5 MORE Things You DON'T Need in FLY TYING!

[@TimCammisa]

One thing you ABSOLUTELY need: My fly tying book! Learn more here: www.troutandfeather.com/new-products/fly-tying-for-everyone-book

[@marcmcdonald7401]

Another great video. Tim says he likes to hear from folks who watch his videos --and he means it. I sent him an email asking a question about something he said in one of his videos (about the placement of flies when Euro nymphing) and he gave me a very thorough and helpful answer via email within 24 hours.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Marc, and feel free to share this video with your fly tying friends! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@johnnylightning1491]

True story. I was out fishing with one of the prettiest women I have ever known. I ran a hook in my hand, way past the barb. OK time to call it a day. Unfortunately the motor wouldn't start to get us the half mile or so across the lake. Fortunately the woman I was with was not only beautiful but very fit and was able to row us back across the lake. I went home, spent the night on the couch so I wouldn't thrash around and injure myself any more and had the doctor remove the hook the next morning. I guess the moral of the story is that if I had been fishing with barbless hooks I could have continued my fishing date with a beautiful woman, not had to pay the doctor to remove the hook and might even have caught some fish. Keep the good stuff coming buddy.

[@SavageFlies]

This is a great list! I'm glad to see your thoughts on tying with your scissors in your hand. It's always been too cumbersome for me to pull off.

[@TimCammisa]

I know what you mean, Matt...but you are an expert tier, so I'm sure you can do it!! :-) I hope all is well with you and my offer still stands of having you on as a guest. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@brucevansickle2645]

Tim, As usual another great and light hearted video short. The emphasis on barbless cannot be over stressed! When I returned to Washington State from Okinawa in ‘83 barbless hooks were mandatory. I have been fishing barbless hooks consistently and if I lost a fish it was my fault not the hooks. 👍🤣

[@Gordon1432]

Tim, I loved this video and especially liked your encouragement of using barbless hooks. Two weeks ago my buddy and I fished in Missoula using Blackfoot River Outfitters. We had a terrific time! I was pleasantly surprised to learn that all of their guides as per company policy have gone barbless! How great is that!!!

[@jamesvatter5729]

Ha! The hackle gauge was third on my list. My fly tying room has a horde of non-fly shop materials I've accumulated over the years. That said, I hope the audience understands the important role these Mom and Pop shops play and patronize them when they can. My local shop closed and it stinks having to drive long distance or order online.

[@francishagerty7539]

Thanks, Tim. The only reason I buy barbed hooks is the price. I don’t know why barbless ones cost more, but I flatten the barb before I tie each fly. Thanks, again, for your videos, Frank

[@Serioussam1215]

Cannot agree enough with you on all points especially the scissors and barbs. I stopped using barbs in 2013 on an excursion with my father to Trout Hunters in Idaho. I've never looked back since. Thanks for all the tips.

[@blackflycreations]

👍Agree! I do use barbed hooks for Musky & Pike only because there SO hard to catch. However if I think it's going to harm the fish removing the hook, I'll pinch the barb. Tight lines Tim👌

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for mentioning this, and I feel the same way...but still go barbless. I will be chasing musky next week and can't wait! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@jerryg957]

I use a Dremel tool for de barbing an putting a little extra sharpness on the hook. Although all new hooks are bought barbless. Thanks for your tips and tricks.

[@stephenrosenfeld833]

You must be more coordinated than me. I ruined a few hooks with my Dremel and went back to crushing them with needle-nose pliers.

[@jasonveness6647]

Love the comment on using barbless hooks. Don’t need them dont use them.

[@MrSofthackle]

I debark hooks by mashing the barb down with a pair of forceps. However for dry dropper rigs I keep a barbed hook because my knot will always slide off. I could probably glue the knot to the bend of the hook. Does this work?

[@ttrengrove]

Where did you get that cool hat with the plastic band at the front?

[@SavageFlies]

This made me laugh. I literally LOLed. 😂

[@TimCammisa]

So glad you asked, Tim, it's a Stio hat...and all about fun! It's even perfect to wear that way when fishing (sacrilegious!). HA! Hope all is well, and I promise you'll never take the fun out of fly fishing for me. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@jeffprice4611]

Something I bought years ago that never gets used is a parachute gallows. I tried it and it just got in the way so it’s in a bin somewhere amongst other items items like a bobbin threader.

[@lonewizzard8456]

Barbless in case that I impale myself. Tie with scissors in hand for efficiency if ya like. I like the hook/hackle gauge for sizing misplaced hooks. Finding those craft/thrift store fly tying materials is a thrill. Home made tying tools and diy all the way.

[@TimCammisa]

I love finding those random materials, then transforming them into my daily tying...so cool! Are you able to share any other ideas on "things" in fly tying that you don't use anymore? Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Droptineful]

Great tips!👍🏻🇺🇸

[@JohnDoe-yb4lp]

New to the channel which is the best fly tying vise on the market?

