As part of his “Magic Materials” series, Tim discusses why he loves tying with Antron so much. The combination of shimmer and translucence mimic the appearance of living aquatic insects. In both yarn and dubbing form, Antron can add a lifelike touch . . .
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Video: How to Select CDC Feathers, Part II
Last week, in Part I, Tim explained what CDC (cul de canard) is and what distinguishes the two different types. Here, shows the different ways you can use each type. He also shows how you can use CDC fibers as . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Select CDC Feathers, Part I
Here, Tim explains what CDC (cul de canard) is and what distinguishes the two different types. (BTW, cul de canard translates as “duck butt.”) The way the fibers are arranged along the shaft of the feather sets the two apart, which is fascinating to . . .
Read MoreVideo: The Magic of Pheasant-Tail Fibers
In this video, Tim shows why pheasant-tail fibers are used on some of the sport’s most popular nymph patterns. You can create great imitations of mayfly-nymph tails, abdomens, legs, and even gills using this one material. Dyed . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Trim Synthetic Fibers
This week, Tim demonstrates two methods for trimming synthetic fibers on patterns such as Bob Popovics’s Surf Candy. It’s easy to mess up fibers if you cut them too straight or try too hard to shape them. The results often look unnatural. Instead, Tim . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Organize Tying Stuff, Part 3
In this third video about organizing materials, Tim takes us to the macro level, showing us how he stores larger containers and bags of materials. You may be surprised by his choices, although that antique thread-storage box–a yard sale find–looks . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Organize Tying Stuff, Part 2
In this second video about organizing materials, Tim discusses the importance of labelling each box (he prefers an inexpensive label maker) and then creating a storage system that doesn’t require you to constantly stack and re-stasck your various boxes.
Read MoreVideo: Understanding Fly-Tying Waxes
In this installment, Tim walks you through the three different kinds of wax used in fly tying. All of them are applied to the thread, but they perform quite differently and offer different results. Whether you’re trying to create a tight, smooth dubbing body, . . .
Read MoreVideo: Fun with Craft Foam, Part 2
Back in March, Tim explained the basics of tying with craft foam, and here he gets into some of the tools that will help you get the most out of each sheet of foam. He loves cutting tools from River Road Creations, which are easy to use and create perfect . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Use Painter’s Tape in Fly Tying
In this video, Tim explains how painter’s tape can help you keep materials on the hook shank separate during the tying process. This is especially useful when you are doing extensive trimming, such as with spun deer hair. You can trim away without . . .
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