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Fly-tying Materials
Improve your fly-tying by selecting the right materials for the job
Scott Sanchez
The quantity of fly tying materials available today is staggering. The wide range of choices helps us tie more effective fly patterns, but can be confusing and intimating for novice fly-tiers. Choosing the right material to suit your purpose is one of the first lessons in fly tying. Premium grade materials won't make a good flies unless they are suitable for the purpose. Inferior or incorrect materials will make your tying a nightmare.
As a general guide, I belive that a good fly-tying material should:
- enhance the appearance of the fly to both the angler and the fish
- make a fly easy and quick to tie
- be reasonably durable
- enhance the performance of a fly
- help your fly bring more fish to the net
- be relatively easy and to obtain
In this article I will highlight many of the materials available to fly tiers today, and explain how to select your materials based on the above criteria and show ways that they can be used to tie flies. Use the links at the top of this page to browse through different categories of materials, and see some suggested uses.
My years in the fly fishing business and as a commercial tier have allowed me to see and use more materials than most. Since most tiers don't have access to raw unpackaged materials, I will orient my article to helping you find the right materials on the walls of your local fly shop. I have included many brand names to make them easier for you to source. To illustrate materials more clearly, I've tied some samples with unfinished flies or a family of materials on a hook.
A.A. Outfitters
Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Angler's Pro Shop
The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer.
Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop
Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer.
Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY
19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model.
Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer"
Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials.
FREE anti-catalog.
Crystal Fly Shop Online Store
Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off.
Custom Fly Rod Crafters
Fly rod building components, tools & supplies.
Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop
Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one.
Fly Fishing Flies & Gear
Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25!
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FlyShack.com
High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping.
FlyShopCloseouts.com
Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant.
K & K Flyfishers
Win A Winston BIIX fly rod. Browse our website, then click to enter the drawing. Sage, Ross, Simms, Rio, Fishpond, etc. Many sale items 30% to 50% off. 800-795-8118
Hills Discount Flies
Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section.
Hooked On Flies
65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns!
Madison River Fishing Co.
Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog.
McFarland Rod Company
A small rod company committed to building the world's finest flyrods. Specialing in fiberglass and soft-action graphite rods.
www.ShopUltimateAngler.com
Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!
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