I am a novice fly angler who would like to learn to tye flies. When I have tried on occasion to tie, it seems as if my hands are made of velcro. I have tried several methods of making my hands more smooth, ie; cream with pumice, just pumice, hand stones, etc… Nothing seems to help. I work in construction and a lot of the time, gloves are not an option. Does any one have the same problem? If so, how did you overcome it? I would really like to be able to handle the tread without it sticking to my fingers every time I have to handle the fly. :x
Try some of those inexpensive surgical/disposable gloves. I used to have the same problem. Now i only estimate instead of build. RC
Sacfisher,
I’ve got the same problem, what I’ve found using “Bag Balm”( its made for cows udders) it’s probaly the best hand Cream, lotion, or rub made.
You can get it at a Feed Store, or farm supply.
Bill
Us too, hang on, new sponsor soon.
sacfisher:
Rough hands are a pain but IF you can keep the tips of your thumb and first two fingers smooth; most of the time you’ll be OK. I have the same problem especially in the winter.
Go to a beauty supply store and get some of the better large size foam core emery boards [url=http://www.sallybeauty.com/shop/3410/707511:b283a]like these[/url:b283a] in COARSE, MEDIUM and FINE. Make sure you hands are DRY and start with the coarsest and work your way down to the finest. Make sure to take it easy the first few times or you will literally sand the skin off you fingers. I know all about that ;).
In any case after a session or two followed by some good hand cream you should be in good shape. Then each time you get ready to tie do a touch-up with the fine or medium board and hand cream.
It works for me.
“Udderly Smooth”…might even be the same stuff…comes with a plunger dispenser…we got ours at Wal-Mart
We ‘discovered’ that stuff (BB) over 30 years ago, also pure lanolin. Absolutely worthless compared to the material developed by our new sponsor. This is the first I have EVER seen that actually works. So good, in fact, it still works the next day for us, and everyone we know who has tested it for us. It is unbelievable.
sacfisher,
A ceramic bobbin and the best thread you can buy are a must. Try to be sensitive to how much pressure you need to put on wraps, during your fly tying.
Doug
I aggressively went after this new sponsor. I wanted to get them on FAOL so you guys could have the benefit of their product. If they ‘break even’ I will be surprised and they are OK with that. It sells for very little and I think there is only a small, if any, profit in it for them. Mostly,they are doing this for the ‘flyfishers’. Really. Until you try it and understand you will probably think this is BS, but you know I don’t do that about any product. One thing; do not use more than is recommended. More is not better. RTFM!!!
I expect to get them on line tonight.
QUESTION? Does anyone know where Bag Balm is made?
Thanks,
Doug
Haven’t used Bag Balm. Do use “Udder Balm” sold in some beauty supply stores like Ultra 3 I think it’s called. Can get it in a 16 oz jar or a squeeze tube. It is definitely better than the black and white cow looking stuff. By the way, by using bobbins, and bodkins, and whip finishers the rough hands doesn’t bother me. I just can whip finish by hand because the rough hands catch the thread. The whip finisher solves that.
Gemrod
I’m sure waiting to see the new product though.
most grocery stores sell BB.
JC, When is that new sponsor’s stuff gonna be available. I was still good for tying three days after I tried it at the Lowell Fish-In.
REE
JC - You’ve got my attention with this one! I work with polymers all day long and my hands get REALLY dried out, especially in the winter. I can get my hands to the point where I can hand whip finish, but it is so much work, I just give up and use a Matarelli tool. The best stuff I’ve found is Zim’s Crack Creme (don’t laugh!), but it smells awful. If you’ve got something better, I’ll gladly buy some and post a test report…Ed
IT LIVES!
Thank you all for all the great suggestions. I will try these and see if they help. 
I just ordered a few containers of the YFTFY, (Yosemite Fly Tyers Finger Treatment), If it comes this highly recommended and works, (which I’m sure it will), it will make a great little gift for the fishin’ buddies.
Thanks, LF. I just ordered some. Looking forward to tying with silk.
I had one person who would not follow the directions. Put on way too much, then imediatly stroked a length of floss to see if it would change color. Yup, it did. Again, RTFM! It works when you use the reccomended amount.