Tie One On Lesson Plan Tie One On!
Classroom Lesson Plan • 7th Grade
30 Minutes
Tier 1 Instruction
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify the basic tools and materials used in fly tying and understand the purpose of different fly patterns in fishing.
The Why
"Learning fly tying connects students to the natural world, enhances fine motor skills, and introduces them to a traditional craft. It also builds problem-solving skills and patience."
Materials Needed
• Small Vises (1 per 2-3 students)
• Barbless Hooks (size 10-14)
• Thread (8/0, various colors)
• Dubbing (natural colors)
• Feathers (hen or marabou)
• Scissors & Whip Finish Tools
Prep: Gather Materials & Review Resources
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Before class, ensure all fly tying materials are organized and readily accessible. Review the Introduction to Fly Tying Slides, Fly Tying Script, Fly Tying Basics Worksheet, and Fly Tying Activity Guide to familiarize yourself with the content and flow of the lesson. Set up workstations with vises and basic materials for small groups.
Instructional Sequence
5m
Warm-Up: Fishy Questions
Goal: Gauge prior knowledge and spark interest.
Begin with the Fishy Questions Warm-Up to gauge students' prior knowledge and interest in fishing and crafts. Discuss their responses as a class to activate prior learning.
5m
Introduction to Fly Tying
Goal: Introduce concepts, tools, and materials.
Present the Introduction to Fly Tying Slides , using the Fly Tying Script to guide the discussion. Focus on what fly tying is, why it's done, and the basic components of a fly.
15m
Demonstration and Guided Practice
Goal: Hands-on application of tying techniques.
Using a document camera or by circulating, demonstrate the basic steps of tying a simple fly (e.g., a simple worm or a woolly bugger body). Follow the steps outlined in the Fly Tying Activity Guide . Have students follow along, practicing each step on their own. Provide individualized support and encouragement.
5m
Wrap-Up & Reflection
Goal: Review learning and self-reflect.
Distribute the Fly Tying Basics Worksheet for students to complete as a quick check for understanding. Conclude with the My First Fly Reflection to allow students to reflect on their learning and experience.
Fishy Questions Warm-Up Fishy Questions: Get Hooked!
Name: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________
Take a few minutes to answer the following questions. There are no right or wrong answers, just your thoughts!
1 Have you ever been fishing? If so, what was your favorite part? If not, what do you imagine it's like?
2 What do you think bait is for when you go fishing?
3 Imagine you need to trick a fish into biting your line. What kind of fake "bug" or creature would you build? Describe what it might look like.
Observation Notes
Tie One On! • Warm-Up
Introduction to Fly Tying Slides Get Hooked
Introduction to Fly Tying
Ever wondered how anglers catch fish with just a feather and some string?
What is
Fly Tying?
The art of crafting artificial flies to imitate nature.
Imitation
Looks like insects, small fish, or aquatic creatures.
The Trick
Fooling fish into thinking your hook is a tasty snack!
Mimicking Nature's Menu
Insects
• Mayflies
• Caddisflies
• Stoneflies
Minnows
Small bait fish that larger predators hunt in the water.
Worms
The classic snack found in almost every waterway!
Each fly is a tiny disguise!
Your Tying Toolkit
The Essential Tools
01
Vise
Holds the hook steady as you work.
02
Bobbin
Holds and controls the thread tension.
03
Scissors
For precise cutting of feathers and fur.
04
Hackle Pliers
Grips delicate feathers for wrapping.
05
Whip Finisher
Creates a professional, durable knot.
Each tool has a special job!
Building Blocks of a Fly
It's like building a tiny sculpture!
Hook
The steel foundation.
Thread
Binds everything together.
Feathers
Wings, legs, and tails.
Fur
Creates fuzzy bodies.
Wire & Tinsel
Adds sparkle and weight to the design.
Ready to Tie?
Don't worry about perfection – focus on understanding the steps and having fun!
Let's Get Started!
Fly Tying Script Fly Tying Script
Teaching Guide & Presentation Notes
Use with:
Intro to Fly Tying Slides
Slide 1:
Slide 1: Get Hooked: Introduction to Fly Tying!
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to 'Tie One On!' Today, we're going to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of fly tying. Has anyone ever heard of fly fishing or seen those beautiful, intricate 'flies' that people use? We're going to explore how these tiny creations help catch fish, and even try our hand at making one!"
Slide 2:
Slide 2: What is Fly Tying?
"So, what exactly is fly tying? It's the art of crafting artificial flies designed to perfectly imitate the natural food sources of fish – things like insects, small fish, or other aquatic creatures. Think of it as creating a tiny, edible disguise! Why do we do this? Well, mainly to trick fish into thinking our artificial creation is a delicious snack. It requires patience, a bit of scientific observation, and a lot of creativity."
Slide 3:
Slide 3: Mimicking Nature's Menu
"Fly patterns are often named after what they imitate. For example, some flies mimic Mayflies, which are common insects found near rivers. Others might look like Caddisflies or Stoneflies. We also have patterns that imitate small minnows or even just simple worms. The key is that each fly is a tiny disguise, specifically designed to look like something a fish would naturally eat in its environment. It's like building a miniature, edible sculpture for fish!"
