Fly tying thread questions

[bass3six]

What size thread is usually used on your salt water patterns? I'm seeing 2/0 and 6/0 ....I was assuming 6/0 would be the larger size. Upon further review ...do I have that backwards? Also ....is thread something that can be purchased at a craft store? Or is fly tying thread actually different?

[bassman]

The bigger the X the finer the thread. There are several different types of thread for use in fly tying. Im embarrassed (please excuse spelling police) to say that I use mono thread almost exclusively now in my saltwater tying. It is basically a fine monofilament. Flat waxed nylon lays flat and is good for doing tyes that have alot of steps. The reason I like mono thread so much is that it dissapears when epoxy or any other clear head cement is applied to it. It is also very strong for it's ultra fine diameter. For clousers and deceivers I like UNI-thread in 3/0 for pretty much all my NE flies...I will go to 6/0 for florida flies since they are smaller...Flat waxed nylon also works great for spinning deer hair. You can apply alot of pressure to get the hair to spin without worrying about the thread cutting into the hair like Kevlar thread would do.
One thing that is neat about fly tying is there are NO RULES and you are free to experiment anyway you want. Good luck....Jeff

[boba]

Use a thread size appropriate to the hook/fly size. Like bassmaster, I usually use Danville Flatwaxed nylon which is about 3/0 for most saltwater tying on 1/0 hooks or larger.
So much water, so little time...

[fish hawk]

I have found that Flymaster Plus threadis the one to use. It is a size a thread and have a strength of 62oz . It is better than flat waxed nylon. Hunters and American Angler sells it I also think that Stoddards sell it. You get a 100 yds. For mono thread buy some tippet material about .oo6 and wind it on a old spool.
Tight lines Fish Hawk