One of the reasons I love fly tying is because of creativity. Not only with the fly fishing fly pattern being tied, but how it is tied. Pushing the limits while at the vise, requires tools. Scissors, bobbins and a whip finisher are the standard tools typically found on a tier’s desk. However, there are other tools required for certain techniques of tying discount flies. After tying fly fishing flies for over 20 years and having patterns commercially tied, these are tools that are always in reach when I’m in the lab.
Bic Lighter- Not only great for lighting your Ocean Breeze candle, they have a use on a tying desk. I use a lighter to clean the dried glue off the end of my bodkin. I’ll also heat the tip of a bodkin and put it in the eye of a hook to burn any excess material.
Stonfo Comb/Brush- One end of this tool is a piece of stout Velcro, and the other end is a fine comb. Perfect for brushing out nymphs, streamers, dries, deer hair, craft fur. Did I miss anything? Two tools in one, also helps to keep your desk freed up.
Tooth Pics- AKA disposable bodkins. I like to use tooth pics for coating heads of the fly fishing flies with epoxy or silicone.
Material/Dubbing Clip- These clips allow you to make your own, small, dubbing brushes that are great for streamers, nymphs and dry flies. I often use these clips for making rabbit strip collars on streamers. CDC can also be added in these clips and spun in nymphs and dry flies.
Double Edge Razor Blades- Obviously good for a clean, precise cut after whip finishing and cutting deer hair. They are also good cutting foam. Small pieces of sheet foam are great to use for your hi-viz dry flies. I also use razor blades to cut zonker strips in half (down the middle) for micro streamers.
Solarez Bone Dry- This super thin uv resin penetrates thread and cures in 10 seconds and like its name says, bone dry. Perfect for any fly fishing fly that has exposed thread without adding bulk.
Peak Hook and Bead Cup- This one is simple but will save you the headache of looking for dropped beads and hooks. Ask me how I know… This makes large production of fly fishing flies like nymphs with beads much easier…. Again… ask me how I know.
