Tying flies to leaders

[blue dun]

I love fishing with dry flies however I have tremendous difficulty tieing the real small ones to the leader with an 8X tippett. One thing I have tried with some success is this little device meant for threading a sewing needle. It doesn't work for flies smaller than #12 because the wire doesn't fit through the hook eyelet. It works really well for Elk Hair Caddis and Muddler Minnows when the eylet is covered by hair from the fly. This sewing gaget is easy to loose also because it is not easy to attach to a vest.

Yesterday I was doubling the magnification of my glasses by looking through the bifocals and a pair of flip up glasses, but I was still having trouble threading the #14 and smaller flies.

Anyone have suggestions?

Alos what knot do people use?

 

[danme]

I just struggle seeing the smaller flies and do my best -- It's all part of getting older and Fly fishing --- I use the improved clinch knot -- It gives 100% knot strength when tied correctly

 

[PRomano]

I had my optometrist prescribe a special set of glasses specifically for fly tying and tying knots. The focal point is much closer than reading glasses.
It just so happens my optometrist is also a fly fisherman so he understood my dilemma.

So that's what I recommend you do. Visit your optometrist and bring along a fly with tippet so they understand what your needs are.

Pete

 

[Harry]

They sell threaders for C-F Boxes seperate and they will fit hook sizes down to a #26 maybe even smaller (very seldom I go any smaller). Set them up with 10 flies each at home and you are good to go. They come in 4 or 5 sizes. If it is a knot problem try the Davey Knot, easy to tye and have not had one break since I started using it (1 1/2 yrs now).

 

[Pete]

So far, a pair of "drug store" reading glasses, a little stronger than the chart would indicate have been enough for me... However, when things get worse, I'll probably take PRomano's advice.

The knot? The "Davy Knot" is stronger than an improved clinch knot, and much easier to tie. It's been discussed a few time on this board, a search should find tying instructions with pictures.

 

[sonny]

8x tippet, now that's light. How often is that light a tippet neccassary? I can see on maybe the Letort in Pa, but NJ. I too am no spring chicken and dread the thought of ever having to go that light.:crap:

 

[NJpatbee]

I carry an over the counter pair of 3.5x magnifaction reading glasses, and with my eyes I can still thread a size 22 or 24, as long as there is enough light. I also carry a five LED light that straps around your head and use if the light is fading - you just have to face away from the fish before turning it on.

I ususally just use a clinch knot, but go the improved clinch route at times, especially with 6x or smaller.

 

[tomfly]

I have been using th reverse clinch knot latlety. I found it on the show Knot Wars on the Verses chanel. It is a strong knot

 

[blue dun]

I just struggle seeing the smaller flies and do my best -- It's all part of getting older and Fly fishing --- I use the improved clinch knot -- It gives 100% knot strength when tied correctly

That is what I use also, but sometimes I think it might be too big screwing the presentation on real small flies.

 

[blue dun]

I have been using th reverse clinch knot latlety. I found it on the show Knot Wars on the Verses chanel. It is a strong knot

This site is pretty good for knots, but it doesn't have a reverse cinch knot.

Grog's Fishing Knots Index

 

[blue dun]

I found the Davy knot. I am going to practice tieing it. It certainly looks easier to tie and smaller than an improved cinch knot

The Itinerant Angler - Fly Fishing Without Reservations

 

[blue dun]

I found the reverse cinch knot. It looks like the same size as a improved cinch knot, but eaiser to tie.

How to tie a reverse clinch knot with Alton Jones | Video « Wonder How To


This one looks like a replacement for a blood knot:

How to tie a Tony Jones leader knot | Video « Wonder How To

 

[blue dun]

I had my optometrist prescribe a special set of glasses specifically for fly tying and tying knots. The focal point is much closer than reading glasses.
It just so happens my optometrist is also a fly fisherman so he understood my dilemma.

So that's what I recommend you do. Visit your optometrist and bring along a fly with tippet so they understand what your needs are.

Pete

I think I am going to try that with the eye doctor. I have prescription bi focals. I need the distance part to actually see my fly as it drifts, but the reading part isn't enough magnification for fastening smaller flies. Perhaps I can get what you have.