If you’ve always wanted to explore fly fishing, there’s no better time than to start now. The day you finally catch a giant fish is an exciting event that most anglers look forward to, but another less famous but equally celebrated instance is when you learn how to tie a fly. In ideal situations, you’ll learn how to tie a fly before netting a massive catch, but you’ll need the right tools in both cases.
When you first enter the world of fly fishing, you’ll encounter the fun challenge of learning to tie a fly. It’s not the most intuitive concept to understand, but with enough practice, time, and the right fish hook tying tool, you’ll learn to tie flies in no time. You also don’t need to spend a lot of money on fly fishing tools, as these are often quite affordable.
Here are five fly tying tools to jumpstart your fly fishing adventures:
Flying Vise
A flying vise is essential when learning how to tie flies, as it holds the hook in place as you get to work on tying it. These come in two types: the rotary and fixed vise. The former is ideal for saltwater fliers, streamers, and using deer hair in them. However, if you’d like to up your game and go professional, then you’ll want the fixed vise, as it has more stationary parts. Most beginners start with a simple fixed one that can clamp on a desk or mount into a pedestal.
Scissors
As you’ll be dealing with a lot of threads, lines, and even hair, you’ll need a pair of scissors on hand to cut these different materials. Regular crafting scissors won’t do, as the substances used in fly fishing are often sturdier and more durable. It’s best to buy a dedicated pair of scissors for the job. That way, you won’t lose track of your scissors, and you can comfortably tie your flies without worrying about cutting them.
Bobbins
Threads are finicky materials, which means you’ll need extra help in keeping them in place. That’s why having bobbins with you is necessary, as it is a tool that helps you handle the thread like a pro. It keeps the line steady, allowing you to put it through the hook.
Bobbins specially made for fly tying come in two variations: ceramic and non-ceramic. Ceramic bobbins are often a bit more expensive, but they’re dependable and perform very well. However, if you’re just starting, going with non-ceramic bobbins is the better option.
A Fishing Knot Tool
Another priority fly tying tool to keep in mind is a fish knot tying tool. Tying your tackles can be unwieldy and complicated, but with a tool like Hook-Eze, you won’t be breaking a sweat. It also eliminates the possibility of painful injuries that often occur when tying chemically sharpened hooks. The tool also comes with a stainless steel line cutter that trims up to 50lb mono and heavier braided lines, saving you from knife injuries and chipped teeth. Your fly fishing adventures will never be the same without it.
Thread
Your fly fishing experience literally cannot be completed without a thread! You’ll need plenty of thread for fly tying, especially when threading different parts of the fly fish. Threads come in all colours, sizes, and strengths, allowing you to mix and match according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Fly fishing is an exhilarating activity that’s made even sweeter with a massive catch. Getting into it can seem complicated, but with the right guidance and tools, you’ll slide right into it like a natural-born fly fisher. Keep these fantastic tools in mind, and you’re all set for embarking on exciting fly fishing adventures!
Hook-Eze is a fish knot tying tool that helps fishermen, both beginners and experts, tie their tackle easily while eliminating the potential for injury. It’s also an incredibly helpful tool for new anglers or those who struggle with finger dexterity such as arthritis. Browse our catalogue today to find your next fishing knot tool!