STRIPERSPACE.COM LOGO



Tools for Tying Saltwater Fishing Flies



This section provides information about fly tying tools. A good set of fly tying tools make the fly tyer's life a little easier. While it is not necessary to have all the tools described below, they will help you produce neat, well-tied flies.


Fly Tying Vise

Fly Tying Vise
viewed from above


Fly Tying Vise


The vise holds the hook while you tie the various materials on it that make the fly. The vise should be sturdy and not move while you are tying the fly. This means that it must have a heavy base, or be capable of being clamped on something firm. The vise should be adjustable in many dimensions so that you can position the hook in the best position for you to see and tie the fly. The best vises have rotating barrels, so that you can rotate the barrel while head cement or lacquer dries.



Fly Tying Bobbins

Bobbins

Bobbins


The Bobbin holds your spool of thread. The bobbin provides some tension allowing you to feed out the thread in a controlled manner as you wind the thread over feathers or hair and around the hook. The tension also allows you to let go of the spool and let it hang below the fly without the thread unraveling.


Fly Tying Bodkins

Bodkins

Bodkin


A Bodkin is needle with a handle. It has many uses, including applying head cement. Another use is freeing trapped hairs or hackle feathers.


Fly Tying Scissors

Scissors

Scissors


The scissors should be sharp, and have fine points, so that you can cut in tight places. They should have large finger holes.

Actually you should have two pair of scissors. The second pair should be a heavier pair that you can use for cutting feather stalks, bunches of hair, and other heavier materials.


Fly Tying Hackle Pliers

Hackle Pliers

Hackle Pliers


Hackle pliers are used to clamp onto the end of a feather, like a hackle, that you want to wind around the hook like you do when tying a "Woolly Bugger". Hackle pliers come in a variety of forms. The most important quality of hackle pliers is that they have smooth precise jaws that grip the hackle, or any other material firmly, without damaging it.


Fly Tying Hair Stacker

Hair Stacker

Hair Stacker


When you cut a bunch of bucktail, put the whole bunch in the hair stacker, blunt ends first. When you tap the stacker on a hard surface the blunt ends fall to the bottom and align.


Fly Tying Whip Finisher

Whip Finishing Tool


Whip Finishing Tool


This device helps you get a good tight
tie-off of the thread at the head of the fly. I find that with a little practice, you can do a whip finish better and faster, using your fingers and a bodkin.







Follow this link to see: Fly Tying Vices available on Amazon.com


Follow this link to see: Fly Tying Tools available on Amazon.com




To see a photo of a fly tying bench that includes many of these tool follow this link: Fly Tying Bench






      





Link back to the top