Here’s the latest video in our series called “One-Minute Fly-Tying Tips and Techniques,” from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions. Each video teaches a single tying skill, from the most basic to the advanced. Ultimately, the series will serve as a sort of encyclopedia of tying skills that will be a valuable resource for anyone who sits down at a vise to create a fly.
This week, Tim looks into something that he hears a lot in the comment of any video featuring a parachute. Will craft-store macrame cord work in place of the polypropylene yarn you buy in the fly shop? It turns out that you need to do some label-reading and material preparation.
Tim’s last point convinced me to stick with poly-yarn purchased from my local fly shop. Yes, you will save a little money and the bulk roll purchased at the hobby shop will last more than a lifetime. But will the hobby shop employee be able to demonstrate a fly-tying technique, explain current hatches and appear to be truly interested in listening to our endless fishing stories?
Support your local fly shop! (I am fortunate enough to have an outstanding fly shop 10 minutes away from my fly-tying desk.)