[@NeilgRichardson]

I use barbed hooks when I am tying a dropper off the bend in the hook, or you will lose your dropper. In New Zealand we fish a lot with dry droppers, its also easy to crush the barb on your dropper fly with your forceps when you tie it on, you van have choices depending on the situation.

[@mattlittle3330]

Amen to the scissors in hand comment! For years I have been harassed by grumpy "experts" that say all good fly tyers keep their scissors in their hands, and none of them could tie half the flies I tie. So much safer to keep them on the bench. I know one guy that keeps his scissors and bodkin in his hand at the same time. Geez, he probably microwaves his pop tarts too because the 45 seconds in the toaster is just too long. =] Thanks Tim

[@TimCammisa]

Ha ha, now that Pop-Tart comment made me smile! Glad you and I are on the same page...until you see me tying with scissors in hand during a video. ;-) Then you're free to call me out. Hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Hi Tim , Right on . But you have to remember new tiers either go to a class or watch KZbin to learn in most cases the basics of tying . Shops sell all this stuff you don’t need that’s part of the process . I can’t tell you how much stuff I’ve tried of the last 30+ years of tying that in some cases I don’t even remember what it’s used for . Fly tying / fishing to me is like any other sport you find what works for you and go with it . The good thing or bad thing is there are lots of people out there who have there idea of what’s right and what’s not that’s what’s makes you channel good , your opinion matters and let’s you viewer draw there own conclusions or at least think about what there doing . Thanks for the video Still prefer a whip finish tool over hand whip finish and use them both :-)

[@coreystoner4129]

I use very few barbed hooks but when I use them it’s usually for steelhead and articulated streamers in all honesty. Most of my flies are tied on barbless hooks

[@lambertsaldi1550]

Tim Great Review 👍 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸 Good Luck too all on the water The Vermonter

[@imaxfli]

Love this guy!!!!

[@jeffprice4611]

My preferred method of mashing a barb is with my vise, before I tie on it. I use mitten scissors clamps for on the water. They have a smooth section on the tip. A barb basically doubles the diameter of the hook at the top of it. This why a barbless hook gets better penetration.

[@FlyfisherStreams]

Good vid man!!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks so much, appreciate the kind words! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@GeorgeSemel]

Gee's I've been using a coffee grinder to blend dubbing back it the '80s! KZbin can be both good and bad when it comes to fly tying and fishing. A fly shop that will remain nameless, has a guy that posts videos and links to all the materials you need and the latest you need things, like the Swiss CDC twister or Clip, it's marketing. and if you drop 80 a week it keeps Squatch in kibble. Just kidding- Fly tying has always been a hobby where you get to spend money, it's just the nature of things. It's not like we are breaking into museums and stealing rare feathers! There is a bit of packrat to the hobby, damn ever so often I find bags of stuff I bought including the receipts going back 40 years that just got buried in all the other stuff. I found some # 26 Vince Marinaro Midge hooks that I bought in 1982 just the other day- nice memory of a fly shop that is long gone and the fellow that had it, he died too young. He would close for two weeks in September and fly off to CO and fish the frying pan. So buying stuff can be a good thing and it reminds us of our youth I was 27 in '82 and fond memories of friends are long gone. Want Tim has very little to do with want.

[@dakotahbishop6308]

I usually tie a few flies of every pattern with barbed hooks for when I want to take a fish home for dinner.

[@ShortyOnTheFly]

I always suggest potential substitute materials in my videos so I agree with you most wholeheartedly on that one. My suggestion for what we no longer need in fly tying is undue reverence for some "classic" materials. Chadwick's 477 and urine burned vixen fox fur come to mind. But you know that Frank Sawyer was sitting there one night and yelled to his wife, "Yo Hon! You got any yarn you're not using?" And suddenly it becomes this mythical material. Is the Sawyer Killer Bug really any more effective than say, Walt's Worm?

[@larrylarson6848]

For a barbless hook I bend the barb flush with the hook with needle nose pliers.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Larry! I look forward to hearing more on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@joannebaird4946]

I use small side cutters, or needle nose. Every spring go through your fly boxes, the barb return until they get cut off. Our wardens will measure squat barbs.

[@TheKrazykris]

My issue with barbless hooks is that no-one local carries them. Anyone know of a good on-line store for barbless?

[@ellismick3642]

Green Caddis. I have been on a barbless kick for several months now because I have not been tying for years

[@jeffprice4611]

I use my vise jaws to debarb a hook before placing it.

[@joannebaird4946]

Same problem in eastern Canada. Barbless only required for salmon fishing. Barbed used in lakes, ponds, and salt water.

