In last week’s video, Tim discussed those tools he deems absolutely essential, and here he lists the next level down: those tools you may not absolutely need but will make your time at the vise much easier and . . .
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Video: The Fly-Tying Tools You Really Need
If you’re going to be a fly tier, you’re going to need some tools, but which ones? Here, Tim explains which tools he deems absolutely essential, from a selection of scissors to whip-finishers, to a caddy to hold everything in place. . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Bond Layers of Craft Foam
Many dry-fly imitations of terrestrials and stoneflies feature foam bodies created by stacking different color foam. Here. Tim demonstrates his method for creating these multi-layer . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Control Difficult Materials with the Anchor-and-Twist Dubbing Method
Some dubbing materials don’t want to stay on the thread, or they get unruly and unmanageable when you wrap the dubbing noodle on the hook shank. It’s frustrating to end up with a shapeless blob, when . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Create Balanced Subsurface Flies
Last week, Tim showed how most subsurface patterns drift perpendicular to the streambottom because of the way weight is distributed on the hook. This week, he demonstrates several ways you can add weight out in front of . . .
Read MoreVideo: How Nymphs Drift Underwater
When you’re tying nymphs patterns, you might think that where you add the weight makes a huge difference in how the fly is oriented when it drifts downstream. As Tim explains here, almost all nymphs end up drifting . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Whip Finish with Finesse
Once you get the hang of it, whip-finishing is not difficult–whether you use a tool or your fingers. However, there’s more to a good whip-finish than simply wrapping thread over itself. As Tim demonstrates, for a . . .
Read MoreVideo: A Primer on Natural Dubbing Materials
There are lots of choices when it comes to natural dubbing materials, but do you know the differences between, say, rabbit, beaver, muskrat, or angora? Tim offers a quick take on each, highlighting its best uses for fly tiers. As you build your . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Cut Thin Strips of Tying Materials
When you’re cutting fly-tying materials into thin strips–especially if you want to prepare for a bunch of flies–accuracy and consistency are the keys. If you cut well, your flies won’t be variable and you won’t waste . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Use a Head-Cement Applicator Bottle
Head cement can be hard to control if you’re just applying it with the tip of your bodkin or something similar. Plus, the cement itself can thicken and become discolored if you leave the lid off the jar. Tim uses a specialized head-cement . . .
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