All About Bobbins! (Fly Tying Tool Primer) 

Fully agree about excellence of the C&F Standard Bobbin holder! I normally use Rite, recently discovered C&F Bobbin. It is several steps above in quality, feel and thread management to Rite. I actually never have to adjust it! I sometime use one silicon disk (not two) -as Rite does, with one of my C&F bobbin. Makes it feel different in a good way. Just ordered 3 more on Amazon. $30 each with free shipping as of Jan 4th. Better quality, better price than Rite and excellent feel in hand.

Matt, have you tried the nor-vise bobbin? I dont have the vise but do have the bobbin and love it! Give it a shot! The only trick is remembering to keep tension on it when you cut your thread off when your fly is complete. Otherwise you'll be rethreading it continually.

Thanks for the review on the #bobbins It’s great to see honest reviews. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Very informative video I'm kinda liking the loon bobbins thanks for the video#bobbin

Great video Matt. I haven’t used the C&F but I like the bobtech from Stonfo. The Rite bobbin is my go to bobbin holder. Thanks for the video.

Great info for new tyers Matt. Thanks sir.

Thanks again for this informative review on bobbins. #Bobbins So many choices when in a fly shop. Wishing you and yours a blessed New Year, 2022.

#bobbins. Great info. Been tying for 2 years and am a fan of Rite bobbins.

#Bobbins I am a beginning fly tier and use the bobbin that came with the kit. Never really thought about different lengths. Thanks for the information.

Loved the content, haven't tied flies since I was a kid but gearing up for the spring. Happy winter from the Michigan's Upper Peninsula. #Bobbins

Great review

#bobbins Really awesome to have someone go into depth in an unbiased manner.

I'm a relatively new tyer, definitely appropriate all the info on types of bobbins. Great video!!! #Bobbins

Matt i really.like your vidoes thanks

Great overview of a lot of #Bobbins Matt!

Thanks for another great video Matt #bobbins

#Bobbins Hi Matt and all! I haven’t read all 313 comments, but I have a free tip that doesn’t suck: One does not need a thread puller tool (which can even be too short at times..). Even though they are cheap, I believe in less is more. Like with applying dubbing ;-) What I do to get the thread through the tube: once the bobbin is in the holder, pull something like 10-15 cm of thread from it to create slack. Then insert a bit of thread into to tube bottom. Put your mouth on the tube tip and suck.. voilá..: the thread has gone through the tube! Happy tying, folks!

Matt, just subscribed yesterday. Came upon you this weekend researching vises. Ive been tying with the colorado anglers wood box (mine came from cabelas) so bought the regal medallion knockoff supreme and plan on ordering the Peak Basecamp tuesday. I like the range of the platform for tying. Need to pick up some better tools as well! Appreciate what your doing. #Bobbins

Hey this video explained a lot. Thanks Matt #Bobbins

Thanks for another informative video Matt! I just bought a Rite and I'm loving it so far but I have pretty large hands and that extended length sounds interesting so I think I'll take a stab at winning a pair of #Bobbins (er, bobbin holders?). Thanks again.

#bobbins my daughter and son just start a tying so they'd really like something like that

I've been watching tying videos for a while now and am hooked!!! I just got my first little $50 fly tying kit literally yesterday, and I have a bit of materials on the way that I just ordered today to get started!! I love your videos and can't wait to try some out!! #bobbins

Great #Bobbins review could use a new bobbin or two

Happy New Year Everybody!! Cool review I tie with the lower end bobbin holders, have for along time #bobbins

#bobbin

I have a Rite bobbin ( the basic one) and I have about a 1/2 dozen Dr. Slick ECO ceramic tip bobbins and I like them all just fine. It did take a little while to get used to the feel of the Rite bobbin though after using only the standard style for as long as I have. I have been tempted to buy one of the high end bobbins but it would be just to say I have one and I would probably stick mostly to my Dr. Slicks ECO's.

#Bobbins Could use a back up, had 2 holders, but the ceramic insert came out of one. So I am having to change alot . Found some of the comments from the viewers very interesting. Don't know if I can justify the cost on some of the high end bobbins.

