10 Fly Tying Hacks and Tips for Fly Tyers #1

[@gibbyutah]

What kind of magnets were you using and where can you buy them? That is a great idea. Thanks!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Dave, I've never been able to find these magnets local, but I have bought them on Ebay and Amazon. They can be a little brittle, but if they are in a static spot you should be good. The ones in the video are 10mm x 1mm, I would get them a little thicker @ 2mm. Here is an amazon link to get you pointed in the right direction. amzn.to/2LL2dwQ Cheers!

[@gibbyutah]

@@PiscatorFlies Thanks for the fast reply!!

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

@@gibbyutah I know it is two years later but here in the states Lowes and Home Depot carry them in the hardware section.

[@rider660r]

@@garrettswoodworx1873 Hell every Harbor Freight has them,they're probably the same ones from the same assembly plant in china...but cheaper. I don't get people not knowing where to look to get things they see.....they're using the interwebs to view a video to start with,right? Is it the only thing the web is for,watching vids?What's their brain used for other than converting signals to visions of what they're looking at,keeping a heart beating and lungs pumping air?.... Just looked,yeah...7.99 @ HF. There are also magnet heads you can add to your own stick handle for $4-5. I just use a old telescopic mechanics magnet I have had for decades.It telescopes and fits right in my tool drawer.

[@jamesshanley913]

check out your local hardware store. they might just sell magnets like this.

[@mikeswanner8272]

One tip I can suggest is that when I first open any type of cement bottle I take Vaseline and coat threads of bottle with it . It keep the glue from sticking to bottle and cap won’t seal to bottle, especially with super glue.

[@southernexposure123]

I love this type of videos. PLEASE turn the volume UP. Thank you. Oh, my ears work real good and on videos made by some people I have to lower my computer volume. 🙂

[@pierredilecto3516]

Excellent common sense tips. Lefty would be proud!

[@dturner2089]

Great information! My local Dollar Tree has been a useful source of inexpensive, and colorful, fingernail polish for me.

[@Justin-fs1te]

I paint jigheads with it. Smaller the head better it looks. Also some polish and alot of spray paint glows under U.V lights . I take mine when shopping cuz alot of stuff labeled uv is significantly more $$.

[@jamesshanley913]

Great tips. I've taken to wearing a chef's apron with a segmented breast pocket that is good for keeping my whip finisher, bobbin, and other small tools when I am tying. This keeps them from adding to any clutter on the bench, and the tools are actually closer to the vise than if they are off somewhere on the bench. There are other benefits of wearing the apron: head cement or UV resin mishaps end up on the apron, not your new pants, and it acts as a trimming collector that can just be folded like a taco and tipped into a trash can.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks for stopping in, James. Great tip and one I should follow. I've got a lot of clothes with glue stains on them lol. Cheers and Keep a hook in your vise!

[@Justin-fs1te]

The have to call fema after I'm done tying.

[@1dowsey]

Hi from Liverpool 🇬🇧 UK love the video thanks for posting. 🎣

[@PiscatorFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it, tight lines!

[@trevorcook3309]

Hi Darren Really like your tips, especially the spring for drying flies and the use of magnets, so simple but effective. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@PiscatorFlies]

+Trevor Cook Thanks for watching Trevor. I'm happy to hear that you were able to glean a couple tips. I'm hoping to have another one sometime in the new year. Cheers

[@edmorphis118]

When you use magnets to hold your steel tools, they become magnetized, and this becomes a problem. The way to deal with this (as well as with the static electricity on your hands when handling extremely light materials) is to keep some used fabric dryer sheets handy to wipe them down.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Ed, thanks for the tip on the static control. I'll give that a try next time I run into an issue with it. Cheers

[@jimmiecampbell4357]

First, thanks to all you "pros" for the vids, they are great. I like the idea of trimming the sally henson brush. I tye crappie & bream jigs, this a great tip. THANK YOU!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks Jimmie, That's one of my favorites too. Keep a hook in your vise.

