tying thread

[burhan]

hi gang. i think i'm finally going to start tying some flies now. i've had a kit for over two years now and never really started. i gave it a bash once and couldn't whip finish by hand or tool to save my life so packed it in

anyway. i'm going to try again and get someone to give me lessons i think. what i'm looking for is a good value mixed selection of fly tying threads to get me started. preferably quite fine threads and also good value for money as i'll pack it in if i can't do it again. any help or links is greatly appreciated folks.

burhan

[SteveC]

Hi
Have a look at Wharfedale Angling Classics and have a chat with Steve

Uni Products 8/0 Super Midge Prewaxed Thread --- Wharfedale Angling Classics

Cheers

Steve C

[alimar]

Whats with the whip finish

I cant do a whip finish ,, never have never will ,, thats what super glue is for.

UTC 70 ,, is one of the best threads out there ,, lies flat on the hook

[Steve Walker]

I couldn't work out how to ue the whip finish tool from pictures, so I searched youtube and watched someone do it on video - no problem after that!

[SharkeyP]

Off your main query, but if you really can't get the hang of a whip finish (there are some good video tuitions online if you Google) you could tie off with two double-hitches, like David Cammiss does:

YouTube- Learn Fly Tying Lesson 1 for Beginners with David Cammiss

YouTube- Learn Fly Tying Lesson 1 for Beginners with David Cammiss

Thread isn't that expensive, just buy black, white, brown, and olive for starters (or just black in 6/0 and 8/0) to see how you get on. Then buy other colours when you need them. Handy if you have a supplier nearby you can walk into rather than paying P&P every time.

Stick at it, it becomes easier very quickly, and Trout can be very obliging, taking even a beginner's clumsy efforts, which gives you all the incentive you need to keep at it.

Good luck and show us how you get on.

SharkeyP

[Ron Clay]

Virtually all my tying thread is from Sparton - Steve Parton at 0115 946 3572.

The most common thread will probably be dark brown in 8/0 size. Use the thinnest thread you can for any type of fly. A selection of brown, black, olive, grey and white will be found very useful.

Don't give up if you can't tie a whip finish. You can finish off reasonably well by putting in two half hitches and then varnish, but make no mistake, the whip finish is far superior.

Look up fly tying with Dave Cammiss on Google. He uses half hitches.

As regards tools, I would recommend you get the Maserelli (may have spelt that wrong) style whip finisher. The C&F style is also very good. There may be a local branch of the Fly Dressers Guild in your area. They are worth joining and certainly they will welcome beginners.

Good luck and don't give up.

[arkle]

Private message sent.

[sage fan]

There are plenty of fishing clubs local to you who have fly tying evenings, not only do you meet like minded people, but you learn twice as fast as you would struggling at home, the lads tend to share thier gear if theres stuff you are short of and we also have a good crack.

[burhan]

Originally Posted by arkle

Private message sent.

thank you arkle. i've responded. much appreciated mate.

thanks to everyone for their help and pm's offering great links and advice. thank you also for that video link. it looks so easy now. what my main problem was i think is with the budget setup i have the bobbin holder used to snap the line too often even when the hook point was completely covered and the whip finish tool used to keep slipping out when i was about to finish the fly leading to great frustration

i know everyone is advising to get just a couple of colours but at £2 a pop it makes more economical sense to by a set i think. something like this Fly Tying Thread Sparton Professional 10 Pack on eBay (end time 22-Jan-10 21:10:13 GMT)

i'm not sure if it's anygood or value for money so you're imput is grately appreciated folks so keep them coming. thanks again

burhan

[arkle]

I use a lot of Steve's threads, but in the finer sizes. These are okay to start with, but if you fish #12's or smaller you'll need other types/sizes.