#Bobbins I've been tying flies for nearly 35 years on the same 2 bobbin holders, both with steel tubes and arms. I was wondering what the difference was in different types. I never have seen the need for different types, but I would be interested in trying something new if I received one in a drawing.

Nice review. Funny, I only have two #Bobbins and was going to go shop of some more. Wish me luck! Question: Would you or have you ever used a bobbin holder for wire? Like for a copper John.

I can always use more bobbins, lol #Bobbins One that I recently picked up is the tmc double arm w/ adjustable ceramic tube. Feels really good in the hand, but it cost 80 bucks.

I'm in the Kelly Galloup school, one can not have enough #bobbins . My favorite has become the Dr. Slick glass insert bobbins. The thread flows really smoothly, I don't have to worry about nicked thread, and for some reason, it feels really comfortable in my hand. I think it has to do with the weight. It's not heavy but the tube is a little beefier to allow for the glass insert. I have a couple of Rite Bobbins, but for some reason the open design never feels comfortable in my hand.

super interesting ! will help me choose my first kit for sure ! #Bobbins

Bobbins? We don't need no stinkin' bobbins!!! LOL Sorry, couldn't help myself... #bobbins

Hello Matt great video Matt. Great breakdown the #bobbins available. Always enjoy these reviews. Have a good day sir.

Wow cool I just have 2 cheap bobbins that came in 2 diffrent kits so I love another one #Bobbins ty for all you do for the new tiers out there .

Nice review of those bobbins especially for someone like me that's new at fly tying very informative #bobbin

#bobbins thanks for the video. I've not been able to tie but gonna get back to it soon. Got some uv2 marabou feathers to tie some ice fishing jigs. Thank you for that video.

Good review, Matt. My first "bobbin" ( term applied rather loosely) consisted of coat hanger wire, rubber bands and narrow plastic tubing...oh, and duct tape! So you could say I have moved up over the past several decades, but as long as it has adequate tension and doesn't cut the thread...I can use most anything.

Nice review Matt same old bobbins for years it's getting time to upgrade. #bobbins

Enjoyed the review. I have a good many of the bobbin holders you have just reviewed. The Rite and SMHAEN Bobbin holders are my favorite ones. I have 2 bobbin holders from both companies. Now with me having shorter fingers than most the midge sizes work best for me no matter what I tie. I tie every day and these two manufacturers have not failed me yet. The others started cutting my thread as time went on. But for me personally, I enjoy collecting fly tying tools as well. To me, it’s more than simply tying a fly to use.

This was a great review. Some I have, Some I had never seen or used. Keep this type of review coming. #Bobbins

Thanks Matt that was very helpful information for a new tier like my self. #Bobbins

Commenting for Ed Mlotkiewicz. #Bobbins

Great review matt.i like the rite bobbins myself!.tight lines Matt. #bobbins

Thank you for the great review! Definitely educational #bobbins

Great review Matt and who couldn't use a few extra #bobbins My go to bobbin is the Half Hitch from Rite. I really like the feel of it in my hand. Thanks for sharing.

Love the review as always Matt !! #Bobbins

Thank you for the content. Some are just to much money for my taste. #bobbins

People. Don’t make the mistake we all make. Don’t buy the 76 dollar tool kit with a vise. Just don’t do it. I’ve had mine 2 weeks and already replaced almost everything including the vise. Can you do it ? Sure. But with something this difficult and detailed you really gotta spend 3-400 dollars to have a setup your going to be happy with that isn’t going to inhibit your thing or make it near impossible.

#bobbins Matt, good advise and information on bobbins

#bobbins Great Job Matt! I've been using mostly the old bobbins now for 20 years or so but have recently picked up a rite ceramic and I love it. No more spools popping out in my hand.

Helpful. Thank you. What has been your experience with the Norvise bobbins and bobbin holder? It looks like an intuitive system, and I can easily use my daughter’s sewing machine to spool up smaller amounts of thread I’d like to try. Maybe that’s an unnecessary added step when the options in this video all utilize the original bobbin from the store. I currently only have a Shimano bobbin I use for FJ knots, and adding details to soft plastics or other spinning lures. It’s great for what it is, and perfect in that capacity, but it’s not designed with fly tying in mind.

