I am new to tying flies and would appreciate recommendations on tools; scissors, stackers, bobbins, etc. I already have a vise.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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Fly Tying Tools Recommendations
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 acal |
Fly Tying Tools Recommendations |
Lead | |
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Sport
Posts: 12 (11/22/08 08:00:05) |
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caddis4 |
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Master Guide
Posts: 162 (11/22/08 08:08:12) |
For me, the best "tool" I have recently purchased is pair of 5X magnifier glasses....ten bucks on ebay!
http://stores.ebay.com/CAROBALL |
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corlay |
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Master Guide
Posts: 413 (11/22/08 09:25:08) |
caddis4 wrote:I get by on: a vise (duh...) a bobbin (splurge for the ceramic ones, especially if you're going to be using 80 thread or smaller...) scissors hackle pliers (although I wind my hackle by hand more often than not...) a home-made cement applier/hackle picker consisting of a wine-cork and a alrge needle jammed in one end that's about it. I hand-whip finish, so I don't need a tool for that. My Father, being very old-skool doesn't even use a bobbin. Just cuts the length of thread from the spool he needs, manually waxes it, and gets to work. So, His tools consist of a vise and scissors... the point is, like with all things, you can get by on very little "gear". My advice would be to start small, and then re-assess what you need... if you choose to.
"From my observations I think that most of us spend too much time worrying about our tackle and too little time
learning the intimate characteristics of the fish and streams we fish most."
- Ray Bergman
Trout, New York: Knopf 1938
Last Edited By: corlay
11/22/08 10:26:22.
Edited 1 times.
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Winglas |
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Sport
Posts: 53 (11/22/08 09:27:45) |
Get oneof Bernie Griffin's catalogs. His tools are great and priced well.
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jgestar |
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Posts: 2965 (11/22/08 11:55:26) ezOP |
First off, find a good instruction book. I learned to tie from The Universal Fly Tying Guide by Dick Stewart, but
there are plenty of good ones to choose from. Beyond the book, I would need at least a vise, good scissors, a bobbin, a bodkin (needle with a handle), and
some hackle pliers. Most other tools are for convenience, but it may make a big difference if you tie a lot of a particular fly. Most of the time you can get
away with no-name tools. But some quality fine point scissors, like Anvil brand, are worth the money. If you invest in quality scissors, protect the
investment by buying a bigger pair of Fiskars scissors, or the like, for cutting thick items.
Tom |
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waynebh |
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Master Guide
Posts: 171 (11/22/08 20:40:17) |
Hi Acal;
Fly tying is an interesting hobby unto itself, that said there are so many different tools and different styles of the same. There are soo many different bobbins, I tried many till I settled on the Griffin ceramic, it just suits me best. You may have to try several brands until you find which you like best. The ceramics are more expensive but they work much better. Scissors are like bobbins, there are soo many to choose from of many style, I haven't found any I really like yet but DR Slick has been my most liked so far. Basic starter set would be vise,scissors, and bobbin. What type of flies do you intend to tie? Certain types require different tools, such as what's required to spin dear hair. Waynebh |
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mdwwhw |
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Master Guide
Posts: 334 (11/22/08 21:31:46) |
I have to agree with all of what Tom said. If I were going to add anything, it would be a Matarelli (sp?) style whip finisher. I can whip finish with my fingers, but why do so when the little dojiggy makes it so much easier.
"Everything's better when wet...."
Steve Miller Band |
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acal |
Fly Types | ||
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Sport
Posts: 13 (11/22/08 21:33:54) |
waynebh wrote: Waynebh Generally speaking I intend to tie dry, wet, and streamers. They will be used on trout, steelhead, and bass. I will be using deer hair per your example. |
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 Cameron |
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Posts: 2721 (11/22/08 23:10:54)
Administrator &
Chat Room Host |
I've been impressed and happy with any of the Dr. Slick's tools I've purchased along the way. Good advice on getting a really nice pair(s) of
scissors but also get a lesser quality pair for cutting wire and other material that will ruin the cutting surface of your high end pair.
Last suggestion...get a Cliff's Top Shelf caddy to use with your vise. 
Sure makes keeping tied flies or hooks you are working with easier to deal with.
Last Edited By: Cameron
11/22/08 23:13:55.
Edited 1 times.