[@thatguywiththeface1741]

Another thing you could do is get a collapsible artist's easel that has a storage compartment, it's super easy to customize however you wish using some of the tips you mention in this video, like a magnet to hold your tools while you work, a thread rack, ect. There's also many 3rd hand setups that you can use to give you that extra but of help.

[@PiscatorFlies]

That's a great idea! I think that would make a great portable station. Cheers

[@michaelogden5958]

Mongoose vise. Love mine! I'm no pro, but I tie fairly often as a hobby.

[@chrissewell1608]

Here are a few ideas: 1) Use good lighting, and even a light colored back drop panel, to reduce eye strain. (A piece of card board with paper on it works) 2) Use a bodkin to apply head cement or glues. It is a drop at a time. 3) Wet fluffy materials (ie. Marabou and flashabou), with saliva, to keep it layed down and stuck together, while tying down. 4) Keep a trash can near by, to quickly clean up debris and waste. 5) Check your threads, head cements, and paints, periodicly, to see if they are still good. They all go bad over time.

[@joeg5414]

wait, thread goes bad? I'd recommend not licking your fingers, although I do it sometimes. Seems like a bad idea after handling some of this stuff🤷‍♂CA has warnings on all of it after all 😆I try to use water now

[@phoult37]

Lots of good little tips! The sally brush is money. As is holding the broken thread with the hackle pliers. Seems so simple yet I never thought of that lol

[@PiscatorFlies]

Pat, I think the brush is the one I get the most use out of. I used to glob on the glue until I tried trimming down my brushes. Cheers

[@mikeswanner8272]

Very good tips I know of 3 - 5 of them I intend to use

[@elduderoony8171]

Can’t claim it as my own, but one guy on here showed paper punching flashabou packet up near the tie then reach in with the end of your whip finisher [or similar) and pull out the quantity you need. If you get too much just let it hang there! lol Great tips btw. Thanks dude

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks for the suggestion El Duderoony. I believe that was a tip from Tim Flagler on the TightLines channel. Great tip for the Flashabou. I'm not a fan of their packaging, but the product is pretty essential for me. Cheers.

[@kenstaring6257]

Daren,I just found your channel and am very glad I did. I'm just getting into tying and really appreciate your tips. Thanks for taking time to do this video.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Ken, thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. I'm glad that you found this helpful. I'm working on another one for later in the year. Cheers

[@seanmooney3907]

Hi Darren, I have done the same with my hackles, though I have capes so I have them sized from 24 through size 2. I keep my bodkins clean with steel wool. Love the magnet idea I just ordered some. Also love the springs for hanging flies on. I could really use those. Thanks for sharing. All the best, Sean

[@PiscatorFlies]

+Sean Mooney You're welcome Sean and thanks for suggesting the bodkin cleaner. Joe also suggested this, so I'm pretty sure it's going to be in a future video. Good luck with the other tips, hope that they help.

[@troydunn04]

You can cut insulation off of copper wire and use as hook protectors. This helps prevent getting stabbed by the hook point while tying. Just remember to take them off before you go fishing:)

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hi Troy. Thanks for the great tip. I haven't heard that one before.

[@gordonhenderson1194]

Troy Dunn I quite often get asked to tie micro trebles. This will help no end as I'm constantly mangling my fingers on them.

[@oldharry09]

Really liked trimming the sally brush and tip on flashabou 👌🏼

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hi Sean, Thanks for the comment and the sub. I'm hoping to have another 10 tips out sometime soon.

[@srcesq]

I like the hackle storage hack! I'm stealing it!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Scott Cohen, much appreciated! Steal away! Cheers

[@hounddogjonny]

Really useful ideas thankyou

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thank you Jonny Spencer, much appreciated, Cheers, see you in the next one.

