In fly tying, a bodkin is one of the most basic (and most used) tools on your bench. It’s essentially a fine needle mounted in a handle, but it does a lot more than it looks like. What it’s used for: Applying head cement or UV resinPrecise placement on thread wraps or whip finishes Picking out dubbingTease fibers to create a buggy, natural look Clearing hook eyesKeeps glue, resin, or thread from clogging the eye Separating materialsUseful for splitting fibers, hackle, or synthetics General precision workAnything that needs a fine point Why it matters: A bodkin is one of those tools you grab constantly—especially when tying salmon flies, streamers, or anything where finish matters. It’s cheap, simple, and irreplaceable. Pro tip: A lot of experienced tyers keep two bodkins on the bench: One clean (for picking, clearing eyes) One dedicated to glue/resin so you don’t gum up your main tool
