Basic Fly Tying Tools

Tying fishing flies is a rewarding activity for many anglers. Although there are a wide variety of specialized tools for tying flies, only a few basic tools are really necessary. You can tie most fly patterns using only the following tools.

  1. Vise

    • A vise holds the hook in place while you tie the fly pattern. Depending on the vise model, the jaws of the vise adjust using a knob or a lever. Traditional vises attach to a table of similar surface with a clamp, but many newer vises stand upright on a heavy base.

    Scissors

    • Sharp scissors with a fine point are necessary for cutting thread and other delicate fly-tying materials. A second pair of heavy inexpensive scissors can be used for cutting tougher materials that would dull the fine pointed scissors.

    Bobbin

    • A bobbin maintains constant tension on the thread used to tie a fly. It consists of a hollow tube attached to two arms that grasp the spool of thread. The arms can be adjusted to insure that the spool of thread turns only with a firm steady pull.

    Hackle Pliers

    • Hackle pliers help wrap a feather around a hook in a manner that causes the individual feather fibers to stand out from the hook at a ninety degree angle. Choose hackle pliers carefully because inferior pliers can slip or break the feather.

    Bodkin

    • A bodkin is a sharp needle-like point set in a handle. A bodkin has many uses including freeing trapped feather fibers, applying drops of glue and cleaning obstructed hook eyes.