F ly T ying A n I ntroduction Covering the basics Monday, October 05,

For the average fly fisher, fly tying is a normal step in the evolution of the finer points of the sport. Most anglers take up fly tying to cut the costs of the flies lost in bushes, trees, and other obstacles everywhere they go. No matter the reason fly tying is an integrated part of fly fishing Monday, October 05,

So what is a fly? Monday, October 05, A fly is simply a lure crafted to mimic different insects, larva, minnows and other things that fish eat on a normal basis.

Monday, October 05, There are several different types of flies representing the different things that fish eat. Anyone that wishes to tie flies should know the differences. Dry Fly: Simply Flies that are designed to float, they represent insects that are emerging from larva to dry their wings or adults returning to lay eggs Wet Fly: These are flies that don’t float, they represent larval and pupae of insects as they swim to the surface to become adults. Nymphs: These flies normally designed to sink to the bottom represent insects during their larval form. Streamers: The last type of flies, these represent the rest of a fishes diet such as minnows, crayfish, leeches and a variety of other creatures that swim in lakes and streams.

Monday, October 05, There’s a few things that a person would need to tie flies. Basic equipment and materials used to make flies and make tying flies easier.

The Vise A fly vise, easily the most important tool need by a fly tier there are many to chose from with a wide variety of options. Of the options and designs the most important thing is that the chosen vise should be able to hold different size hooks securely while you work. Monday, October 05,

Bobbins Bobbins are used to securely hold a spool of thread and when threaded keep the spool from unraveling allowing the tier to let go of the bobbin as necessary during the process. Monday, October 05,

Scissors Scissors a small pair is used to cut thread and materials used when making flies. There is no need for a fancy set the only real requirement is that they be sharp and small enough to use in tight spaces. A pair of sewing scissors works fine. Monday, October 05,

Hackle Pliers Hackle pliers are a small set of spring mounted pliers that are used to hold the materials used when making flies in place until they can be secured with thread Monday, October 05,

10 Other equipment that would be useful to a fly tier would be as follows.  Bodkins  Whip Finisher  Thompson Finisher  Bobbin Threader  Hair Stacker  Dubbing Twister  Magnifying Glass

Materials used for making flies Monday, October 05,  Hooks / various sizes  Thread / various colors  Hair / various types and colors  Feathers / various types  Dubbing /various colors  Wire  Tinsel / various colors  Various Others

Tying a fly : The Sparrow Monday, October 05,

The resources Monday, October 05, Fly Fish Ohio On-Line Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Multimedia Magazine Fly Tying Video - Fly Fish Ohio's Adventures In Fly Tying! Fly Tying Materials - Kits, Supplies, Equipment & More - Bass Pro Shops Beginning Fly Tying - Fly Anglers Online