Fly tying thread are a component of the process of tying a fly. The material of the fly tying thread support the structure of a fly. Most people dont notice the presence of the fly tying thread until it break or adds to much bulk to the finished fly.
If the fly tying thread break while tying a fly, it will ruin the proportions of the finished product. If the fly tying thread add too much bulk, it will ruin the proportions of the finished product. The strength of the fly tying thread is important because it allow the angler to focus on the other materials for the finished product.
How to Choose the Right Fly Tying Thread
The chart show the performance of the various type of fly tying thread at various sizes. The chart display the relationship between the fineness of the thread and the load it can hold. The relationship between these two factor is not immediately intuitive.
Fine thread can be strong but can also be weak. Heavy threads can be strong but can also break easy at a rate that is not reflective of the diameter of the thread. The chart allow people to avoid relying on habit when selecting a type of thread.
Instead, people can select a thread based on the needs of the specific type of fly. There are two way to measure the size of the fly tying thread. However, the two measuring system do not always match the same sizes between manufacturers of tying thread.
One method of measuring the size of the fly tying thread is the traditional system that use slashes to denote higher number mean a finer thread. The other system use deniers to show the weight of the thread per length. Higher denier number mean a thicker thread.
These two system are different from each other, so maintaining a mental map of their relationship to each other is crucial. The chart display the most common type of tying threads so that individuals can compare tying threads of similar strength. The strength of the tying thread is critical when spinning deer hair or tying bulky material to large hooks.
You must place sufficient tension on the tying thread to secure the materials to the hook. However, the tying thread must have enough strength so that it do not break while attached to the materials. Using 1.1 pounds of tying thread strength instead of 2.4 pounds can make a significant difference in tying up materials.
Using too little tying thread strength will require tying the fly again. Using too much tying thread strength will result in a successful tie-up of the materials to create a clean, well-made head of the tied fly. The material of the tying thread can affect the performance of the tied fly.
Using nylon or polyester tying thread add some stretch to the finished fly. These tying threads come in many color. They are best for tying freshwater fly.
Using gel-spun tying thread allow the tied fly to have almost no stretch. However, the strength of the thread is above that of its diameter. Such tying threads are used for saltwater and big-game flies.
Silk tying threads add luster to the finished product. Additionally, silk ties take dye very well. However, it require more tension when tying flies.
The chart divide the tying threads by these materials. Hook size is a reliable factor in choosing the correct tying thread. Small hooks are used to tie small insect such as midges that require fine tying thread to add to little bulk to the hook.
Using heavier tying thread on larger hooks will not affect the proportions of the tied fly. The chart allow people to quickly determine which tying threads are appropriate for specific size of hooks. There are many mistake in tying flies that are caused by the lack of knowledge of tying thread performance.
For instance, using heavy tying threads on small dry flies will add too much bulk. Using too fine of tying threads on deer hair will cause them to break frequent. Such mistake can be avoided by referring to the chart that shows the middle ground for each type of tie.
Tension on the tying thread is as important as the tying thread that is use. Maintaining even pressure on the bobbin will even out the tension. Letting the tying thread untwist before tying it around the hook will allow for the tying thread to lie flat against the hook shank.
A quick whip at the end of tying the fly will secure the tied materials. Such a process will extend the life of the tying thread and produce a better number of finished flies. Choosing the tying thread is a much simpler task once individuals understand that the tying thread is part of the architecture of the tied fly.
The chart display the necessary information to make the selection. However, individuals must learn which tying threads to select for which type of flies. When the tying thread is the appropriate tying thread, it will dissapear into the finished product rather than fight the finished tied fly.