What Do I Need to Tie Flies?
WouterTo tie flies, you will need a few basic materials and tools. For most materials, thread is your first choice. When threading, hold the bobbin and end of thread in your dominant hand, then wrap the thread around the hook starting from the eye and working out from the center of the hook. Once you have secured the thread to the hook, use your tag end to make additional wraps over the initial wraps.
For the eyes on the fly, you can use plastic eyes, bead chain, or a combination of the two. A bead chain can add weight to the fly, and a plastic eye will help it sink in the water. To keep everything together, you should have a fly-tying pouch and a stand.
Among the materials needed for tying flies are wire, scissors, and beads. For wire, you can buy tungsten, gold, or silver. Wire can also be made from a variety of materials, including natural fibers. Many people use wire for the abdomen of their flies, and it can be a useful addition to your kit. Dubbing is made up of several fibers, and it is important to have several different types for the fly you intend to tie. Dubbing comes in different textures and colors. Smoother dubbing is more uniform, while fuzzier or coarser dubbing will produce a different look and feel.
Another essential tool for fly tying is a pair of hackle pliers. These pliers help to secure the ends of the materials and allow you to wrap the material without too much twisting. A hackle plier with a rotary action can also help you tighten the hackle of a larger flies.
