Fly Fishing and Fly Tying

Fly fishing has been a practiced activity since at least the second century AD, according to written record (that’s when the oldest written record of fly fishing dates from). Typically fly fishing is done for trout, but it is also a popular method for catching bass as well as a variety of other fish. Fly fishing can be done in any type of water in any location.

In order to be successful at fly fishing, you must also learn the art of fly tying. Unlike regular fishing, in which the lure’s weight is what carries the fishing line out into the water, fly fishing uses a much longer fishing line that is cast back and forth using the power of the angler’s muscles. At the end of the fishing line is a “fly” that is tied on by the angler.

Fly tying is an intricate activity and there are a number of tools you can use to help you.

Fly tying scissors are the single most important fly tying tool that you will use with the possible exception of your vice. When you are choosing your scissors you want to make sure to check out the blades, the size and how fine of a point they have. You will also want to look at the kind of finger holes they have and what kind of cutting service there is. Simply grabbing the cheapest pair of scissors could end up costing you more in the long run when you factor in time used and the potential line that could be wasted.

Hair stackers are used in the fly tying patterns that make use of the hair from elk and deer. In order for the elk hair ties to be tied correctly, the hair tips must be absolutely even. The hair stacker will help you place all of the hair that you are using evenly so that you won’t have a lot of trouble tying your fly.

The whip finisher is used by many fly tying experts to finish off the fly with a knot that is nice and smooth. There are three kinds of whip finishers to choose from. You can choose from the Thompson, the Matarelli and the Simple. These can each be used to finish off a fly, but each type does this in different ways. Experts advocate learning how to finish off a fly yourself before engaging the use of a whip finisher, but it is nice knowing that there are tools to help if you need it.

There are also a number of fly tying materials. Hackle is basically feathers that get wrapped around the fly. They are typically from chickens or roosters and they come from the saddle or the bird’s neck. Maribou is another fly tying material and it is very popular for fly fishing because it will conform to the actions of the water in the river (or lake). Of course, there is also fly tying thread. All of these can be used to enhance your fly fishing experience.