Fly destruction

[Mike Klizz]

Hey everyone,

Does anyone have a good way to remove all the thread and material from a poorly tied fly? I have a lot of bad ties from when I started tying and would like to reclaim the hooks and try again.

I have cut all the material off with scissors but that takes awhile and can dull the scissors. I have thought about setting the fly on fire with a match but thought it might damage/discolor the hook.

Sorry for such a weird question but was just wondering if anyone had any good ideas on this.

Thanks, Mike

[pork]

I usually just take the material off with a razor blade. If the blade is sharp enough, it usually only takes one or two swipes to remove all the material.

[leadwingcoachman]

exacto knife works good and it's a great tool for cutting the thread after you finish off your fly

[WhipFish]

A new razor blade is correct. I just turned a few dozen poor old flies into fresh hooks with one. Just don't pust the blade too hard into the hook or it will dull quickly.

[Z Fisher]

I use a utility knife (razor blade in a handle) which cleans off the hooks in one feel swoop.

[Painter]

I keep a single edge razor on my tying bench just for this purpose.

[Todd K]

I see I am not the only one with a few flies I tied that I wouldn't even fish.

[pvansch1]

Fish 'em the fish don't care!!
Use them as pond flies for blue gills and such.

[Mike Klizz]

I know I probably SHOULD fish them as some probably will work, It's just the confidence thing. If I tie on a really nice fly that I have confidence in , I KNOW that I will fish it harder and better and probably catch more fish. Realistically, it may not matter. Plus I'm cheap when it comes to hooks and I dont want to waste any of my tiemcos!! haha

[Rich Strolis]

straight edge, or burn it off with a cautery tool.....

[Todd K]

I'm with you. I just cant fish a fly I think is ugly. Even if it may catch fish.