Written by: Trent Jones

So, you've decided to dive into the world of fly tying—welcome! It's a bit like arts and crafts but with feathers and hooks, and the end goal is to fool some fish. Before you start googling every weirdly named tool out there (hello, bodkin and whip finisher), let's break down what you really need to get started without losing your mind—or your wallet.

1. The Essential Tools

1.1. Vise

The vise is your main companion at the tying desk. It holds the hook steady while you work your magic. For beginners, a basic rotary vise is your best bet. It lets you spin the hook around like a tiny merry-go-round, which is pretty handy when you're trying to make sure every part of your fly looks just right. Just make sure it’s got a good grip—nobody likes a vise that can’t hold its liquor, or in this case, its hook.

1.2. Scissors

If you’ve ever tried cutting hair with kitchen scissors, you know the importance of using the right tool for the job. Fly tying is no different. You’re going to need super sharp, fine-pointed scissors to trim all those tiny materials. And trust me, these aren’t your average craft store scissors—these babies are precision instruments. Look for ones with a micro-serrated edge that’ll help you make smooth cuts without the dreaded slip. And since you’ll be using them a lot, make sure they’re comfy enough for marathon tying sessions.

1.3. Bobbin Holder

The bobbin holder might sound like a minor character in a medieval tale, but it’s actually a key player in fly tying. This little tool holds your thread and keeps it under control while you wrap it around the hook. A bobbin with ceramic inserts is a must—it prevents your thread from fraying like an old sweater. Plus, you’ll want one with adjustable tension so you can get that Goldilocks level of tightness—just right. Durable and comfortable are the name of the game here since you’ll be using it more than anything else.

1.4. Whip Finisher

The whip finisher is like the cherry on top of your fly-tying sundae. It helps you tie off your thread securely, so your fly doesn’t unravel the first time it hits the water. It might look a little intimidating at first (like a mini torture device), but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever tied without it.

1.5. Hackle Pliers

If you’ve ever tried picking up a tiny screw with your fingers, you’ll appreciate the value of hackle pliers. These nifty little tools give you the grip you need to handle small, slippery materials. They’re beneficial when tying dry flies, where precision is key. Think of them as the tweezers of the fly tying world—indispensable for those delicate jobs.

1.6. Bodkin

A bodkin might sound like something out of a Shakespeare play, but in fly tying, it’s just a fancy name for a needle with a handle. This tool is your go-to for applying head cement, clearing out hook eyes, or teasing out fibers in dubbing. It’s simple, it’s versatile, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

1.7. Hair Stacker

For those times when your fly pattern calls for a bit of hair (think elk hair caddis), a hair stacker is a must. This tool helps you line up the hair tips so they’re nice and even, which is crucial for a professional-looking fly. Without it, you might end up with a fly that looks like it just rolled out of bed.

1.8. Good Lighting

Fly tying involves a lot of tiny details, and squinting at your work under bad lighting is a recipe for headaches. A decent overhead light can make all the difference, turning your tying desk from a dimly lit cave into a well-lit studio. Plus, it’s just easier to enjoy the process when you can actually see what you’re doing.

2. Must-Have Materials

2.1. Hooks

Hooks are the skeletons of your flies—they give them shape and structure. Start with a basic selection of dry fly and nymph hooks in sizes 10-16. These will cover a wide range of patterns and fish species, and you can branch out from there as you get more comfortable.

2.2. Thread

You’ll need thread to hold all the materials together on your hook. As a beginner, start with 6/0 or 8/0 thread in black and olive—these are versatile and can be used for a lot of different flies. Look for thread that’s strong enough to hold everything in place but not so thick that it overpowers the fly.

2.3. Feathers and Hackle

Feathers and hackle are what give your flies that irresistible, lifelike movement in the water. Start with a basic assortment of rooster neck hackle for dry flies and softer hackle for nymphs and wet flies. Natural colors like brown, grizzly, and dun will get you far in the fly tying game.

2.4. Dubbing

Dubbing is what you use to build up the body of your flies, giving them texture and bulk. It’s a soft, fibrous material that can be twisted around the thread or applied with a dubbing loop. Stick to natural and synthetic dubbing in colors like olive, tan, and black for your first few patterns.

2.5. Beads and Wire

Beads and wire add weight and flash to your flies, helping them sink or giving them that extra bit of sparkle. Gold or copper beads in various sizes are great for nymphs, while fine wire is perfect for creating ribbing or segmentation on your flies.

3.Kits vs. Individual Tools

Now, should you buy these tools individually or as part of a kit? Let’s break it down:

Individual Tools: Buying tools separately lets you pick exactly what you want and invest in higher quality where it counts. The downside? It can be more expensive, and you might end up with a mix of tools that don’t all have the same quality.
Kits: Kits are usually more cost-effective and convenient. You get all the tools in one go, often at a lower price. The catch? Kits can sometimes include lower-quality tools or extra bits you don’t really need. But hey, if convenience is what you’re after, a kit might be the way to go.

At the end of the day, whether you go for a kit or build your own set, the goal is to make your fly tying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Start with the essentials, and as you get more into the craft, you can add more tools to your collection. Happy tying!