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 . . .
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Video: When to Reverse Thread Direction and Why
Previously, Tim demonstrated how to reverse the thread direction around the hook. This caused several commenters to ask, “Why would you want to reverse the thread direction?” Always obliging, Tim shows how he uses this technique to create . . .
Read MoreVideo: Glossy vs. Penetrating Finishes
Here, Tim explains when you want to use a glossy finish–one that stands out from the fly materials, and when you should go with a penetrating fish–one that soaks into the materials. The effects of each are quite different, . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Make a Tie-In Anchor on a Feather
It’s really frustrating when a feather you’ve tied in slips through the thread wraps when you’re wrapping it. The stem of most feathers is quite slick, so it can be hard to get a solid grip with tying thread. To solve this problem, Tim . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Add Dubbing with Finesse, Part 2
In the first video about what Tim calls “finesse dubbing,” he demonstrates how to start sparse and then go even sparser to create a thin, even noodle. Here, he shows you how to deal with a couple problems that may arise . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Reinforce Quill Bodies
Last week, Tim showed you how to make a quill body, and this week he demonstrates several techniques for ensuring that all your hard work at the vise isn’t undone by the teeth of the first fish that eats the fly. A variety of adhesives and resins can be used . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Tie-In Bucktail
Tying-in bucktail–for a Clouser Minnow or other hairwing pattern–looks pretty easy, but the results are often less-than-optimal. The wing itself may look good, but the head can be messy and the hairs can fall out. Tim has an easy solution that will make . . .
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 Taper the Ends of Synthetic Materials with Scissors
Previously, Tim demonstrated a cool “slip and slide” method for creating a tapered baitfish body with synthetic materials. In this week’s lesson, he shows you how to do it using scissors. The way he twists the materials . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Hold Fly-Tying Materials Out of the Way, Part II
Welcome to the latest installment of our series of videos called “One-Minute Fly-Tying Tips and Techniques” from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions. A few years ago, Tim made a video all about ways that he keeps long hackles, legs, or other . . .
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