[@TheKrazykris]

@@joannebaird4946 the problem is that I occasionally fish in fly-fishing only areas. These require barbless hooks, and all it takes is one barb in the fly box to get busted.

[@pokeversexiong6737]

I use barb when i plan to keep fish on and take fish home for dinner.. Otherwise i usually debarb.

[@TimCammisa]

That's a great point and I appreciate you sharing with others. Thanks for continuing the conversation. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@charlottesimonin2551]

Really hate to use barbed hooks. Have killed fish that I wanted to release. Like the way you think about fly tying.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Charlotte, you and I are on the same page there, thanks for your thoughts. So I'm curious: What "thing" can you give up when it comes to fly tying? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@mattsflytying2816]

100% agree

[@mrtankless5231]

Thanks man! Super appreciate it and love you videos and your 7 deadly sins with Tom!

[@TimCammisa]

Appreciate the kind words, Andy, thanks! My most recent podcast with Tom was a blast, here's the link: orvisffguide.libsyn.com/modifying-flies-with-tim-cammisa Hope all is well. Tim

[@edherrmann182]

My wife would never let me live down swiping her coffee grinder. So…… I went to the goodwill store and bought one for 3- bucks. I find lots of stuff in the goodwill store or Salvation Army stores that I can use as accessories to my tying desk. I’m always looking for colored yarns that are inexpensive. Now if I could only find colored chicken or rooster feathers. As far as your lists of what I don’t need, it’s too late. I have a lifetime of collecting this or that just to tie a fly. Now if only I could figure out how to incorporate all these colored turkey flats🤔

[@Scroni547]

Try Hobby Lobby (or any craft store) for colored feathers. I find them all of the time.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Ed, I'm sure you know there's a LITTLE bit of sarcasm in the videos, right? ;-) Great suggestions and thoughts, though I have to ask: Can you name something that you haven't used in years? I'm sure you can and look forward to your reply! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@troutbum21]

You hit the nail on the head about the barbless hooks, Tim. And Muskies have such bony, hard mouths that the extra penetration you mention far outweighs any benefits from the barb.

[@TimCammisa]

I'm glad you mentioned that, as they are my current gamefish to pursue. If you have any other muskie tips, send my way, please! [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@stevesok8917]

I prefer barbed hooks. The barb is so small yet people make it out to be a bigger deal than it actually is mostly because there is a hive mentality in this sport. Its actually pretty sad to see American fly tyers go out of there way to show the viewers they crush the barb because of fear of being shamed.

[@dougfett9842]

Tim gave a couple of good reasons to prefer barbless hooks. You say that you prefer barbed hooks but don't say why and insinuate that if you debarb a hook it is due to peer pressure. ??? If you prefer barbed hooks, that's fine, but please, rather than disparaging those who debarb books, give your reasoning for your preference.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Steve, and as I love to say, the beauty of fly fishing and tying is that we each get to choose our own paths. As a fly fisher and tier for over 30 years, I believe there are many things that I can improve upon, and barbed hooks is one I wish I had jumped to earlier. In my years of guiding and experience on the water, I've witnessed way more instances of improper hook extraction with barbed hooks, especially when the fish was hooked deep. If you have a resource for others to use when it comes to proper removal, I'd be happy to share. Feel free to email me: [e-mail] Thanks again for your thoughts. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@stevesok8917]

@@TimCammisa Sometimes fish swallow hooks it happens no matter what you are fishing for. No matter what way you slice it fish die no matter what way you fish its not a gentle sport despite the elegance of fly fishing, remember you are still "fighting the fish" not tickling them with the feathers.

[@joannebaird4946]

Preferences matter little when large fines and individual fishing bans, multi year, are being enforced. I've been cutting barbs since 65. Don't care what the person next to me does. Their business. I get upset when I find blasting caps in pools.

[@markconsiglio9389]

500$ Whiting Cree Neck Hackle

[@cenobitetoastcrunch8803]

Coffee grinder?! I didn't see nothin!! 😂 My kids always give me their old (and usually amputeed) Barbies to use the hair for streamers and jigs. *Hint* the neon purple barbie hair is deadly for Steelhead streamers! I've always wondered what percentage of Sally Hansen's revenue is generated by Fly tyers.

[@rickbobrick6573]

100% on barbless hooks. There is no need to remain a Barb-barian. Barbless or de-barbed hooks are better for the fish (less handling, quicker release), much easier to remove from clothing, vest fabric, net, human tissue, better for the flies themselves due to easy removal, and allow you to be a more efficient predator.

