| There are many reasons a person will find their | | | | Once all equipment and materials are acquired, it's |
| way to the subject of fly tying. There are | | | | time to actually start thinking about making the |
| probably more reasons than there are different | | | | fly. Again, things get can fairly complex, but these |
| types of flies. | | | | are the basics. |
| Some individuals are trying to save money. | | | | |
| Others aren't satisfied with the pattern or the | | | | 1. The first step in the process is to secure the |
| presentation offered by commercial flies, they | | | | fish hook in the vice. Only cover the bend in the |
| don't seem to work well. Flies match the natural | | | | hook so the hook's shaft is exposed. This is |
| meals of insects local to the specific area. | | | | where the material goes. |
| There are all kinds of specialized equipment and | | | | 2. Now secure the line to the hook. Wrap the line |
| materials one can buy, as well as courses and | | | | backward over itself, starting at the bottom of |
| books offered by experts for learning to tie flies. | | | | the hook's eye. Then the rest of the shaft can be |
| Like most things though, it can also be done alone | | | | wrapped until the line is back at the bottom of |
| using simple and less expensive tools. | | | | hook's eye. This secures the line to the hook and |
| Fly Tying Gear Needed: | | | | provides a base to start adding material to. |
| - vice | | | | 3. After the line base is added to the hook, it's |
| - scissors | | | | time to make it look like a fly. Add tail material |
| - needle-nosed pliers | | | | and wrap again until secure. Then wrap a third of |
| - sharp needle or pin | | | | the hook's shaft, closest to the hook's eye until |
| - fish hooks | | | | there's the shape of a slender insect body. |
| - line | | | | 4. Also add the material to simulate the wings and |
| - fly material (synthetic or natural) | | | | or legs and ensure it's firmly attached as well. |
| The hooks, line, and material are purchased based | | | | 5. Now that it looks like a proper fly, tie the line |
| on the size and temperament of the species | | | | off and remove any excess that might be |
| being fished, as well as which insects are natural | | | | hanging. |
| to the fishing area. The type of fly being made | | | | Now it's simply a matter of attaching the fly to |
| makes a difference too. | | | | the line of the fly rod and see what happens. |
| Always keep in mind that although following rules | | | | Over time it will become more apparent what |
| and logic can produce wonderful results, | | | | works and what doesn't. A firm knowledge base |
| experimentation and going against what others | | | | will be gained that will help the avid fly fisherman |
| say can do the same also. | | | | move on to more advanced techniques. |
| Places that sell just regular fishing tackle might | | | | Whatever the reason, anyone can get into fly |
| provide what's needed, but for hooks and | | | | tying. If a person is serious about fly fishing, their |
| materials the best places to look are at the local | | | | skill level is irrelevant. Eventually that person will |
| fly tackle shop or online. | | | | want to tie their own flies. |