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scud dog |
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Master Guide
Posts: 1092 (12/04/08 18:15:23) |
"Complete Book of Flytying" by Eric Leiser was almost biblical when I was learning. Every fly shop in driving distance had it. I've read others,
but Eric has a talent for explaining things in a way a novice will grasp readily. I saw it in the Cabela's catalogue and you could get a new or used one
for cheap on Amazon. Do you have a vice? I've owned a few; Thompson A, Regal and currently use a Griffin Patriot. The Patriot comes with a clamp and
pedestal and are all the vice most folks would ever need. I tie 32's with it. Angler's Workshop has some vices on sale (including this one). Scissors;
like Tom said, but cheapies for the heavy yarns and mylar (for now). Invest in some fine points. I have some Anvil scissors, but much prefer my Gudebrods
(they're magnetized...great for lifting small hooks). A hook box will come in handy. A shoe box lid placed under you vice head is good for catching scrap
and a retractable "antenna-styled" magnet is great for the hooks that miss the box lid (and disappear on the floor). I know the Auto Zone sells them
and they show up at flea markets.
Last Edited By: scud dog
12/04/08 18:30:12.
Edited 1 times.
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acal |
Fly Tying Tools Recommendations | ||
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Sport
Posts: 14 (12/04/08 22:04:25) |
Thank you to all who were willing to post recommendations.
I just went with a Griffin Superior A2 vise and a basic set of tools to start with. Thanks again |
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JeffSod |
Anvil Scissors | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 972 (12/05/08 09:51:28) |
I would like to make a plug for the Anvil made Scissors. These were the first pair of scissors I purchased and have served me the best. Made in USA. I have picked up two pairs of 'Dr. Slick' scissors. One pair purely purchase on a whim that had the purple holigraphic finish. Out of the package they were DULL and worked like cr*p. Very dissappointed. Second pair long reach are ok but not as nice as my Anvil. I have recently purchased two additional styles of Anvil scissors and am very happy. |
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Snook65 |
Ultimate Bobbin | ||
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Guide
Posts: 114 (12/05/08 11:51:41) |
If you're looking for a tool that can really change the way you tie, this is worth serious consideration: http://www.automaticbobbin.com/
I saw the demo on the Ekitch bobbin at the Int'l Tying Syposium a few weeks ago and picked one up. This guy designed and hand crafts each one of these and they are the bomb. It has some type of opposing tension mechanism to you can move the bobbin up and down the thread and it just hangs there. (the website explains this much better) It only took a little while for me to become accustomed to tying with it and now I'm addicted. It fits just about any spool of thread unless you're using something really out there. Snook. |
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JeffK |
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Guide
Posts: 25 (12/05/08 13:12:31) |
One tool I have been addicted to is a fine pair of bow spring scissors - can get them in craft or sewing stores. Makes the fine cuts much easier IMHO. On the
other hand, they aren't very tough so you will definitely need another pair of regular scissors to cut most everything other than feathers and thread.
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Silver Doctor.clarksclassicfl... |
bobbins | ||
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Sport
Posts: 34 (12/11/08 14:54:22) |
U have a couple of the Nor-Vice bobbins I've used for years, will only tie on an auto now. been meaning to pick up an Ekich, it looks great.
Often I have been exhausted on trout streams, uncomfortable, wet, cold, briar scarred, sunburned,
mosquito bitten, but never, with a fly rod in my hand have I been in a place that was less than beautiful.
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rvreclus |
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Master Guide
Posts: 205 (12/12/08 10:22:31) |
I think the points made are all relevant, to a good beginning. I would emphasize the careful purchase of the best quality scissors you can get(snipping thread
and hackle only), with thin sharp points, they will last a lifetime, a second pair of scissors for rough/heavy work(furs, hairs, tinsel, wire, plastics,
etc..). Hackle pliers, again two, one light tension and the other for heavy work. I still use a number of bobbins but you can get by with just one. Lastly the
vise you chose is what you can afford and fits your needs.
I have been tying flies since the late 60's and have never graduated to the more modern vises and tools. Still use a Thompson A , and a Thompson Pro vise. My tools are all Materelli Bobbins and whip finisher, and Cal Bird dubbing tools. The most expensive item I purchased are my scissors($35/60's), a pair of German made sewing scissors used to cut silk thread. I love to tie, respectfully rvreclus |
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durango |
Fly Tying | ||
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Sport
Posts: 1 (12/25/08 14:41:04) |
I'll make a good suggestion, look around for a local fly fishing shop and find out if they offer tying instruction or have a group tying night, most shops
do. If no shop is close find your nearest TU Chapter and go to one of the meetings there has to be at least a few members that tye flies. It can't hurt.
Also some schools have night classes, might cost a few bucks to attend, but some first hand instruction and advice on tools and tying will go a long way to
help shorten the learning curve. That and lots and lots of practice
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- Welcome, Messages, Claves, News, and FAQs
- Fishing with Fiberglass Fly Rods
- Glass Tech
- Collecting Fiberglass Fly Rods
- What's New on the Market
- Rod Pictures
- Classic Fly Reels
- Another Spin on Glass
- Rod Building & Tackle Tinkering
- The Tying Bench
- Fiberglass Fly Rods For Sale
- Fiberglass Fly Rods Wanted
- Fiberglass Flyrodders Wiki
