Fly Tiers of the Long Table

The Fly Tiers of the Long Table (FTOLT), Mike and the guys, have set up a weekly group tying Zoom call.  

If you are looking for something to do while you’re at home, and you don't tie flies yourself, but are just needing to be entertained, the FTOLT has been successful in holding Zoom meeting tying session. The sessions are free for anybody wanting to participate. All you need to do is download the Zoom app and let us know that you want to participate. 

Email Mike Swederska  at mikesscale@gmail.com or post that you’d like to join in the Ozark Fly Fishers Facebook page or GroupsIO page. You’ll be provided with a link and can join in on the fun using your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

FTOLT on YouTube

Can’t make it out to the tying classes? The Fly Tiers of the Long Table have a large collection of videos available on YouTube.

A Guide To Tying Better Flies

I printed an article from www.thecatchandthehatch.com way back in 2018 that I still keep on by bench today. Because it’s 7 pages long, I am just condensing it down to a summary of all the things I tell new tyers… or when I am coaching an old tyer to get better. I hope it helps you in your fly tying too.

1) Invest in a good vise and tools – a craftsman cannot do quality work without quality tools. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started, but cheap tools will lead to a much longer learning curve and frustration. I don’t recommend fly tying kits – they are too generic and often contain a lot of stuff you’ll never use and not the stuff you really need.

2) Use proper proportions – IFFF has great tutorials and tyer’s guides in their Bronze Medal instructions. Some tyers make templates to help keep tails, wings, thoraxes, etc. the right sizes. One easier way is to use another hook as a guide for eye-length, shank length, and hook gap. Bugs are not as big as you think – whenever possible, do less, count your thread wraps, avoid bulk, and keep it smooth.

3) Use proper materials – There’s a reason they call it a recipe. You cannot tie quality flies without quality materials, and certain flies look and fish the way they do because they were designed with the end product in mind. This includes using the right hook for the patterns. Also, be picky when buying materials. Open the package and check it out. Not all materials are created equally.

4) Understand what you are trying to imitate – Know what the bug is supposed to look like, move like, and behave in the water. Does it float high on the water, flush in the surface, or skitter around on the surface. Does it swim freely in the water, or tumble along the bottom, or cling to rocks. Do you want your streamers to dip and dive or swim straight?

5) Practice makes perfect – more accurately – perfect practice makes perfect. Tie in dozens. Repetition with the pattern and materials will help you build muscle memory and skills.

6) Lay out your materials – get out only what you plan to use. Avoid clutter on your tying station and stay organized. Searching for the proper materials or tools over and over will not only slow you down, but will become a distraction.

7) Strive for perfection – If the tail isn’t right, it’s pointless to proceed with the fly until it is. It’s ok to start over or go back a few steps to make sure it is right before you go on. Slow down and make sure you are doing quality work the first time. Put you flies side-by-side and check for consistency.

8) CUT AWAY! – The hooks are the most expensive part of your flies (and beads if you are using them). Don’t be afraid to reject inferior flies. If you don’t like it in the vise, don’t put it in your box. You’ll wind up carrying it around and never tying it on to fish it. One of the most important tools on your bench in and Exact-O knife to cut flies apart and recycle your hooks and beads.

Mike Ott - Director Fly Tying