Just a quick tip. If you're like me, the skin on my hands tends to dry out in the winter, making tying flies harder than it should be. Here's a few tips:
  • Hand lotion. Sally Hansen 18 Protective Hand Cream (orange bottle). Expensive, but works the best for me. You can never apply it too often.
  • Emery board. It's possible to smooth your finger tips with filing. It works!
  • Hot water. Right before tying, give your hands a really hot soak with plain water. Even after drying them off, some moisture remains and that helps with most tying.
  • Wash your hands. When you're done tying, wash 'em up good. Everything we use contains harmful chemicals and most of them dry your skin.


Hope this is helpful. I am tying a lot right now, perhaps so are you.