Fly Tying Tips - Top 10 Essential Tips for Beginners!

[@melissaspake7727]

I’m still VERY new. I have only been tying for about 3 months. I do have a friend who has taught me a LOT! But I actually learn more watching guys like yourself who take the time to EXPLAIN step by step how to create flies. There are TONS of guys out there who put out videos that are interesting but absolutely USELESS if you are trying to learn. All they do is toss it together and newbies like myself are left with a huge question mark because they never mention materials, hook size/style, WHY to use that type of hook/material etc. There are about three channels I watch DAILY and will sit in front of my vice, and literally tie as you tie. I can pause, fast forward, rewind etc.. it has taught me SO much. Even more than my Friend Alfred. The only advice I could give content creators is EXPLAIN, WHY am I using this hook, WHY am I using squirrel as opposed to possum or Muskrat, why hares ear instead of yarn etc etc. I am a BIG ‘why’ person. I love to understand the mechanics of things, how and why they work the way they do. Lol, my friend Alfred has told me on numerous occasions that my flies will definitely catch fishermen but will they catch fish.. the answer to that question is YES 😉

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@donpinette5033]

The personality kid. Love listening to this guy.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks!!

[@johnnylightning1491]

Good stuff Brian. I couldn't agree more not to buy a bunch of tools. That said, some cheap tools are just fine, like bodkins (use dissecting needles) and whip finish tools. Bobbins and scissors are definitely not places to scrimp. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to cut thread or materials neatly. Keep the good stuff coming buddy.

[@Kim-bq2xu]

Started tying in the early 70’s still have my Herters bodkin. Amazing to see what the last 50 years has happened to fly tying still love it like the day I discovered it!

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

That's cool! Is it the one with the hook on the other end?

[@bluetoad2001]

excellent tips. glad someone added this vid. i hope all new tyers watch

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks so much!

[@Swamp-Fox]

You may not do many "Top 10" videos, but I sure am glad you did this one! Thanks for all of the great tips!

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Glad you liked it!

[@DrWatson2798]

All good tips Brian. Even for someone who's been tying for a few years these are good reminders. I've learned a lot of these the hard/incorrect way. Couldn't agree more with tip #10-Shout out to Craig & crew at T.Hargrove Fly Fishing in St. Louis

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Good crew!

[@kerrypitt9789]

Some shops actually carry "Pattern Kits!" I like them because they come with patterns that are easy enough to tie and they come with enough materials to tie a dozen as well as a tied fly that lets you see what you are tying! They give you enough material to tie your dozen with some left over. I teach tying and the WB is my favorite pattern to start with. I started tying in 1969 I lived in British Columbia out of the mainstream. My Dad bought me the only tying kit available was one of those Mothball scented first time kits. Pressed steel vise, not a bad Bodkin, cheap pressed steel hackle pliars. No Bodkin, there is probably another tool but I don't remember. It took me nine years to find a bobbin and what it did! No television but my Mom bought me a book about tying flies by Helen Shaw! She lit up my room and the expertise of her knowledge was just mind boggling! From the day I found it, I was just astounded! Materials I discovered made tying so much fun and helpful!. So many Tyers give up when they get to that point! Don't do that!! You are about to get better! Tools will begin to accumulate as will materials! Don't give up! Don't quit! Find a tying club or a mentor as is recommended here. Learn to cast and present flies! I had the disadvantage of no video availability. KZbin would not be out for many years! Young people miss out on videos a poor haven for old men, or men like me! Remember one more point! Practice makes "permanent!" Take the time to know what we need to "practice!"

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Love it!

[@garrydurfey9700]

These are great tips and as you said, even for someone who has been tying for a while. Nope, I didn’t learn how to use a dubbing loop way back when….but am now. Great video.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks for watching!

[@HawgRed]

I have been tying jigs for just under a year and I chuckled at most of these...yep I figured them out the hard way. Great video!

[@CALCANEUS3535]

Great tips indeed. I’ve been tying for a few years and have decent proficiency. Even now, when I tie, I tie at least 6 of each pattern I connect with. It is fun to ad lib and freestyle but when I stumble on a new pattern I like, I will tie at least half a dozen of that pattern to make a “set”. I do this even with patterns I’ve “mastered” (parachute Adam’s, PTNs, buggers, etc. ). Committing to at least 6 of each pattern per session really has helped to engrain the motor memory and consistency with my tying.

