6 tips for tying better flies (and doing it faster, too)

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#5  FEEL FREE TO START OVER

Although messy flies still catch fish, it’s also possible to tie a fly so badly that it won’t float or swim properly, or otherwise behave correctly in the water. Keep an eye on how the fly is progressing as you tie it. If something looks off, you can usually fix it by unwrapping the thread and redoing a step or two with fresh material. And if the fly just isn’t salvageable, there’s no shame in cutting it apart and starting over. It’s all part of the learning process. Plus, what else are you going to do on a cold winter’s night, waiting out the months until the open-water season?

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