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Fly Tying Supplies and Materials ExplainedFly tying supplies and materials seem like and overwhelming sea of options to the beginner but after a short while you will find drawers filled to the brim.The basic materials like hackle, general dubbing, thread, wire and such will lay a foundation for learning and experimentation. Eventually, you will realize that all of the fancy supplies are not necessary and the basics suffice for fish catching flies. The fancy supplies do become addicting though and the potential found in fly tying catalogs is amazing. Scroll down to read about the different materials that will get you started at the vise. 
Stock up on materials and keep your boxes full. Thread may seem like a basic element but there are several different options to consider. The thread size is also critical and often misunderstood by beginning tiers. Read this page to learn about the different thread sizes, styles and their potential in your bag of fly tying supplies. Feathers are the foundation of fly tying and come in several different forms. You must learn how to size feathers and which types are used for different flies. This section covers feathers as a general category and the section below covers the specialized grouping of hackles. Click the header to learn about the different birds and the feathers they provide. Hackle feathers represent a long and complex list of feather types. Hackle feathers have specific uses and often come from specially bred chickens to meet the quality desired by fly tiers. We have examined and explained the different types of hackles and their uses as fly tying supplies. Chenille is a simple and versatile material that will make a body for just about anything. The material comes in different colors, styles and sizes that are used on different types of flies. Chenille is most common for streamers but it is also used on worms, beetles, nymphs and other flies. Yarn is at the epicenter of simplicity and is abundant in fly shops and craft stores. The material has a variety of applications in fly tying ranging from a simple tag or tail to a soft egg. Several different types of yarn are available with some interesting choices for the creative and practical fly tier. Fly Tying with Foam Foam is becoming increasingly common in fly designs and although despised by traditional tiers, the benefits are difficult to ignore. Foam is extremely porous and buoyant, making a great choice for dry fly bodies. It is also durable, easy to manipulate and comes in several different sizes and styles. You can also find foam cutters for easy hopper and ant bodies. Click the header to read more about the benefits and types of foam fly tying supplies. If there is a single material decision that becomes complicated by the overwhelming number of options, it is the dubbing. Natural, synthetic and custom blends are all presented in attractive options. We have outlined the different types of dubbing, and common uses on this page. Dubbing provides options and allows you to experiment with different colors and textures. Before long you will have drawers filled with the stuff. Hooks Fly tying hooks come in numerous different shapes and sizes as designated by the manufacturer. There are several notable manufacturers and common terminology associated with hooks. Scroll down to find size charts and explanations regarding the complex hook market. Dry Fly Hooks - There are a few different styles worth noting and we have our favorites.- They are one of the leaders and have a large selection of great hooks. Every tier will use this brand at some point in time. - They specialize in bait hooks from gear fisherman but they do have a few models that we use. They are also cheap and easy to find. Hook Size Chart - We have compiled a side-by-side chart for the different hook sizes and purposes. There is also an included guide to bead sizes for the different hooks. Print this and put it above your desk for easy reference.Daiichi Fishing Hooks - We use these on a regular basis. They make a quality hook for a reasonable price and will likely be in your fly tying supplies at some point.Fly Tying Tools- Quality is Key Several tools are essential inn fly tying and quality makes all of the difference. It is easy to skimp and buy low quality tools for cheap but they will break down and require replacement sooner than the high quality versions. High quality tools last for a long time and they are much more comfortable to use. Followthe links below to read more about the important tools. - Buy quality and keep them sharp to maximize efficiency. - Buying a kit is a great way to get started and many companies provide a great value. - This is often overlooked and under appreciated. We use ours regularly to make nymph look extremely buggy. - We still whip finish with our hands sometimes but the tool is more efficient and it creates a tight head on your flies. It is a necessary tool in your bag of fly tying supplies. - They come in several different styles. We own several and use them for different purposes. Click the link to read our suggestions. - The light is an incredibly important tool and a quality model increases your pleasure at the vise. Read about our favorite models here. Fish Hook Sharpener - Increase the edge on your hook points at the vise. Sharpening the points only takes a few seconds and it makes a big difference when you set on a hard jaw.Want More? This is the tip of the ice berg when it comes to fly tying supplies. Before long you will discover a whole world of materials and may find yourself shaving the dog, cat and neighbors children. If you really want to be original and design unique flies, order a catalog from each of the major tying suppliers and invest some time in research. The options are numerous and you will find a wealth of useful materials and information. Leave Fly Tying Supplies and Return to Nomad Fly Fishing Home Check Out Our Fly Tying Patterns and Recipes Need Help Selecting a Fly Tying Vise? Check Out My Original Fly Tying Recipes |
