Fly Tying 101: What You Need to Start Tying Your Own

Many people will tell you that tying your own flies can be one of the most rewarding aspects of fly fishing outside of the "Tug." Being able to tie a pattern from scratch, then take that pattern to the water and catch fish is an incredible feeling. In addition to an ego boost, fly tying also allows you to augment patterns to better mimic your specific fishery, maybe your bass key in on a specific color, or your caddis have a more rusty color than the pre-tied patterns you can buy off the shelves. Fly tying is a great way to pass the time when you can't get out to fish and a way to gather some fishing buddies for a few beers and to fill fly boxes! In this blog, we are going to break down the tools you need to build the perfect basic starter tying kit to get you whipping up fresh bugs ASAP!

The Vise

The centerpiece of any fly tyers kit, the vise is used to hold the hook you are tying on. While vise tech hasn't changed much in the past few decades, many tyers have their vise of choice whether its a rotary vise or a simple clamp.

Whip Finisher

This tool is used to help tie half hitches when you finish tying all your materials in. Stay tuned next week for our walkthrough of how to use a whip finisher properly and make sure your flies don't come apart on you after a few fish!

Bobbin & Bobbin Threader

The bobbin is used to hold your spool of thread and control the tension of the thread while you are in the process of tying flies! The bobbin threader does exactly as its name suggests, its the tool that makes threading your bobbin much less of a headache!

Bodkin

Essentially an easy-to-grip larger needle, this tool is used to manipulate materials while you're tying as well as making precise holes in other materials to feed hooks through like foam blocks for poppers or puncturing zonker strips.

Scissors

Having a very sharp pair of scissors is imperative when you are working with fly tying materials. The more exactly you are able to cut, the more control you will have over the way your flies turn out! As well as will prevent abrasion tears in your thread!

Hackle Pliers

Used when working with hackle feathers or really any material that is being wrapped around the hook but may be too delicate to do with just your fingers. By using the clip you avoid putting too much tension on the feather or material and prevents breakage. Skip the hassle of shopping and buying all of these tools and pick up the Postfly Tie One On Kit. It comes with everything above and a sweet tool pouch so you won't lose any tools on the move! Want to start tying but don't want to over-invest in tying materials? Get started today with a Postfly Tying subscription! Each month receive a new tying kit with all the materials you need to whip up a dozen (or more flies). Each month we upload a walkthrough video for the pattern, so you can learn how the Pros tie them! https://postflybox.com/blog/2018/10/18/invest-in-what-you-love-equity-crowdfunding-and-why-were-doing-it/ https://postflybox.com/blog/2017/03/09/the-6-fly-tyers-youll-meet-at-your-local-tying-night/ https://postflybox.com/blog/2018/08/23/whats-in-the-box-august-fly-tying/ https://postflybox.com/blog/2018/01/26/tying-for-stripers-a-k-a-all-about-the-bass-no-treble-hook/