Aging Eyes

[sjh]

As I get older it becomes more of a challange to thread a 7X leader through a size 24 fly. There are a number of gagets on the market that are supposed to make doing that a lot easier. Can anyone recommend one of these that they particularly like? Thanks...

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I have my wife thread the tippet through the small flies for me. Her eyes are 11 years younger than mine. Best fly fishing gadget I ever found.

REE

[Eric-WD]

This one has been recommended by many people on this board, I haven't tried it yet as my eyes still aren't quite that bad.

http://flyreeldots.com/page/1dvfn/We..._Threader.html

Eric

[Vulture6]

I've seen the threader that Eric refers to in the link above, but I've never tried it.

Here's a link on our very own FAOL that somehow seems appropraite: www.flyanglersonline.com/lighterside/doncianca/dc5.php

I took to using the C&F threaders for all of my small flies. I thread the flies on the threaders before leaving home (using a magnifier) and they work pretty well on the stream. Here's a link to the C&F site http://candfdesign.com/product/12752...d_Threader_Box but you can find them at a lot of different fly shops.

[Bamboozle]

Since there is more to aging eyes than threading flies, I recommend you either get a pair of Hat Eyes clip on magnifiers or a pair of cheap readers.

It's SO nice to also be able to untangle knots, read your watch, tippet spool, or look at a bug. A threading gadget won't help with any of that and I find the Hat Eyes make threading any size tippet through any size fly a breeze as long as you buy the right magnification for you.

[Host Ray]

I use the threader box that Vulture6 has a link to in his post. I love it!

[ducksterman]

I suspect most folks don't get enough magnification if they use readers on the water.

I use 3.25 to 3.50 on the water...When on the water a short focal length is not a problem ...in a way helpful.

2.25 to 2.50 for average reading

Less than that when on the computer

And when I tie I use a head loop that has several magnifications.

It's just what works for me .

[Lotech]

Google Hat-Eyes. Made by Mag-Eyes. Best I've found and I love 'em. I use them on stream for threading small tippet through small eyes, and I use them while tying small flies.

[PRM]

I use a Flip Focal - have used it for over 15 years.

Attaches to the brim of your hat with clip and pin, flips easily out of the way, and gives you 2.25X magnification. They're available all over the place, but here's one link:

http://www.orvis.com/store/productch...id=1269&bhcp=1

[sjh]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into that tool that several of you mentioned. It looks like it might do the trick. As far as flip focals go, I have a pair but since I don't wear a baseball style hat I can't properly attach the them. (I've got too much sun damage so I wear a floppy hat which shades my head and neck from the sun).