How to Make Your Own Fly Fishing Lures

Ever went fishing only to find yourself in a tight pinch? Perhaps you forgot your tackle box, or thanks to Mother Nature, most of your tackle is hanging in a tree by mid day. Fly fishing is no exception, especially since most fly fisherman do not carry a lot of tackle with them.

There is one very important item, that a fly fisherman should keep on them at all times, to make sure they get the most out of their fishing trip. The one thing you need more then anything is a few extra hooks. Long shank hooks, with at least a 1 1/2 to 2 inch shank works the best for making your own fly lures. Some fisherman keep an extra hook in their wallets, others sick them in their hats. It doesn't matter where you keep that extra hook at, as long as you can get to it. For example, you don't want to leave your extra hooks in the glove box of the truck, if it's parked a mile from where you are fishing at.

Now lets pretend that your out fly fishing, and you loose your only lure. The fish are biting, and it's to early to call it a day, and head for home. What are you going to do? If you have your extra hook, then you have no reason to panic. A handmade lure can catch just as many fish as an expensive store bought one. In fact, making your own lures permanently can save you a bundle of money in the long run. There are several ways to make your own fly fishing lures where they look professional, but lets foucus on how to make them during a fishing trip.

The first thing you want to do is take a look around and see what you have to work with. If you happen to have or find a piece of cork, you can use a small piece to make the head. To do so simply side the hook through the cork, and push the cork up to the top of the shank. You can also use a small soft piece of wood. If you do or don't have any cork, or a small piece of soft wood you can still make a fly lure.

You will need something to make the "fly". Look around on the ground and see if you can find a bird feather. Even if the feather is large, you and cut, or pull it apart to make it the size you need. You will want the feathers to cover the length of the shank on the hook. If you can not find a feather there are other things you can use. A rubber worm works just as good. To make a fly lure using a rubber worm simply cut a section of the worm off that is the length of your shank. Next, cut small strips, making it look like a miniature grass skirt, leaving a small section whole at the top. This will allow you to slip it own your hook easier. If you have no feathers and no rubber worms around you, then you'll need to get creative. You can also use a small piece of cloth, by cutting it like you would the rubber worm. I have also seen dry grass used, plastic bottle labels, and even hair.

No matter what you use, there is one thing you must do, and that is secure your fly to the hook. Ideally you'd use thread, but you can use your fishing line. You will need is anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of line. Start by tying one end of the line to the top of the shank. If you used something to make a head, tie you line directly under it. Make sure you leave at least 2 inches of line on one side of the knot, and other 4 or so on the other side. Next press whatever your using for your fly against the shank of the hook, at the top. Now start wrapping the longer end of the line tightly around the fly and hook, securing them together. Make sure your 2 inch strip is out of the way. Ever so often tie a knot in the long piece you are using, and the 2 inch piece, the continue wrapping. When you finish, tie a final knot in the 2 pieces of remaining line, and your lure is ready.

Making your own fly fish lure is really easy to do. There is no reason to ruin a good fishing trip. My father taught me how to make my own lures if I ever get in a pinch, and in fact he still makes his own fly fish lures. You'd be surprised the amount of fish you'll catch with a lure to threw together in just a few minutes.