Fly tying tools ?

[CP]

I just started dabbling in tying some tails for spoons and jigs and well, I’m not very good it.  What are the basic tools needed to do this well?  A google search turned up a bunch of stuff that I have no idea what they are or how to use them.  They look a bit like torture implements to me.  Anyway, some simple advice would be welcomed.

Thanks

[boneaddict]

A vise to hold your hook.  a good one lets you rotate the fly or hook etc and holds the hook well.

I cant remember the order of tools in your photo, But there was a bobbin, which holds the thread spool and the thread  goes up through a little pipe, and then to your fly.   There was a tool that helps you tie good knots on the head of your hook or fly.   thread is attached to the head of your hook or fly to the spool on your bobbin.   you hook the thread with this tool and it helps you spin it and tie a "half hitch" type knot.    THere is usually a tool to help make sure you dont glue the eye of your hook.  I usually use a peacock hurl or whatever I have laying nearby to run through the eye to absorb any head cement.   You might have a tool for dubbing fibers out of your tie to make it more lifelike, and there might be one for helping thread through your bobbin or an eye of a hook.    There might have been a hair stacker, which you put elk hair into after removing under fur and "stack it so they are all of equal length.

most all can be skipped as there are manual ways to do it, such as my feather removing head cement, but all are handy and make the job easier, more efficient, and often a better product

[jackelope]

I tied flies for a while.

You need the vise on the left. You need the bobbins for the thread. You don’t need any of the other stuff. You need good quality scissors with a fine point. You need head cement. Probably a few other things.

[CP]

Thanks for the responses.  Saved me from buying a useless "kit".

Here’s the setup that scrounged up today.  Yeah, I need a better vise.  And if the bobbin keeps the thread from getting tangled that would be great too. 

Also, a pair of 5X or better reading glasses.  And a good light source.  Since I’m half blind.

Glue?  Is superglue okay? 

I’ll run by Sportsmen’s later and see what they have.

[boneaddict]

Yes, the head cement that you pay bukooo bucks for penetrates a bit better, but I found superglue (liquid, not gel) does jsut fine.   I wouldn't use it for competitive tyeing, but it makes the fly more durable IMO for real world fishing.   

[boneaddict]

If you do want to spend any sort of money at all, invest in a good vise.   They are sorta like boots or binos.   I struggled with a cheepo for years.   It made all the difference having a good one with a good base on it.  I never use the bobbin holder (thats the arm coming off of it). To me its in the way.  I suppose to each is own

[jackelope]

You want a vise that rotates.

[walt]

A vice, bobbin, and scissors is all you really need to get started.  I used the basic, stand-alone vice on the right for years but much prefer the Regal on the left. 

For scissors, like Jackelope said, get a pair with a fine tip.  I like the ones with the blue handle, you can leave them on your thumb and flip them around the back of your hand rather than set them down when tying. Not a big deal but when you’re tying a few dozen or something with a lot of materials it’s nice.   

If you buy thread at the fly shop it comes in various size/strengths.  Most commonly 3/0, 6/0, or 8/0 with the bigger the number the smaller/finer the thread.  For jigs and wet flies I’d go with 3/0. 

I don’t use a whip finish tool (the dental looking thing second from the right in your pic) just 3-4 half hitches to finish.  Head cement works a bit better than super glue but I’ve been tying flies 25 years or so and hardly ever use it, only on large streamers or steelhead flys.

If you’re passing through Spokane any time soon I can hook you up with most of the basics, I’ve acquired enough fly tying stuff over the years I could open my own shop.

[CP]

Great offer Walt, but I doubt if I’ll get to Spokane any time soon.  Thanks anyway.

I picked up thread bobbin and it is a game changer.  Way easier, if I can keep the thread from breaking that is.  After playing with the tension, it seems to be working without breaking. 

I’m not tying anything intricate, just pimping up some spoons and jigs with a bit of UV bling.

[Stein]

I used my hand to adjust the tension, once you do a few (hundred), it gets pretty easy.  With the bobbin in your palm you can squeeze more or less to get the tension you want.

I couldn't imagine tying a fly without a bobbin, that must have been an exercise in patience.

For what you are doing, wrap the heck out of it, throw a couple half hitches and a drop of super glue and you're set.

[CP]

Pimped skirts work on pinks.  But then, so does everything else in my tackle box.