Fly Tying Equipment

Most beginning fly dressers use fly tying kits. Once a person has been bitten by the fly tying bug it may be time to invest in additional fly tying equipment. This may mean buying an additional vise, more pliers and scissors designed for use on a wide variety of fly tying materials.

Many amateurs begin with simple C clamp vices or budget model stand alone vices. A true fly tying devotee may want to move up to a vice made exclusively for the craft of fly tying. These vices have tubes which are made specifically to grip different size flies. The tubes can be switched out so that one vice can handle several different flies. In addition the tubes are equipped to allow for 360 degrees of rotation both vertically and horizontally; allowing the fly to be dressed with heretofore unavailable access.

Considering the many different types of materials used in fly tying it is advisable for a dedicated fly dresser to invest in several pairs of pliers. Hackle pliers with a silicon ring provide more control when binding and situating hackles. Spinning hackle pliers ensure the hackle is lined up properly with the shank of the hook. Pliers such as this also allow for one handed application of the hackle. Having several pairs of scissors with various blade lengths can also make fly tying proceed more smoothly.

Other upgrades to one’s fly tying equipment inventory might include long lasting ceramic bobbins. A bobbin threader will also speed up the laborious process of hand threading a bobbin. Teflon coated needles, a quick wrap finisher and a ceramic hook hone are also practical additions to any supply of fly tying equipment. A bottle of dry shake will quickly and easily waterproof a dry fly. Additional hooks of all weights and materials for designing lures from a variety of fly patterns also make wise supplements to any stock of fly tying equipment.

Now also might be the time to add a fly tying bench and/or a portable fly tying station to one’s fly tying equipment. Fly tying benches offer multiple storage spaces to keep materials organized and clean as well as space for permanent placement of a fly tying vise. Portable fly tying stations allow a fly fisher who makes his/her own flies to craft new flies or to repair damaged flies while onsite fishing. They also provide storage for flies to be used and for other fly fishing equipment.

Over the course of several years the seasoned fly dresser will acquire a large quantity of fly tying equipment. The key is to collect fly tying equipment in an organized manner which allows for steady progress in one’s fly tying skills.