[@HondoTrailside]

I don't like barbless hooks, I prefer debarbed hooks. The difference is that when the barb is flattened there is a little remaining bump that will hold the hook in far better. The worst is a debarbed hook that is not properly flattened, because the barb lays back and can actually be worse to get out. The reasons for barbed hooks come down to the objective, and the kind of fish: 1), we have gone so hog wild on fish releasing (which I virtually always do), that we have forgotten that the only convincing argument on the ethics of fishing ends up with a fish in a pot somewhere. Catch and release is fish torture, and it allowed the sport to grow so much that it is now daily, or hourly fish torture. Oz just banned bowhunting in one of their provinces, at the whim of a politician who had been reached by a constituant/activist. Catch and release fishing is not more defensible that dog fighting. People just haven't fully realized it yet. 2) If you are killing the fish, you want don't want to have it come off; Though is it is a vulnerable species like a trout, and you will cull it or be forced to release it by say slot limits, they it makes sense to still fish debarbed. Since all my flies are debarbed, I wouldn't have barbed ones around so I don't even end up violating law somewhere. 3) Some fish can take a lot of punishment, I once caught a very large smallmouth and we kept it on a stringer to eat the next day. But I decided to release it that morning, it was lying on a ledge in the water, but we had not trouble releasing it and reviving it, and it seemed to do well as it swam away. Bass don't seem easily damaged like some fish, but the spot they are hooked often opens up a little, so the barb holds it in, even though when it comes to the release it is easy enough. However, all my hooks are barbless. 4) Records, that will be released. If you catch a fish that jumps a lot and has a hard mouth, and is relatively rugged, you want to keep it on the hook if you are fishing for a record. And as people usually measure and release, the fish will be OK in the end.

[@icefisher1171]

I use barbed and always will. I also fish to eat. And if you can't get a hook out without destroying the fish, maybe you shouldn't be fishing. Or should learn to be a bit more delicate.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Kyle, that's the beauty of fly fishing and tying: We each get to choose our own paths. In my years of guiding and experience on the water, I've witnessed way more instances of improper hook extraction with barbed hooks, especially when the fish was hooked deep. If you have a resource for others to use when it comes to proper removal, I'd be happy to share. Feel free to email me: [e-mail] Thanks again for your thoughts. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@joannebaird4946]

I keep my limit. I also hook and release. I've been known to use light wire, barbless hooks that straighten easily. Two jumps gone. Maximum size limit makes for different fishing. Yearly limit salmon three fish up to 63cms. 6.6 lbs approximately. I can retain 19.8 lbs or 3 3lbs, 9 lbs or any combinations. I release all fish 59 cm or less. Also all large fish, the best breeding stock are released. We also are llimited on release, 3 a day.

[@djuengst2000]

I have liked using barbed hooks and when the hooks are larger say size 14 and bigger I never had a problem getting the hook out. However, the small flys say less than 18 have been harder to remove. Of course it depends on the hooks you tie on. I’ve noticed on smaller high quality hooks the barbs are quite small but I guess then do they need to be there at all.

[@Flies_the_limit]

Hackle gauges are so cheap lol. Dont need an expensive one. Even if theyre not gauged right youll learn right away whether or not you should upsize or downsize. You also never need to remove the hackle from the skin. Sure you dony NEED one but for its cost and effectiveness id say by all means get one.

[@TimCammisa]

Appreciate the comment and suggestion, thanks! Now for the important question: Favorite hackle color?? I'm going grizzly!

[@mddmdd4766]

Hackle Guard.

[@TimCammisa]

Oh yeah, that's one thing I haven't used for way too long!! Do you still tie a lot of flies Catskill-style? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@KevinJohnson-ge5xs]

Barbed hooks = trout almondine

[@billpayeur7982]

Am I the only person that has never used a bodkin?

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Bill, great question! There are about 100 uses for a bodkin, but interestingly many of them can also be carried out by another tool. That's the beauty of fly tying: We each get to choose our own path. Enjoy! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@blackr0se]

one thing we dont need.... another fly fishing book of 168 pages for $25. yikes.

[@lincolnparmer9708]

$95.00 nippers

[@TimCammisa]

Ha ha, easier said than done...I'll be sharing a video of fly fishing nippers in the future. So what about on the tying bench, what can you give up? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@terrybois5006]

Tim, turn your hat around.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Terry, that's the way I love to wear my hat (sometimes even when fishing!). This is all about having fun, learning, and sharing with others...hope it is for you, too. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@kennethwade3639]

Love the suggestions. One observation…beginner fly fishers probably prefer barbed hooks. They make mistakes bringing in the fish & lose them. However, once they have satisfied themselves catching enough with barbed hooks, they take mercy on the fish (and themselves when they hook themselves 😂)& begin using barbless hooks. You are right, they go into the fish easier & for sure are easy to get out m. And fish everywhere recommend barbless hooks! 🤗

[@kennethwade3639]

😂😂🤣🤣😂

[@kennethwade3639]

Tim is hoping someone will invent something that will keep the sun out of his eyes so he can see deeper into the water! 😂. The reversed hat is almost Tim’s trademark. He’s still young. Keep it the way you have it. 😁