[@Flyfeesh]

Looking at this man’s numerous totes of tying materials I am wondering if that’s what my that’s what my tying room will look like eventually if I can’t beat this amazing addiction hahaha

[@PiscatorFlies]

hehe I think you're in for it. what you see in the video just scratches the surface. I'll have to do a room tour one day... when it's clean enough to show. Cheers

[@johnnymccann5607]

When storing hackles put a little peace of cedar wood to keep out feather mites.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thank you Johnny. Great tip! Might be a good idea to put one in all your natural material drawers. Cheers, see you in the next video.

[@Raevenswood]

Fly tying hack #11 you can sharpen your dr slick scissors, they are even marketed as sharpen-able

[@QuiescentCookie]

You can sharpen any pair of scissors. Same with any blade. It amazes me this isn't just a done common skill for all blades.

[@mikejames663]

Like the vice spring, where can I get one? Really good tips.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks Mike. Most fly shops have the springs that you can use. I've also found some good ones at Home Depot. GL

[@christinamasino6482]

Far from original but you can grind the end of your whip finish tool into a makeshift blade; works well for cutting the thread on your finished fly so that you don't have to grab you scissors. Or, just hand whip finish and call it a day, lol

[@PiscatorFlies]

Christina Masino Thanks for the suggestion. I love that as a tip. I have done this with my whip finisher and that reminds me I need to hone that edge sometime soon. Cheers!

[@dougwebster8868]

Ever see a ring or finger knife? They work fantastic and are always right there. They come in many sizes so you can figure out the best location as not to interfere with your tying. Once honed to razor sharpness, a mere touch will part thread.

[@motocross6539]

Great video

[@PiscatorFlies]

Moto thanks for the comment! Cheers

[@FryFlier]

Hey Darren "Fry Flier" here from Stirling Ontario, how are you doing bud? Just picked up a vise again after a 8-9 years break. Doing musky and pike so I figure my almost blind eyes at the vise should be able to handle the 4-7/0 hook ties. I am subscribing to the channel knowing that I am following a tyer I have great respect for. Catch you later and looking towards learning more from you in the future. You still in the mid-west or are you back in the Wilmot and Rouge?

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hi Gary, it's been a while! I'm glad to hear that you're getting back into tying and yes, still in the same location but doing more bass and panfish than trout these days. We should wet a line when things get back, maybe meet up on the Ganaraska again in the fall. Cheers!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great tips..I’ll be using some of these. I’ve never seen the dental floss threader..good one. I just subscribed. I live in central Texas, fish for anything, but bass mostly and saltwater when I can. You have some awesome fly patterns. 👍👍 Thank you! Best wishes🎣

[@PiscatorFlies]

Awesome! Thank you! Thanks for stopping in, Charlie Boutin. Cheers and Keep a hook in your vise!

[@lambertsaldi1550]

Nice work 👍🤙

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks!

[@Stonefly222]

Thank you, very creative!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Stonefly222 thanks for watching. Hope that these were helpful.

[@tedsmith3222]

Stonefly222 @

[@kentyler966]

See you are using a Mongoose vise. I have been looking at the Spider. Looking to save some money, I only tie for myself. Your vise has a cam lock. Think it’s about 30% more for the cam style head, Any thoughts on cam vs screw lock head? Thx.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Ken, My second vise was a Spider. I still have it and use it a little for a few tasks. I have the screw version. The cam is easier to use and comes in handy when you're tying. You may be able to get a little tighter grip on the hook with the screw, but the cam does a pretty good job on most hooks. You'll start to run into trouble if your tying 2/0 or larger hooks, they can slip a little. If you're not expecting to tie too many flies, I think the Spider is great. If you do have a little extra cash to spend, I recommend going to the Mongoose. It comes with both c-clamp and pedestal base and travel case. It's a bigger vise and smoother when you use the rotary feature. Cheers

[@Braylon9494]

What’s the fly at 3:09!!??

