found in streams consume up to 95 percent of their food in the form of insects in the nymphal stage, it is easy to see why this is an important type of fly to learn how to tie properly. In addition, there are streamers that are designed to look like smaller bait fish, and knowing how to tie this fly is essential if you want to reel in larger catches.

 

Hooks

There are several different types of hooks, each designed to be used with a specific type of fly, but they all have an eye, a shank, a bend, a point, and a gap in the eye. The distance between the point of the hook and the shank, which is where the fly is tied on, is referred to as the gap. Depending on how much bend there is in the eye, as well as the angle and shape of the eye, it will determine which flies it will work best with. Hooks are also available in a variety of sizes and weights, and the type of fish you are casting for can often be used to help you choose the most appropriate hook. Despite the fact that it is not necessary to own every type of hook, it is a good idea to have a few different styles on hand so that you can be prepared at all times.

 

Vise

A vise is a useful tool for tying flies because it holds the hook in place while you work on it. Various types of vises are available, each with a unique set of features that make them particularly useful. It should be noted that the number of features available will have an impact on the price, but it is possible to find a low-cost vise that is still capable of holding a wide range of hooks and other accessories. The jaws of the tool should be positioned at a comfortable angle and be adjustable in order to allow you to work with both small and large hooks with ease. In addition to being an attractive option that can make it easier to tie flies onto smaller hooks, a rotating head vise can also be expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. Additionally, the vise should be able to be secured in place, and most vises are equipped with a supporting stand or clamp.

 

Fly tying tools

Additionally, there are some tools that are recommended for those who plan on tying their own flies to make the process go more quickly and smoothly. A bobbin not only holds the thread in place, but it also helps to keep the line taut, allowing you to tie neat, tight flies every time. For cutting threads and wire line, scissors are required, which means you may need to purchase a couple of pairs to get the job done properly. A pair of scissors that is both comfortable to use and sharp enough to make a clean cut is recommended.

Small hackle pliers make it easier to wrap feathers around the hook for specific types of flies, and some of them even rotate so that the material can be completely wrapped around the hook in one motion. Bodkins are also useful tools to have around the house because they can help keep gunk and debris out of the eyes. Hair stackers, hackle guides, and bullet heads are among the other entertaining and useful tools available, but these are typically only required when tying complex flies, such as nymphs.

 

Summary

It is time to start tying your own flies once you have become familiar with the different types of flies and the materials required. For the most part, experts advise taking a few classes or investing in “how to” books. While trial and error is the most effective method of learning how to tie flies, a quick class or online lesson can get you started on the right foot. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to learn how to tie every fly at once; instead, start with the one that is most appropriate for the species you are targeting.