I am starting my fly tying class again this year and I have learned that the students, no matter how much I show them, don’t seem to understand how to tie the thread on. This year, I want to try showing them while they have pictures in front of them. I have looked clear through the Beginning tying instructions from Al Campbell on this site, and I can’t find where he teaches how to tie thread on the hook. On the EZ Nymph in step 1, Al states, “Start the thread on the hook. You did this last time, so I won’t go into detail again.” The problem is I can’t find where he shows this step - I’ve gone through all the beginning tying stuff. Is there some place I am missing? Is there a site someone can point me to that shows this step? Any help would be appreciated!
it tells you on Part 5 Matarelli-style Whip Finishers there are no pictures though
try this maybe it will help
http://www.tie1on.net/startth.htm
heres an animation to look at. will they be able to see a computer?
Thank you!! That was what I was looking for. Yes, I have a computer projector in class and I will definately show them this!!!
good luck. what patterns will you be teaching, or aren’t you sure yet?
Thanks Diane, that site helps also.
Warmwater - This will be the third year that I’ve taught the class. I’ve got some kids that are quite skilled at tying, while others struggle with simply tying the thread on. The list of flies that I can teach are limited by those factors, and that fact that there is just one of me for 20 kids, and I’m pregnant to boot!! In the past we’ve tied wooly buggers, which are difficult if you’re teaching 20 kids at one time, some midges, various nymphs, and some foam beetles. I usually start the kids out with a green weenie since it is very easy. I’ll probably start with that this year and then do Al’s EZ nymph and go from there.
I get frustrated because I can’t teach the kids individually. I’m a perfectionist and I want the kids to tie “perfect” flies. I have to constantly remind myself that I am just teaching the basics. If a kid is serious about tying, they will continue this hobby on their own time and seek out perfection and more difficult patterns on their own.
You’re welcome.
I have two ideas for you:
- ugly flies catch fish
and
- is there a local FFF or TU chapter or even a local college who could provide you with a volunteer or two to help you teach tying?
Diane - The closest FFF club is 2 hours away, the closest TU is 2.5 hours away, and the closest college that could possibly help me is 2 hours away! Heck, the closest McDonalds is 2 hours away!!! We’re pretty remote up here in extreme N California. I contacted the closest FFF club when I started the class two years ago and no one returned my call or letter, then I contacted the FFF club in Redding CA and had a guy verbally commit to have his club help me, but he bailed on me and I haven’t heard from him since. I get by teaching it by myself, but I am going to try a new approach this year. I have some of Kauffamn’s books on how to tie flies, and I’ve got Al’s instructions here that I can print off, so I’m going to run some copies for the kids and see if that helps at all. I can show the how to’s from Al on my computer projector, but the different tying speeds of the kids make that kind of difficult.
Thanks for the help again!
ranchwife,
God Bless you for your persistence, and undoubtedly your patience. I can’t imagine a 20:1 ratio with kids. I get exhausted with a 3-4:1 ratio with beginner adults. You must be a Saint, and I hope the kids realize what a blessing you are to them.
Pick out a nice 0-wt for your new baby!!
Joe
I teach fly tying also in a 10 week class in January. At my table there is usually some people that have tied before and some newcomers and they help me out because I agree, it is hard to teach many at once. Could any of your previous students help? How about some parent volunteers?
Just a thought, Dwight
ps> While teaching flytying is challenging, it is most rewarding to see others pick up a great hobby and sport.
DBenner - I have one student in the class that is good at tying, but he is one that learns the fly that I teach then spends the rest of the class time perfecting it. He strives for perfection and wants criticism. He’s to involved in what he is learning to try to help others that can’t remember how to tie the thread on. I don’t blame him. I’ve tried parent volunteers, but it is hard when they don’t know what they are doing either. I’m hoping that showing the animated displays on some of the basics that others have posted here and using pictures, that it will be easier this year - I hope!! :?
Thanks for all your help, advice and encouragement from all who have replied - I greatly appreciate it!!
I use a 1/4 inch dia piece of nylon rope and my finger to show the starting of thread on a hook in all of my classes. I’ve watched the wrapping shown in the post above and think they use too much tread in the wrong place. If you want to start at the bend of the hook why wrap forward then back. Wrap the rope around you left finger twice then overlape the two wraps to lock the thread. Then on with your tying. That with showing a pinch wrap method adding material and whip finish with a ball point pen will be all they need. I’ve taught hundreds and find the children to be the best students–I see the adults trying to do what they think would be a better way but kids do just what they are taught. BILL