Fly Tying

[JonM]

So, I'm diving head first down the rabbit hole that is fly tying. Does anyone have any words of wisdom you'd like to pass on? I have some supplies on hand and others on the way, which should hopefully get me off to a good start. These include a Chinese clone of a Renzetti Apprentice rotating vice that came highly recommended (if I stick with it, I may eventually upgrade to a more expensive model, but it's a hell of a lot nicer than the crappy ones they sell as part of most starter kits), a nice set of Loon ergo tools (bobbin w/ ceramic tip, hackle pliers, good scissors, bodkin, and whip finisher), LED magnifying lamp, and the materials to tie just a few specific patterns. I've never taken a class in person, but YouTube has some very good tutorials that I've been studying lately. Once I have everything in hand, I expect I'll start with either an elk hair caddis fly, a hare's ear nymph, or a variation of an Adams fly. Those are the specific patters I shopped for anyway.

[Lane]

I tie a bunch; tool wise you look pretty well setup and good lighting helps alot. If you have a chance pick up a 48" led light to hang over the bench. Just moved so when I get my stuff setup I'll send a pic. In terms of specific tying tips, alittle material goes a long way so don't overcrowd the hook or it'll be difficult to finish the pattern/whip finish. Related to that is be mindful of the thread size you're using; a thicker denier thread will overwhelm a size 20 nymph hook pretty quickly. Alot of great YouTube channels for tying like you said. I really recommend "The Feather Bender"

If you get into tying streamers often, I really recommend Daiichi 1750 streamer hooks. I've had really good hookup rates on those while trout fishing. Some streamer hooks I've tied with have been pretty thick hook wire causing a good amount of failed hook sets, the 1750s have worked much better.

I do love Arizona Simi Seal dubbing, it's longer stranded and can make some very buggy streamers and leech patterns.

Also, don't discount carp fishing on the fly rod!

[JonM]

Thanks for the advice. I’m no stranger to targeting larger fish on a fly rod. In addition to fishing streams for trout, I will also target bass from a kayak using a 7wt St. Croix, so I can definitely see streamers getting tied too. Carp sounds fun considering how hard they fight. I’ll need to find some water that has some.

[zenmic]

Welcome to another rabbit hole, and along the way, see if you can snag some of the fur off of that rabbit as you can make some really cool flies of that. That being said, it is WAY cheaper to buy flies than it is to tie them. However, there is an incredible thrill catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself.

I am a cheap bastard, so I rarely tie using actual feathers or absolutely follow the recipes for flies. I do not have peacock feathers, I do not have left-handed side feather of a blue-footed booby, harvested on the summer solstice, during the a lunar eclipse, nor do I have fur from a locally harvested, or even an imported chupacabra. I do not tie on hooks made from mithril, or even vibranium.

As I am still working on the skill, I know my flies look like crap, they do not catch fisherman, but occasionally they do catch fish. I am not saying you should not buy all the expensive materials, I am saying you do not HAVE to, especially if you are starting out. They are not going to all look like pieces of art, and loosing flies is a part of fly fishing.

I started with cheap eagle-claw panfish and bass hooks, synthetic craft fur, synthetic feathers, yarn from the local hobby stores. I still use those materials today. Like I said they are not pretty, but the fish around here occasionally mistaken my hand-tied monstrosity for something edible. I have gotten better, so I have started using better and actual materials, but I still do not have feathers from the blue-footed booby or chupacabra fur.

The first fly usually taught on the free lesson at fly shops is the woolly bugger. That is a tried and true fly that catches about anything.

Welcome to another money-pit. I look forward to seeing some cool looking flies.

[JonM]

I'm right there with you on the cheap materials train. Hell, I'm even starting to give the dog side eye glances when I see him shedding. Sure, I've already bought some rooster saddles and a few other materials for some specific patterns, but thankfully no ultra rare Chupacabra feathers harvested from the deepest, darkest depths of the Amazon, collected by uncontacted natives and transported across the border by Tom Rosenbauer himself. I also have a few packs of inexpensive craft fur, flash, and a little bucktail on the way for some hair jigs I'll be throwing for bass & crappie this winter. I've already spent more money on tools and supplies than I would have spent on flies, but like any rabbit hole I go down, I try to follow the rule "buy once, cry once". I'm under no illusion that I'll be saving money doing this. Tying is just one more thing to do over the winter as I wait for the lakes and streams to thaw out. I'll also need something to keep me busy until trout season opens on April 1st.

[zenmic]

For this year, I am even looking at tying some infamous mop flies, to attract some panfish, largemouth bass, and whatever wants to bite the bits of materials I have tied onto a hook.

[AnarchicArctic]

Have fun! It can definitely be a money sink like anything else. I’ve only ever dabbled. Tied a few muddlers, some dragonflies, spiders and a bunch of my own design. Mostly going for pan fish, but my most popular lure amongst the fish was a google eyed silver tinsel “minnow” with a white maribou Afro I called e=mc snared. Caught dozens of fish on that lure from pumpkinseeds to bass. At the end of the day it didn’t seem to matter what I had tied, as long as the fish were biting I was happy. Moving water may prove a different story, but whenever I was in the boat worth a worm dunker, I always out fished them

[JonM]

I received my tools today and finally tied my first fly. The process was certainly educational. It’s no masterpiece, but it’ll fish. It’s a size 14 elk hair caddis with hare’s mask dubbing, rooster saddle, and copper wire wrap. I tried to tie it in the original style. It’s definitely a first time tie, but I think it came out okay. I’m sure I’ll improve with time and experience.

[JonM]

Day two - I tried my hand at a couple different patterns today. The second fly I tied blew up on the vice and I had to start over. I switched it up to a dry fly with synthetic dubbing. I then tried my hand at a hare’s ear nymph. So far, I think it’s the better of the three.

[JonM]

I branched out a little and tied up a few hair jigs too. One blue buck tail and the rest with craft fur.

[JonM]

I’m by no means an expert yet (far from it) but the more I do this, the more I see the corners cut in flies tied and sold to the masses - tinsel instead of wire, synthetic instead of real fur and feathers, cheaper hooks, etc. I’m still learning, but I can already see the difference between my flies and the ones I bought before.

[lew]

I've tied a grand total of two flies in my life, but they came out quite well. This topic is of interest, as I enjoy and I'm sure the kids would, too. I'm appreciative for the information that has already been provided.

[JonM]

I think I may be getting the hang of this.

Size 10 Wolly Bugger
Black marabou & black rooster saddle
Black 1/8” bead

[Lane]

Looking good JonM, it's certainly a hobby that can become addictive. You're right on quality and also it's really nice to dial your patterns to your environment. Snap photos of bugs on the river and finding materials to mimic them closely is fun. Also got my station back up, looking forward to tying more. Been nymphing alot and need to create some variations here shortly.

[zenmic]

Every tie flies, finish them, turn around, and the damn thing is gone from your bench? I tied 3 mop flies. First time to try tying these things, and I am looking to try them out this season as well. Well I found 2 of the buggers I tied. The third one is still MIA.

[Lane]

In preparation for tomorrow, some rainbow warriors and a take on the massacre midge

[JonM]

I got some time to sit down and do some tying today. I’d say these are definitely better than my first attempt at an elk hair caddis. I tied these in a size 12 with a single 14 so far.