Utlimate Guide To Fly Tying Thread

The Ultimate Guide to Fly Tying Threads: Choosing the Best Thread for Every Situation

When it comes to fly tying, one of the most overlooked yet essential components is the fly tying thread. Whether you’re crafting delicate dry flies or rugged streamers, the type of thread you use can significantly impact the durability, appearance, and overall performance of your flies. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of fly tying threads, compare them, and explain why certain threads are better suited for specific situations. We’ll also break down the different scales used to measure thread size, helping you make informed decisions the next time you sit down at your tying bench.

Types of Fly Tying Threads

There are several types of fly tying threads, each with its unique strengths. The most commonly used thread types include:

• Nylon Thread: One of the most popular choices for fly tiers, nylon thread is versatile, strong, and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. It has a slightly stretchy quality, which can help prevent breaking while tying, making it a great choice for beginners or for patterns that require tight wraps.
• Polyester Thread: Polyester thread is less stretchy than nylon but offers excellent strength and durability. It’s a great option for tying larger flies like streamers or bass bugs, where strength and longevity are more important than finesse.
• GSP (Gel-Spun Polyethylene) Thread: GSP thread is known for its incredible strength and thin diameter. If you’re tying large, bulky flies or working with dense materials like deer hair, GSP thread allows you to apply significant pressure without breaking. However, because of its slick surface, GSP can be tricky for beginners to handle.
• Kevlar Thread: Kevlar thread is another high-strength option, often used for tying saltwater flies or other heavy-duty patterns. Its strength-to-diameter ratio is impressive, but Kevlar can be abrasive and may damage delicate materials.

Comparing Thread Sizes: Denier vs. Aught System

When it comes to choosing the right thread size, understanding the different scales of measurement is crucial. The two most common ways to measure fly tying thread are the Denier and Aught systems.

Denier System: Denier measures the thread’s thickness based on its weight in grams per 9,000 meters of thread. The higher the denier number, the thicker the thread. For example, 140 denier thread is thicker and stronger than 70 denier thread. Denier is the industry-standard method and is typically more precise than the aught system.

Aught System: The aught system, written as 6/0, 8/0, etc., is an older and less precise way of measuring thread size. In general, the higher the number before the "0," the finer the thread. For example, 8/0 thread is finer than 6/0 thread. However, there’s no strict standardization, meaning 8/0 thread from one brand could be different in thickness from 8/0 thread from another brand.

Choosing the Right Thread for the Job

Each type and size of fly tying thread has its own set of advantages, depending on the fly pattern you’re working on. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right thread for different situations:

• Dry Flies and Small Nymphs: For tying delicate dry flies and small nymphs, you’ll want a fine thread that won’t add bulk to the fly body. A 70 denier or 8/0 thread, preferably nylon, is an excellent choice for these types of patterns. Its fine diameter allows for precise wraps without overwhelming the fly’s natural profile.
• Streamers and Larger Patterns: When tying larger flies like streamers, bass bugs, or saltwater patterns, durability and strength are critical. Opt for a stronger, thicker thread like 140 denier or even GSP thread. GSP’s thin diameter combined with its strength makes it ideal for these patterns, where you need to apply pressure to secure bulky materials.
• Hair-Wing Flies: If you’re tying flies with hair, such as deer hair poppers or muddler minnows, consider using GSP or Kevlar thread. These materials require significant pressure to flare and secure properly, and GSP or Kevlar threads are up to the task.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fly tying thread is essential to creating durable, well-proportioned flies that perform well on the water. Understanding the different types of thread, as well as how to compare their sizes using the denier and aught systems, will help you elevate your fly tying game. Whether you’re crafting delicate dry flies or heavy-duty streamers, matching the thread to the fly pattern is key to success. So, next time you sit down at your vise, take a moment to consider your thread choice—it could be the difference between a fly that falls apart and one that withstands the rigors of countless casts.