How to Use a Fly Tying Kit

A fly tying kit can be ideal for beginning and advanced tiers. Numerous different kit styles are available, but most come with a combination of tools and materials. The materials in each kit are selected and organized to tie a single pattern. The kits also provide basic instructions for the fly and the tools. Using a fly tying kit is not difficult, but tying the actual fly may be difficult for beginners. Choose a kit with an easy rating for your first attempts at tying flies.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Tying thread
  • Bobbin
  • Threader
  • Hooks
  • Fur
  • Feathers
  • Instruction manual
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the kit and spread out the different tools and materials on a large table. Locate the vise and look for a solid base or a C-clamp that attaches to the base. Either set the vise in a position where it is easily reached from your chair or clamp the vise to the edge of the table.

    • 2

      Locate the spool of tying thread and the bobbin. The bobbin has two posts attached to a tube. Also locate the loop-style threader. Insert the loop-style threader loop through the top of the bobbin loop. Pull a length of thread through the loop and pull the loop back out to thread the bobbin. Place one bobbin post on each end of the thread spool to secure the thread.

    • 3

      Locate the package of hooks and remove one hook from the package. Adjust the tension on the vise to a loose setting by turning the knob located near the jaws of the vise. Place the bend of the hook in the vise and tighten the vise jaws to secure the hook. Put a small amount of pressure on the hook shank to ensure it is secure.

    • 4

      Familiarize yourself with the different materials and the instructions for your chosen fly. Read the instructions and look at the pictures to identify different materials. Fine hackles are for dry flies, webbed hackles are for streamers, fur is used for dubbing, wire is used to rib the abdomen, and lead will weight a streamer, for example.

    • 5

      Follow the steps in the instruction manual for the fly. You will start the thread by making several wraps and you will secure and wrap different materials on the hook to tie the fly. Pay special attention to the portions of each material required; beginners typically use too much material and crowd the head of the fly.