Tying with mono

I've just started using 4lb test to tie with and was wondering if anyone had experience with mono. Any drawbacks or little tricks I should know? Thanks.

It all depends on what you are going to use the mono for.
If you are going to use it for a rib etc, gnaw the end you
are going to tie down first, jt will give the tying thread a
better hold. I suppose you could crimp it with a pair of
pliers. but I never have the patience to look for them.

its going to be more slippery than regular tying thread

it does not lay flat like regular tying thread

limited colors

when using it for a rib, tie it in and leave a short tag that can be doubled over and wound over to lock the rib in place.

I use mono instead of thread for lots of saltwater flies, especially when tying with synthetics. Pretty easy to work with, I usually add a drop of cement as I'm binding materials down.

Regards,
Scott

Mono tying thread is offered in two sizes- fine (7mm) and extra fine (4mm) and often in two colors clear and smoke. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The color of the materials under the thread will show through which is often attractive.

Mono thread has a different yield point than the nylon and polyester threads which will take some time getting used to. In other words the amount that it stretches before breaking is quite differ than the usual tying threads. Also it remains round which means that it will bulk up on the hook much more if you use excessive wraps.

A unique feature of mono as a tying material is its transparancy. When applying thin, stick-on, plastic eyes on salt water flies you can over-wrap them with the mono to bind them down. Then coat the area with epoxy and you'll see the mono seem to become invisible and the head area nearly indestructible. Good luck.

When talking about spinning deer hair a fly shop owner said that he much preferred mono to materials like gel spun or kevlar. It didn't cut the hair but was stronger than thread.

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm using it to tie all of my larger flies now. I'm going to get a spool of Cajun Red in 4lb for the color.

might sound funny, but most tackle stores that sell line have many colors available that they took off of someones reel for the asking. I have some wild green, yellow, red, orange etc. Gander Mtn gave it to me for the asking. Cheap bastids of the world have to stick together you know :p

I do a fair amount of tying with mono. Often times at shows when I'm tying multiple patterns and don't want to have to worry about having the right color thread.

One thing that you do have to worry about is the fact that mono stretches quite a bit. If you dont take the time to throw in a half hitch avery once in a while, to lock it in place everything can fall apart if you let go of the tension while tying.

Kevin