Getting Started Fly Tying: Part 1

Part 1: Tools and Materials

Do want to tie your own flies? If you said, “yes,” then you’re in luck! Getting started is really easy and a ton of fun.

What you Need

Your journey starts with picking up the necessary tools and materials. Here are the basic tools you need.

• Vise

• Bobbin

• Bobbin Threader

• Thread

• Bodkin

• Whip Finisher

• Super Glue with Brush Applicator

A vise holds your hook as you tie your fly. They come in various styles and the type you choose will depend on the type of flies you’re interested in tying and your budget. If you’re really interested in fly tying then a good vise is a wise investment. 

Bobbins hold your fly tying thread and a basic bobbin is all you need to get started. Threads come in various thicknesses, colors and materials. The thread you choose will depend on the fly you’re tying. For example a big streamer will require a thicker more durable thread than a small dry fly.

A bodkin is like a needle with a handle and is a handy tool. A whip finisher is a tool used to tie a special knot that secures your thread when you finish a fly. To make your fly even more durable you’ll put a dab of super glue on that knot.

Materials

There are endless varieties of natural and synthetic fly tying materials. If you started buying them all, your shopping trip would get expensive very quickly. The best way to figure out which materials to buy is to first decide on the style of flies you want to tie, then choose your favorite fly pattern and look up how to tie that fly on YouTube or Google.

In that fly’s recipe you’ll find the type of hook, thread and materials you’ll need to replicate it. Buy those in one color and focus on practicing that one pattern. This will keep your initial investment low while you learn and make mistakes. As you build your skill you can move onto different flies or even create your own designs.

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