[@PiscatorFlies]

It's a steelhead Matuka pattern. you can find tying instructions here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqPMoKCvpd-sbck Cheers

[@stewoutdoors3020]

The broken thread with the hackel plyiers is my take away. Well done.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks Stew. Glad that you were able to pick up a tip. Thanks for the sub as well. Cheers

[@Xc31]

Just unspool a bit of thread, put the end inside the bobbin pipe and suck it, bobbin threaded in 2 seconds with 1 hand. By far the easiest method. You dont even have to put the thread in, just hold it close to the hole and it will get sucked trough np.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks for the comment and tip Xc31.

[@elduderoony8171]

I do this too but the only drawback is it doesn’t work with heavier materials.....

[@dannysurette3545]

Had a girlfriend like that once. LOL

[@hookandtimberoutdoors8335]

Nice tips. Kudos!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Much appreciated.

[@ronmcneal1569]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks Ron.

[@aitorin722]

What scissor are u using in the video?

[@PiscatorFlies]

I use a 3.5" arrow scissor. These are the Dr. Slick Eco scissors - amzn.to/2nMku1Y

[@markBUMP]

Is that a bones wheels sticker on your desk? I'll have to use those tips

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hey Mark, you caught me. I do a little thrashing on my off hours as well. I have a set of Rat Bones on my current ride. Cheers

[@markBUMP]

@@PiscatorFlies I haven't skated in a few years now. I was on a board for over 20 years

[@PiscatorFlies]

I took a 20 year break, but have been skating again for a couple years. Just not as aggressive as I did in my youth. lol

[@markBUMP]

@@PiscatorFlies I miss it, still watch the videos tho lol my knees can't handle it anymore. I blew then it way too many times. I stopped shortly after I finished my pro video part for a company that never released it. I just couldn't do it anymore

[@PiscatorFlies]

I missed it too Mark. Sorry to hear about the knees. It's hard on the body. I mostly just ride lines and don't do too much that has the impact or risky. I took my kid out today and we rode a bowl for a couple hours. I hope they at least gave you a copy of the video. That would be great to have as a memento.

[@joeduca8582]

Hi Darren, what about cleaning your bodkin? After I apply any type of cement I store the bodkin in a 35mm film canister that's filled with steel wool. I drill a hole in the cap to accept the needle. It cleans itself every time you store and remove. If I had a permanent tying area I would use alot of your tips, because I don't I store my tools in a block of firm foam. I just stick them in and they stay put till I use them again. You have a nice work area. Btw, do you have an aquarium in there, I can hear the bubbles. I kinda like it, I start to drift off like I'm in a trout stream. 👍😎

[@PiscatorFlies]

+Joe Duca Thank you for the tip, Joe. These 35mm canisters are getting harder and harder to come by these days. No Aquarium, I use a track on the videos from the river. You can hear the birds once in a while too. I might get an aquarium one day, but I don't really have the room for one. I'd like to get a 50-75 gallon one one day. we will see. 👍😎

[@joeduca8582]

Piscator Flies I was going to add that about the cannisters being dinosaurs now that digital is the norm. I suppose a pill bottle could be used. A recording! I knew it. Lol, what are you, former black ops, phycological programing? I had a feeling it was a river recording lol! Oh man you are awesome! So are you a fan of Myers, you should be! Seriously that's a cool idea, I'll have to listen for the birds. 👍😎🍻 Cheers Darren!

[@PiscatorFlies]

+Joe Duca lol Yes, I'm a fan of Mike Myers work on SNL and a few of the films he did, Austin powers included. I've been a fan of SNL since I was old enough to stay up past midnight to catch it on the tube. Black ops? No no, we are merely feather dusters here. lol😎🍻

[@callumclark3358]

I stick my bodkins into the cushion seat of my chair. Always know where one is. I also know to take care sitting down.

[@martinpecheur8506]

Great tips thank you

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hi Martin. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Happy Fly tying. Cheers

[@martinpecheur8506]

Piscator Flies no need To thank me..i am learning a lot from you...also great camera work...be well

[@mikelundrigan2285]

Magnetize your steel tools so you can easily pick up hooks or flys when you want to.

