Making homemade flies is almost as fun as fly fishing for many anglers! If you’re looking into making your own flies, check out this guide on fly-tying tips and tricks for beginners to get started!
Make It Easy on Your Eyes and Neck
Your workstation setup while making your flies is crucial to ensure that you’re comfortable and can work effectively. Use a light color behind your fly to make it better contrast with the background. It’s a small thing that’ll help your eyes find the line and keep you from squinting during the whole process.
Also, you don’t want to hunch over and crane your neck the whole time you’re working, so raise the vise head to a more comfortable level. A sore neck and tired eyes are common symptoms for beginners, so get your supplies set up first before starting.
Clean and Sharpen Tools Regularly
A craftsman isn’t much without the proper tools, and that’s what a fly tier is. When you’re beginning, it’s not a bad idea to use hand-me-downs or used equipment before investing in newer equipment.
However, make sure you keep your tools clean and sharp. You don’t want to be fiddling with dull scissors while working, so take the time to clean and sharpen your tools regularly. Once you’ve got the hang of tying, it’s worth it to invest in new, reliable fly-tying supplies.
Keep It Simple
When you’re just starting tying flies, all the different things you can make and craft can be exciting. However, be careful that you’re not overextending your skills too early.
Tying flies is a delicate skill, and it’s going to take a while before you master the fundamentals. You don’t want to frustrate and discourage yourself early, so stick with simple, straightforward flies at first before moving on to more difficult ones.
Learn To Whip-Finish by Hand
Some use a whip-finishing tool in fly tying, while others learn to do it by hand. As a beginner, it’s good to know how to whip-finish first before you become dependent on using the tool.
Whip-finishing by hand is more versatile and faster than using the tool. And it’ll be easier to learn it first before you get accustomed to using the device later on.
Use Available Resources
There’s never been a better time for anglers to get into tying their own flies because of all the available resources. As a beginner, you can go on YouTube or many fly-fishing forums and find intricate and detailed instructional videos from experts on fly tying.
Other anglers are probably your best resource in fishing and fly tying, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Hopefully, this guide of fly-tying tips and tricks for beginners will help you get started. Keep these fundamental tips in mind, and you’ll be catching fish with homemade flies in no time!