I much prefer midge bobbins for trout flies! Transferring the thread for standard bobbins to midge bobbins is totally worthwhile to me. Having tied commercially, I find Midge thread bobbins to be far more efficient in every way!! I have a set of Matarelli Midge bobbins adjusted for each of the thread sizes and thread colors I use. Bobbins that spin smoothly to get rid of cording the thread is very important to me, I prefer the vintage metal Singer sewing machine bobbins, for they are very smooth in operation. For larger flies, dressing barblless treble hooks for inline spinner hooks, and tying jigs. I will use ceramic bobbins and standard size spools. With many sewing machine bobbins loaded with all of the colors, deniers, and specifications I value, I can save wok space and have the ability to keep my fly tying bag very efficient and comprehensive. Fortunately I have a portable vintage sewing machine that I use to wind standard threads to the sewing machine bobbins for use with the 60 midge Matarelli bobbins I use. Ron

Thanks for the video Matt. It is really nice to be able to have a way to see the difference between the different styles of #Bobbins available and advantages and disadvantages of them without buying them.

#bobbins I purchased the rite standard ceramic. As a new fly tier, I am so happy I made that decision. Being able to really dial in the tension is fantastic. Def worth the money. Thanks for all your vids! Question: Would you be able to do a video on how to cure animals furs for tying. I know you said you found that fox on the side of the road, would you be able/interested in making a video of the process you went through? I’m not a hunter, but I have buddy’s that hunt and was thinking maybe I can save sections of deer hide, pheasant, etc. to tie with from their animals. I just have no idea what the process is to cure the skin so it doesn’t spoil. I’ve read about salting, but was just curious on how you do it or at least what’s the bare minimum you have to do. Thanks!

I enjoy your channel so much and have learned a lot from you. Keep up the good and entertaining work. #bobbins

Great review! I’ve got 8 or 9 mostly Dr. Slick so I’m good to go. Awesome give away though. Thanks for your generosity Matt! 👍👍

Bobbins good show. Telling about them. Guess I still new after watching you. Panama City you fish salt or panfish including bass.

Happy new year Matt. Another interesting video. One can never have enough bobbins. #bobbins

#bobbin...i know too late but i do have a conundrum. I think my bobbin is fraying my thread. Its a cheap steel tube ceramic insert at both ends bobbin. Any suggestions?

Hi Matt & thanks for another helpful video, got the Rite Standard Bobbin For Christmas, but what the heck #Bobbins Thank You

Just started tying in 2020, and this really helped. Really need to get a better bobbin holder. Would LOVE one of those Rite bobbins! #bobbins

I agree with you on the rite bobbins. A couple of years ago I bought one n fail in love with it. In Canada we couldn't get them at our local shops. So I ended up ordering a set of them from fly shack. They did a great job getting them to me. I have to prase them and the company for the bobbins made n supplies of them. Also I have had alot of other types of bobbins as well. But none of them came close to the rite bobbin. So anyway enough of me rambling on. Thank you for the reviews on equipment for fly tying and keep it up I am learning alot more as you post new videos. May it be on tying flies or tools for tying. Thank you again. #bobbins

Hi Matt, great vídeo as always! Talking about #bobbins, i think more simples is bether. But is always nice have a few.

Awesome review and very informative I recently got a stonfo elite and over all pleased but would like to give a few more a try. Thanks for the honest review and Happy New Year! #Bobbins

Thanks to your video’s I learned how to tie better flies I just started a bout a year ago so I don’t have much experience but thanks to your video’s I have more experience #bobbins

Great primer matt!! Always enjoy your knowledge. #bobbins

Always could use a extra bobbin. #bobbins

Hi I am brand new to this. Bought my first fly fishing rod and reel from my local shop. Saw your video and really interested in learning to tie my own flies. #bobbins

Like the review Matt my favourite is tiemco ceramic tube you need ceramic if you regularly tie with nano silks or traditional flys with copper wire like the pheasant tail nymph

Off topic, but...for a traditionalist like me, a talk on tying silk thread would be appreciated!

