contain an amount of tying material
that can easily make enough flies to
offset the cost of the kit. However, keep
in mind that in order to keep the price
low, the tools included in kits are often
lower quality than if you bought them
individually. If you know fly-tying is
something you will take a continued
interest in, you may want to consider
assembling your own collection of
tools and materials.
Regardless of whether you are
buying a kit or assembling everything
yourself, you will need a fly-tying vise
to hold your hook, a bobbin to hold
your thread, a bobbin threader, a pair of
scissors, a set of hackle pliers, a bodkin
and a whip finish tool. With these tools
you will have everything you need to
get started.
The instructions and photographs
on pages 50-51 give you a good start
into the world of fly-tying. While it
makes sense to start at the beginning, I
recommend working backwards for a
moment. The No. 1 obstacle beginners
struggle with is finishing their flies.
Nothing is more frustrating than
spending the time to tie a perfect fly
and having it ruined at the last moment
by an unsure hand with the whip finish
tool, or worse, making a few casts with
your fly and watching it come apart. It
is important to develop your skills with
the whip finish tool (see pages 50-51)
before attempting your first fly.
Start with a bare hook and begin
your thread at the eye of the hook by
making a series of overlapping turns
with the thread. Now, practice by
making a series of whip finishes. You
can practice the whip finish hundreds
Hunching over a fly-tying desk, reflecting on the year's fishing, and dreaming
of the fishing to come is a pleasant way to spend a cold winter night.
inners
OCTOBER 2017 • NEBRASKAland 47