[@scottcollette2755]

I love these types of videos that you make! Great reminders for people who have been tying for a while, a great list of things to consider when starting, and a great place to "start over" for people only a couple years into tying.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Join the channel for MONTHLY FLIES, Sneak Peeks at upcoming Videos, and generally cool stuff:😎 kzbin.info/door/H9Ra827nueyjCl3h7aLwvAjoin

[@robertfrancisco1193]

i am a newbie @ this game and i like the way you think. now i may have a cool approach to making wet flys and nymphs. mostly a trout fisherman i will make 6 up with a little flash and stile and hit the stream. now after trying all 6 during the week i see what works and what don't. what looks good to my eye may not work but the ones that do I'll keep around until they are gone. i have been fishing for trout for over 50 years mostly with homemade spinners and after all them years i have come up with i would say around 35 stiles that you can go any were and catch fish. going to apply the same principle and try to come up with maybe a dozen or so that will drive the fish wild on any day! (looks good on paper anyway.) have fun and thanks for them tips.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Very cool!

[@jerryg957]

Thanks for taking the time to post, practice and more practice.

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

Awesome list brother!

[@dem72011]

Thank you! You are a great teacher. My mentor Lou has helped me enormously.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thank you for watching!

[@wnctroutbum]

So helpful, thank you.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OscarOverlanding]

Thank you.

[@docleedc]

Such great info!!

[@mikehester4163]

Brian, you are my mentor..

[@BobBohner4851]

Those are really FANTASTIC!!!! All very true

[@snakeoiler2921]

You have my attention. Scribed.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks!

[@tonymccall2162]

I’m 70+ years and started tying in my 20’s and wish I had known this 50 years ago when I started. 50 years of tying and I’m still learning. Thanks for doing such a useful video.

[@melissaspake7727]

My Grandfather always told me that the day you stop learning is the day you die.. a very good friend of ours who just celebrated his 80th birthday is who got me into it. We tie very difficult styles, I tie more Crappy lures and Trout, and he really like foam poppers.. but we have both still learned so much from one another. It’s a blessing to me to see others in the hobby who have been at it as long as you. I get frustrated with myself because I tend to be a perfectionist and can’t accept that my flies that I have been now tying for several months do not look as nice as the ones these guys on line are showing.. have a blessed day and happy tying!

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks for sharing!

[@truenorthtrout]

As always- great job!! Thank you for your continued excellent videos-😊

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thanks, man!

[@chrisbukowski9434]

Nice job thanks

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thank you too!

[@TessySchuh]

I have taken 3 classes and have mastered the basic. Watching videos etc. Waiting for the rest of my materials to show. Stores are getting costly, and I'm ready to rock and rool

[@jfergpermit777]

I see the fly artwork that was sent to you on the wall behind.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

I love my wall!

[@alexhendrick8288]

Between tightline ... Kelly and you Brian why would we need a mentor lol😂

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

😎

[@douglynch9012]

I can't imagine fishing and not tying flies. You're limited by your imagination and you're going to be able to customize your flys and lures to your local waters. I've been tying now for 47 years and learned to tie without a vise. No internet was available when I started but I was able to access books by various tyers. I learned from people like Dave Whitlock and I'm still learning today from guys like Andreas Anderson, Kelly Galloup, Gunnar Brammer and you Brian Wise to name a few. Always keep an open mind.

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@richardroadcap7957]

Use 2 lights for tying. You can't tie what you can't see. And get a quality rotary vise.

[@66Cardiff]

Here are a few more: Don't buy hook organizers. Leave the hooks in the original pack so the brand, size and hook number information is on the pack (organizers take up a lot of space). Same with dubbing. Presort hackles into plastic storage bins by size (this will speed up tying and you can prep a lot of feathers). Put your lead wire/lead substitute in a bobbin. I wrap lead wire onto the hook using a bobbin and have ZERO waste lead. No lead goes into the trash. When beginning your thread onto the hook, tie the thread in short. I see people cutting 6 inches of thread off and throwing it away for each fly. That is a lot of waste going into the trash over the life of the spool. Starting out, buy materials you will need for flies you will use. Don't buy into the next greatest thing. And if you have a friend who ties, share materials. I give you some stuff, you give me some stuff. Most flies will catch a fish so don't be so hard on yourself if it is not perfect. Keep practicing the same pattern over and over. One last thing. Bulk materials from china like bags of marabou and hackle are just junk. Random crap thrown in a bag. Buy quality, it will save you money in the long run and make tying so much easier.

[@Boon-ie1rq]

We're all cut our threads. Even the best tyers do. 😂

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

You are not wrong!

[@joshuaneal4125]

Tip #11 how to explain to your wife why you need to spend more money on matterials

[@flyfishingtheozarks]

Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. 😉

[@charlieboutin3341]

@@flyfishingtheozarks😂No doubt!👌 (Wife) What’s this $120 Flyline? (Me): It’s only $10 a month for a year 😅 Sounds much better..she just doesn’t know it’s the 5th one I’ve bought for different rod sizes 😬 (*she knows 😂)