A hand-tied wet fly.
Nothing is more fun and satisfying than catching a wary fish on an artificial fly that you tied. To make that happen, you must assemble the materials and tools for fly tying. However, the choices can be daunting for a beginner but there are basic essential items you will need to tie all types of artificial flies.
Fly Tying Vise
The vise is the most important tool for tying artificial flies. This is what holds the hook securely in place and allows you to construct a fly from many materials. There are many types of specialty vises to make many types of flies, from tying the smallest midge pattern to tying the largest saltwater fly. Many all-purpose vises will cover most fly-tying needs.
Fly-Tying Bobbin
Bobbins in two sizes.
A fly-tying bobbin is a spring tension tool that holds a spool of thread and allows for winding the thread around the body of the hook to secure various parts of an artificial fly. Bobbins come in several sizes to accommodate different size thread and hooks.
Bobbin Threader
A bobbin threader is a device that allows for tying thread of any size to be pulled through the bobbin tube. It also acts as a cleaner to remove any residue inside the tube.
Hackle Pliers
A hackle feather.
Hackle pliers work on spring tension, and enable you to grasp the tip of a hackle feather and wind it around the head of a hook to create the impression of wings or legs of an insect. Hackle pliers come in various sizes.
Whip Finisher
A whip finisher is a tool used to form and tie off the head on a fly neatly with the tying thread.
Dubbing Needle
A dubbing needle simply is a long needle with a handle. It is used to sort out dubbing fur on the body of a fly and also to apply a drop of tying cement to the head of a completed fly.
Hair Stacker
A hair stacker is a small, hollow tube used to even clumps of cut deer hair so they can be tied on a hook evenly.
Fly-Tying Scissors
Fly-tying scissors are small and usually made of stainless steel. Blade lengths can vary, depending on the type and size of the fly being tied.
Fly Hooks
A streamer hook.
Fly hooks come in many shapes and sizes. The most important are the standard dry fly, wet fly and streamer hooks. These three hooks will work for all popular patterns.
Furs and Feathers
Of all the material available to fly tiers, some basic items are necessary to make the most common patterns. Dry and wet fly hackle feathers, mottled turkey quills, partridge feathers, peacock tail feathers, maribou quills, and mallard side feathers can be selected for the size and color of the flies intended. Fur from muskrats, squirrels and rabbits can be dubbed in various natural and dyed colors to make the body of a fly. Choose the fur according to the recipe for the fly you intend to make. Deer tail hair is used in many patterns.
Tying Thread
Tying threads come in various strengths and colors. The essential colors are black, white and gray, which will cover almost any fly pattern. Assorted yarns and chenille, wires and tinsels also are necessary for many wet fly, nymph and streamer imitations.
Head Cement
The last item needed to complete an artificial fly is head cement. This is specially formulated for fly tying due to its ability to dry quickly and form a waterproof seal on the head of an artificial fly. Head cement is clear and fairly thick. It comes in small applicator jars.
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