Tools are essential. A bobbin-holder mounted with the thread of choice performs the basic function of winding repeatedly and fixing materials to the hook shank. Quality bobbin-holders have tension adjustment and a ceramic, as opposed to metal, sleeve in which the thread runs. You will start with one of these but quickly tire of changing threads and flosses, and purchase more to have them ready to go when required. At least two pairs of scissors are recommended in order to save your very best fine-pointed pair for cutting thread only; a more robust, tougher pair should be used for wires, tinsels and so on.

A dubbing needle is a simple but useful tool. In addition to picking out materials used in the dubbing process, it is regularly used to apply varnish to the heads of the finished fly. Whip finish tools can vary in design but all work in the same way and are used to finish the head off easily and securely prior to varnishing.

Materials become a never-ending cycle of new and traditional items. You will have your favourites as the flies you create become your own. The addition of sparkle here and a hot spot there help to make your flies different from those commercially sold. The Veniards kit is an excellent way to start with pretty much everything you should need, except a vice. Once the basic tying techniques have been learnt, a good book of patterns and materials makes sense to help get to grips with all the fly types and the materials needed to make them, as well as getting to know their specific behaviour once on the water.

There are categories within categories in all the commonly tied groups, salmon, trout and saltwater; for example trout flies can immediately be divided into dry, wet, nymph and lure with so many further styles and variations. Each has its own situation where it will be most effective. We either appeal to the trout’s aggressive nature or its natural, instinctive need to eat. Both can be done at all depths in the water, hence the need to carry and to tie such a vast array of patterns. Within all categories there are times to fish the fly fast or slow and sometimes static. Your creativity and sense of adventure at the vice can produce so much joy and success once you reach the water.

Tying flies is not as difficult as it first appears. Many are put off because they believe it must be very intricate and fiddly. But remember that professional tiers have fingers and thumbs just like the rest of us, some bigger and clumsier than others, and with time and a little practice, anyone can master the art.

A wide range of tools and gadgets designed to make tying easier can be found in this web site.