Video: How to Match a Bead to a Hook

Figuring out which size bead to use on a particular hook can be the key to a well-proportioned fly, but there are a tons of options. Here, Tim explains how to choose the right kind of bead and how to match the sizes, as well. Once you’ve got this . . .

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Video: How to Tie the Glitter Bug

A variation on the traditional Bomber, the Glitter Bug was first tied by Danny Bird of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, back in the 1990s. It’s a pattern that can be fished both dry and wet, which means it’s useful in a variety of conditions. And . . .

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Video: Understanding Hackle Feathers

Hackles are used widely in fly tying, but the wall of your shop features several different kind of hackels–saddles, necks, strung hackle–from both cocks and hens. How do you know which to use and when? Here, Tim offers a basic breakdown of the . . .

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Video: How to Tie in Squirmy Material

Although some anglers balk at using the Squirmy Wormy or similar annelid imitations, these patterns catch fish. But they can be a pain to tie because the elastic, round materials want to roll, squish, and break when you try to lash them to the hook. Of . . .

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Video: How to Tie a Scotty’s McFly

Smelt are among the main forage species for many game fish that live in lake-and-river systems. Whether you’re casting for landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, or pike, you’ll want to have a few of these bright patterns in the box. Scott Currie of . . .

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Video: How to Measure Hackles

One of the keys to a well-proportioned fly pattern is using the correct size hackle. And it’s not just about the appearance of the fly, as most dry-fly patterns depend on a certain length of hackle to ride properly on the . . .

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Video: How to Tie the Calico Caddis

In the latest how-to tying video from Tightline Productions, Tim Flagler walks you through the steps to create a two-tone caddis-larva imitation that looks buggy as heck. He notes than net-spinning caddisflies (of the family Hydropsychidae) . . .

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Video: How and Why to Use Maximum Thread Tension

In this great video, Tim explains why he believes that thread tension is the key to improving the quality, look, and durability of your flies, and then he sets about showing how to achieve this level of tension. From adjusting your bobbin to bracing the . . .

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