Whenever you tie flies, set out 12 hooks. Don’t just tie one or two, tie 12. You will discover that your speed and quality will improve. At the end of your tying session you will have a few great ties, and a few lousy ones. All, if presented properly, will catch fish. Muscle memory, repetition, and practice will enhance your production.

Keep the deck clear. Only have the needed materials out that you need for the fly pattern you are tying. Time spent looking for material or tools is time wasted. A cluttered work area slows you down.

Stay organized. Use magnet pads Always keep your tools and materials in the same place. Magnet pads, from local vendors, hold hooks in place. This is an advantage when tying outdoors in a breeze.

A solid vise bench helps Build or buy a bench that elevates the vise. Working at eye level helps. Rotary vises allow you to spin the vise and fly while holding the material. This improves quality.

Wear your scissors Great scissors are important. They need to be sharp and fit your finger and thumb. Keep them on during the tie process. Be careful when scratching your nose.

Pick 6 patterns that you have confidence in and tie them. A streamer, a couple dries, or attractors and a few nymphs can quickly become your confidence flies. The more you tie them, the better prepared you will be. Tie them in various sizes and hang on!

It takes 1000 repetitions to learn to tie a decent pattern. The more you tie, the better tier you will become. Custom tied flies are wonderful gifts. Fill a new fly box or use an empty egg carton with foam peanuts glued in. Attach a fly to each foam appendage. Use file cards to decorate the outside lid.

Oh, and a Baker’s Dozen means 13 flies!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, tie him up at www.montanagrntfishing.com.