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 Add Dubbing with Finesse
The phrase “Less is more” can be applied to many aspects of fly tying, but it’s especially true when you’re talking about adding dubbing to thread. Many tiers grab too big a pinch and then try to force it into a thin noodle on . . .
Read MoreVideo: 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 . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Debarb Hooks Before You Tie
If you like to fish barbless–the value of which is a debate for another day–you’ll find it’s much easier to do a good job mashing the hook barb before you tie the fly. That way, no materials are in the way, and you’re not trying to do . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Make Hare’s-Ear Dubbing
This week, Tim shows you how to make two kinds of hare’s-ear dubbing–one for abdomens and one for thoraxes. He shows you which parts of the hare’s mask to cut from and the how to blend the different kinds of hairs. You may never want to buy . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Dub a Super-Slim Body
Getting the right amount of dubbing on your thread to make a fly body can be tough for some tiers, and the tendency is to use too much dubbing. The result is often a body that’s fatter than you want it to be, or you have to try to get the dubbing off your . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Prepare a Base for a Cut-Shank Streamer
Cut-shank streamers offer lots of great wiggling action in the water, and they place the hook far to the rear of the pattern, which improves hook-up success. In this great video, Tim shows you how to create a base for such a . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Make a Double Dubbing Noodle
In this great video, Tim shows you how to make a cool mottled and segmented fly body by dubbing the legs of a loop with different colors. It’s an ingenious method that is both simple and versatile. Try this with different color combinations and . . .
Read MoreVideo: Using Large Straws to Store Materials
In this great video, Tim shares a useful tip on how you can use bubble-tea straws to conveniently store longer synthetic materials. This may seem a strange idea until you see how it works. Once you see how Tim has his unruly materials neatly arranged, . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Make Your Own Colored Beads
Not everyone (by which I mean “hardly anyone”) has a tying bench as well stocked as Tim’s, but even he occasionally finds himself without the right color weighted beads. He’s come up with an ingenious method for making his own, using nail polish, . . .
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