The most important Two Things To Learn in Fly Tying ?

[RonMT]

OK there has been a lot of queations on how to do things and how many you tie and so on. Here is a question that might make a good discussion for this time of year.

"What do you feel are the Two most important things to learn about tying flies?"

I know there could be more but less just stick with the two for now and see what we can come up with. I will give my opinion at the end and we can discuss that to if you would like. There is more than enough knowledge on here about tying that I am sure people will learn a lot. Let er rip Ron

[Daniel J]

Know what the porportions of your fly should be...
and...
Make every wrap of thread be there for a reason.

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There is a fine line between fly fishing and standing in a river waving a stick, and YOU SIR have crossed that line!

[Jax]

1. Try to keep the parts in proportion.
2. Don't crowd the eye.Makes threading the tippet material a real pain.Better to leave too much space than a clogged eye.

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I'm a much better Fly fisher when talking fishing, than when I'm Actually Fly fishing!

[Buddy Sanders]

1) Remember what the intended function of the fly really is.

2) HAVE FUN, it's just a fly.

Good Luck!

Buddy

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[Hans Weilenmann]

RonMT,

For me:

1. There may always be a better way to do a certain operation or achieve a desired result. Never stop looking and keep an open mind.

2. Stripped down to its essence, flytying is a construction job. Master the building blocks and you will have the skill set to tie, and tie competently, any pattern you seek to tie.

I know you only asked for 2, but I would like to second an earlier posting: The single most important aspect which distinguishes a competent tier from a mediocre one is the mastering of, and sticking to, proportions. Proportions make or break a fly.

Cheers,
Hans W


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=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier

[Rick Z]

1. use less dubbing than you think you need.

2. Learn to whip finish well.

Rick

[pale dun]

I must agree with proportions, and will add symmetry. And as JAX stated dont crowd the eye.

[William Fitzgerald]

I will go with one--I teach lots of children and adults and they learn the pinch method of adding material.

Of course starting the thread and tying off in the end with a whip finish -- everything else is just adding material.

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Bill

[darrell]

- there are no rules
- as Bill noted - you're just adding materials (by spinning, palmering, dubbing, etc - but adding nonetheless)

[Bamboozle]

Thread conservation: use only as much as needed.

Thread control: knowing how to apply materials so they don't twist turn or end up in the wrong spot while keeping a manageable amount of thread.