Slide 4:
Slide 4: Your Tying Toolkit
"To tie these amazing flies, we use a special toolkit. We have the **vise**, which is like a third hand, holding the hook steady so we can work. The **bobbin** holds our thread and allows us to wrap it neatly. Of course, we need **scissors** for cutting materials. Some other tools you might see are **hackle pliers**, which help us grip and wrap feathers, and a **whip finisher**, which helps create a super strong knot at the end. Each tool has a very specific and important job in the fly tying process."
Slide 5:
Slide 5: Building Blocks of a Fly
"Now, what are these flies actually made of? The most important part is the **hook**, which is the foundation of our fly. Then we have **thread**, which binds all the different materials together. We use all sorts of natural and synthetic materials: **feathers** for wings, legs, or tails; **fur** or **dubbing** to create fuzzy bodies that look like insect larvae; and sometimes even **wire** or **tinsel** to add sparkle or a bit of weight. It’s truly like building a tiny, intricate sculpture, layer by layer!"
Fly Tying Activity Guide Fly Tying Fundamentals
Your First Bug!
Activity
Welcome to the exciting world of fly tying! Today, we're going to learn the basic steps to create a simple fly. Don't worry about it being perfect; the goal is to get a feel for the tools and materials.
Materials Needed per Station
Small Vise
Barbless Hook (size 10-14)
Tying Thread (8/0)
Dubbing (natural color)
Scissors
Whip Finish Tool (optional)
1
Secure the Hook
Carefully place a fly tying hook into the jaws of your vise. Make sure it's secure but don't overtighten .
The hook shank (the straight part) should be horizontal and easy to work with.
2
Start the Thread Base
Take your tying thread from the bobbin. Hold the tag end (the loose end) against the hook shank near the eye of the hook.
Start wrapping the thread over itself, moving towards the bend of the hook. Make 5-7 tight wraps.
Once you have a secure base, snip off the tag end of the thread.
Continue wrapping the thread evenly along the hook shank, stopping about two-thirds of the way to the bend.
3
Apply Dubbing for the Body
Take a small pinch of dubbing material. It should be enough to create a thin, fuzzy body.
Twist the dubbing around your tying thread. You want to create a thin "noodle" of fuzzy material.
Wrap this "dubbing noodle" around the hook shank, moving back towards the eye, stopping about 1/8 inch before you reach it.
4
Finish the Head
Once the body is complete, make several wraps of thread near the eye to create a neat "head".
Secure the thread with a series of simple half-hitches or use a whip finish tool if demonstrated.
Snip the thread and admire your first fly!
Pro Tip
Less is more when it comes to dubbing! You can always add more, but it's hard to take it off once it's wrapped. Aim for a thin, even layer to keep your fly looking realistic.
Fly Tying Basics Worksheet Fly Tying Basics
Hook, Line, and Sinker... or Rather, Fly!
Name: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________
Answer the following questions based on today's lesson and your activity.
1. What is the main purpose of fly tying when fishing?
2. Name two tools used in fly tying and briefly describe what each is used for.
Tool 1:
Purpose:
Tool 2:
Purpose:
3. Name two materials commonly used to create an artificial fly.
4. Why do fly fishermen try to imitate insects or other small creatures?
5. What was the most challenging part of trying to tie your first fly? What was the most interesting part?
Tie One On!
Activity Review • Worksheet
Fly Tying Basics Answer Key Answer Key
Fly Tying Basics
Teacher Facilitation Guide
1. What is the main purpose of fly tying when fishing?
The main purpose is to create artificial flies that imitate the natural food sources (like insects, minnows, or worms) of fish in order to trick them into biting the hook.
2. Name two tools used in fly tying and briefly describe what each is used for.
Tool Option A
Vise
Holds the hook steady during the tying process.
Tool Option B
Bobbin
Holds the thread and controls tension.
*Other acceptable answers: Scissors (cutting), Hackle Pliers (wrapping feathers), Whip Finisher (knot tying).
3. Name two materials commonly used to create an artificial fly.
Acceptable answers include: Hooks, Thread, Feathers, Fur (Dubbing), Wire, or Tinsel.
4. Why do fly fishermen try to imitate insects or other small creatures?
Because fish naturally eat these creatures. By mimicking the appearance and movement of their natural diet, anglers can more successfully catch fish that wouldn't be interested in a plain hook or unnatural lure.
5. Reflection Question (Challenging vs. Interesting)
Answers will vary. Look for specific mentions of manual dexterity (difficulty) or the creative/scientific process of imitation (interesting).
Teacher Resource • Tie One On!
Page 1 of 1
My First Fly Reflection Field Notes • My First Fly
Lesson Reflection
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand."
Student Explorer
Date of Expedition
1. Describe one new thing you learned about fly tying or fly fishing today.
2. What was something you found surprisingly difficult or surprisingly easy about the process?
3. If you were to tie another fly, what would you do differently or what material would you use next?
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how interested are you in learning more about fly fishing or outdoor crafts?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Very much!
Explain your rating:
