I first learned to tie saltwater patterns on BIG hooks. While I understood how to sharpen that big hook to a needle-like point, I didn't understand how to whip finish the fly. I thought it was done like wrapping the guide on a fishing rod. I grabbed a loop of mono tippet, overwrapped it with the thread, and pulled the tag end through. I did pretty well for the first few flies. Until the loop of mono got stuck. I gave it a good hard tug and impaled myself on that BIG needle-like point.


Tom