[@wilmartin4686]

That was great thanks

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks Wil!

[@gregb8824]

Hi piscator, Sharpening scissors is a great way to extend their life. All it takes is an initial investment in a good sharpening stone. If not send them my way...lol. Cheers!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks for the tip, I'm going to investigate a little more, I have a couple dozen pairs that could use a new edge. I have a diamond lap stone that might work. Cheers!

[@johnkochii]

I once read that: if you cut a piece of fine sandpaper with full scissors, it would sharpan the scissors very easily. I haven't had a chance to verify if this works or not, but this might be a cheap, easy fix. I would also recommend using a thread cutter (from the sewing department) as an easy way to cut thread close to your knots. Less wear and tear on your good scissors. Your video was informative and I have now subscribed to your channel. Thx

[@PiscatorFlies]

@@johnkochii I've heard something similar to that and I can not confirm either. It would need to be a finer grit and might be a little temporary like using a steel on a knife. :) Cheers!

[@wildman9968]

awesome

[@PiscatorFlies]

Cheers Wildman!

[@Justin-fs1te]

If anybody has cats i make feather toys for the cats. I use turkey feathers and i cut the hook off a 1/32 jig head tie some on real good and tie it on one of the like barbie rods for kids mInes scooby doo. Iget to practice casting while im playing with the cats and if there's kids around make sure they all have their own. You will hear can i try more than you ever have. I have a blast with it.

[@Justin-fs1te]

I put my rare earth magnets right on the vise,so I can pin my clamps w.e I want in that position..

[@kenmartin1211]

So many Hacks so save money... Have a good friend who I say wrote the book on these tying hacks.. His thought is...Less time and money at the vise...More time on the water.. Guess it stands true..

[@PiscatorFlies]

Ken Martin, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Thanks for sharing about your friend, keep a hook in your vise.

[@harleymandk]

Got my Fly holders from Flying Tiger : nyandabout.com/en/2016/12/christmas-in-nyc-gift-ideas-under-20-at-flying-tiger.html It's sold as a memoholder - but really nice as a Fly holder (Easy to move near a window for drying)

[@PiscatorFlies]

Thanks a million, harleyman. That's a cool idea for a fly holder. I might have to give that a try. All the best!

[@ssnoc]

Do I hear water in the background?

[@PiscatorFlies]

Rob, yes you do hear water, but it's just a background track. Cheers

[@kevs918v]

one or two pair of scissors a month! wow!

[@PiscatorFlies]

I know it's a lot, but I tie a few thousand flies a month. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[@flytyer2368]

Some of your hacks seems more like your personal preferences. They are all fairly decent except for #2, the use of the spring for hanging the flies. There are a couple major drawback to using a spring, 1. You could easily break the hook point and 2. Most feather barbs WILL get trapped between the spring wraps thus pulling them off. May I suggest and length of large bead chain instead. The beads will keep the flies separated and you won’t lose barbs. I prefer to use a round foam disc that has slots cut into it around the outside. You can make one or you can purchase it from Hobby Lobby from the Jewelry making aisle.

[@PiscatorFlies]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the additional tips. The spring is good for larger flies. It's not good for smaller hooks and things like dries. The foam you mention is something I do use for my smaller patterns. I have a piece attached to my tying desk that is from a broken fly box. I used to use bead chain like you suggest. It works pretty well also. I had a couple dowels I drilled out and strung different sizes of bead chain between them. Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions.

[@rider660r]

Why not sharpen those scissors instead of going through so many,it's not hard. It's so easy a Caveman can do it. - Geico

[@reneschaap8091]

leer je scharen te slijpen dat is niet moeilijk !!!!!!!

[@PiscatorFlies]

Dat is een goed idee. Zorg ervoor dat ze niet te saai worden en houd ze altijd scherp. Dank je ... Mijn excuses voor een ruwe vertaling

[@chili1593]

Very helpful and thoughtful thanks