Fly Tying For Beginners | Intro To Fly Tying Tools

As a beginning fly fisherman you may decide to take up the age-old art of fly tying. Fly tying is a wonderful hobby that date back to the 1800's. It is the process of creating artificial baits " the fly" that imitates the natural food that fish eat. Flies can be made to catch almost any fish from trout, salmon, pan fish, bass and many species of saltwater fish. If you’re a fly fishing beginner you might also find that you will enjoy tying flies when you cant make it out to your favorite fishing hole. I'll start at the beginning by showing you the basic tools involved in fly tying.

1. The Fly Vice - The key component required to hold the hook for tying the fly. Fly vices come in many differnt styles. Some vices are made to mount on a bench or table. They also come in pedestal models that stand on a heavy base to keep them from tipping. Portable fly tying vices are also available for tying flies streamside when necessary. Choosing the right fly vice is very important I'll get into the details in a later post.

2. The Bobbin- If you have ever used a sewing machine you should know what a bobbin is. Bobbins are used to hold the thread, yarn, or wire necessary for tying flies. Most likely you'll want a couple of these.

3. Hackle Pliers - these are a spring-loaded type of pliers used to hold hackle. Hackle usually refers to feathers, hair or fur used in creating flies.

4. Hair Stacker - This device allows you to stack the various types of hair you will be using so that the ends are even.

5. Scissors- you'll need a small pair of sharp scissors on hand any time you working on your flies. You may find it best to have a couple pair of different sizes. Main thing is to choose good quality pair that fit you well.

5. Bodkin- this is basically a long needle with a handle useful when adding glue to the fly, picking out hairs or other delicate type work. You can probably make one if you’re resourceful.

6. Whip Finishers- these are tools designed to help you tie the finishing knots necessary when creating your fly.

This a pretty good overview of the basic tools the fly tying beginner will want to have on hand. Many of these items can be purchased in beginners tying kit or second hand though online auctions. I'd suggest online auctions as they can often be bought at a big discount form a person that decided fly tying wasn’t for them. Your better sporting goods stores and tackle shops will also carry basic fly tying tools. In my next fly tying post I'll discuss the various materials you be needing including hooks, hackle, bead heads, etc....