Fixing the Hook in the Vice

The first step when tying a fly is to fix the hook in the vice. The object is to secure the hook so it doesn't move as you wind the thread but so that there is enough of it showing to allow easy application of the materials.
Most fly-tying vices have jaws where the gap can be altered by turning a knurled wheel just in front of the lever. This allows various sizes of hooks to be fastened securely. To fix the hook insert the bend of the hook in the jaws and press the lever firmly with the free hand. If, after depressing the lever fully, the hook is still loose, turn the wheel so the gap decreases slightly.

Adjust the gap a little at a time until it is small enough so that the jaws grip the hook firmly when the lever is fully depressed.
Once the gap is adjusted correctly, it is time to position the hook. There are different ways of doing this but the best is to have just the bend of the hook gripped by the jaws with all the shank and the point of the hook showing. Some fly tyers advise having the point of the hook masked by the jaws to prevent it snagging it and breaking it while you are tying. This can happen and is a nuisance when it does, but masking can damage the hook which is more serious, and it is better to have as much of the hook showing as possible as this makes it easier to tie in all the materials you need.

1

Offer the hook up to the jaws and see if it fits, so the hook is help firmly in the vice.

2

If the gap is incorrect adjust the jaws with the knurled wheel until it is slightly greater than the width of the hook.

3

Depress the lever fully to grip the hook firmly. If necessary, you can loosen the jaws slightly to alter the hook's position.

4

Ensure the shank of the hook is horizontal and only the bend is masked. You can ten apply the materials more easily.

Starting the Tying Thread.

With the hook firmly fixed in the vice and in the correct position it is time to apply the tying thread. Tying thread is used to hold all the other materials in place so is the first thing to be fixed on the hook. Tying thread is normally run on at the hook eye and then taken down the shank where the first materials are caught in and secured at the tail of the fly.
The method is to loop the thread over the shank and, while holding the loose end taut, wind the other end of the thread over it

and the hook shank. This puts the thread under friction and secures the loose end in place. I is important to prevent the thread slipping off as you wind it in. It sounds quite easy but can be a little tricky for a beginner so this is a technique worth practising. To help illustrate the correct procedure thicker floss which is more visible, rather than tying thread, has been used to illustrate this sequence.

5

Loop the tying thread over the shank holding the loose end of the thread above with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand and the bobbin end, which will be wound round the hook, below in your right.

6

Holding the thread taut using a bobbin holder, begin to wind the thread down the shank so that it covers the loose end. Five or six turns will be enough to prevent the thread from unravelling from the hook.

7

Cut away the excess loose end with sharp scissors before continuing to wind the thread down to the bend of the hook. Some tyers apply a dab of clear varnish to the hook to help hold the fly together.

8

Wind the thread down the shank to a position opposite the hook point. Ensure that the thread turns are closely butted and flat so they form an even base for the materials that are to follow them.