Happy New Year Matt. I have only tied with inexpensive bobbin holders so that one would fit my style#Bobbins

Great vid, ceramic every time for me and I am a bit of a bobbin tart! Tiemco, Rite Shorty, Renzetti Ruby, Petitjean, C&F and Norvise Auto...all great and worth every penny. A good bobbin holder makes tying flies so much easier, nothing worse than thread fraying or snapping or jamming. No need to spend big money because Dr Slick and Veniard do ceramic bobbin holders for under £10. The Petitjean for me is my favourite as its a superb bit of engineering, easy to thread and adjustable and doubles as a dubbing spinner, not cheap but a joy to own and use.

I've been using the Dr. Slick bobbin holder that came with the kit, but you did give some great advice and a good overview of what is out there. #bobbins

Thanks again for a great review. I hope you have a very prosperous year and I am looking forward to another great year of watching this channel for some great fly tying videos. God bless. And #Bobbins

Another very informative lesson. Thanks for the detailed review on #Bobbins. As another newby, started with the least expensive model,

#bobbins, i ty most of my flies with a magnetic tiemco, pricey but really good for holding and adjusting tension of the thread 🙂

Good review Matt! I use my cheaper bobbin holders for my lead and wires when wrapping. As always, thanks for sharing! #bobbins

Well now I feel like I need to compensate for something 😬 Good review ! Us newbies need info like that !! #Bobbins

Great review Matt. Like how you explain each one from inexpensive to pricey and the pros and cons of each. Haven't tied with that many myself but I have tried a few. But my current favorite is one I bought at Bass Pro sold under the Cabelas name. It's a inexpensive bobbin about $8. But it has a ceramic insert in the metal tube, I love it. Again great review my friend.

#Bobbins Thank you for the great video and information. Really helped point me in the right direction for my bobbin choice.

JUST SUPER,,,, LONG TIME OVERDUE,,,, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFO AND DEDICATION… #Bobbins

That's a pretty good deal for someone starting out. What would you say is the best overall value for someone who isn't new to tying but wants to step up from the basic bobbin?

Hey Matt ......thanks again for sharing the knowledge . Good fishing Tom #bobbins

I am new at fly tying. I really enjoy watching your videos. You always do an awesome job. #Bobbins

That was interesting I just have a cheap #BOBBIN holder and some times it don’t adjust very good thanks for a great channel stay safe

Good solid information, like you I have a collection of bobbins tend to use the cheap no name I have had for 40 years, but do use the Rite bobbin more and more. Thanks for sharing Matt!

#Bobbins a timely video thinking about upgrading to a right Magnum for deer hair flies. Thanks again.

Love the info on #Bobbins I still have my eye on the renzetti, but these would make great starters for my daughter.

#bobbins Getting back into fly tying after being out of it for 20 plus years so I really enjoyed the video

They are actually called Bobbin Holders. A bobbin is what the materials are wound on.

Happy New Year Hope you and your family are doing well. Keep your fly demos coming. #Bobbins

#Bobbins. Liked this on. I have the same problem with the disk drag loosening up when using.

Thanks Matt. I’m new to tying so all this information is invaluable to me. Thanks again. #Bobbins

Never knew there were so many options. I use a Rite bobbin in the midge size and the standard one that came in my starter kit. More bobbins would be nice to not have to change threads each time. Do you use a bobbin for wire or just cut a length and wrap by hand? Thanks for another great video. #bobbins

Nice review! I'm pretty new to tying I still have trouble breaking my thread off half way through the tie. Will the ceramic tube #Bobbins help with that problem?

Thank you Matt, I always appreciate your educational videos. #Bobbins

Man my #bobbins is just a coat hanger and pen tube couldn't imagine what those feel like in the hand

Those #bobbins would be an awesome addition to my kit as I have only 1 econo hobby at the moment Thanks Matt👍

Why didn't you mention that your favorite bobbin holder, the C&F, has somewhat of a unique feature. In the bottom of the tube there is a foam layer where your thread runs through. This keeps the thread tensioned and it wil prevent the thread rolling of the spool when the bobbin holder hangs from your vise. Just my two cents. I own the Midge bobbin holder and am about to order the Regular as a second one.