Best Fly Tying Eyes (2021 Buyer’s Guide)

The amount of fly tying eyes has grown significantly over the past years. What was once only a few different kinds, is not a part of fly tying that can easily become overwhelming to someone just starting.

However, the best fly tying eyes are crucial to ensuring that your flies look realistic. If you’re not using the best eyes possible then you’re not catching as many fish as you could.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about fly tying eyes then check out the information below. We’re going to cover a few different products as well as some different features.

What is a Fly Tying Eye?

A fly tying eye is going to add a lifelike appearance to your fly. On top of that, many different eyes also add weight to your fly, allowing you to cast further and fish deeper.

So, if you’re looking to throw a streamer, crawfish, frog, or any type of fly that might imitate an animal that had eyes then using a fly tying eye is a no brainer.

It’s only going to add to your fly. It will not take anything away from adding eyes to your streamer. So, if you want to catch more fish then adding eyes is the way to go.

Check out our guide to the perfect fly tying desk set-up. 

When To Use an Eye?

As we mentioned above, anytime you wish to tie a fly that replicates an animal with larger eyes then using fly tying eyes is only going to benefit you.

Smaller dries, nymphs streamers, and other wet flies would not benefit from this, but if you want to tie a large frog imitation then a nice set of eyes is only going to help.

So, if you’re looking to tie a nice big streamer to go out and chase smallmouth with, or you want to tie a popper to pursue largemouth then put some eyes on there, it will only benefit it.

Types of Eye

Below, we’re going to go over a few different types of eyes. Think about what kind of fly you plan on tying and then use the information below to help guide you to what you should buy.

Attachment

There are three different types of attachment eyes out there. The three are tape eyes, 3d eyes, and barbell eyes. Tape and 3d eyes are epoxied over where barbell eyes are tied on with tying string.

Unweighted Eyes

These can be any type of eye that is not weighted. These can include the 3d molded eyes, which is the best eye material for fly tying if you want to put them onto poppers.

Painted

These are big with people who want to save a lot of money and want to tie flies quickly and easily. All you need to do is hand paint your own eyes on the head of the fly.

Weighted

If you’re looking to throw a fly that either swims deep, or you want it to look like it crawls along the bottom then these are the eyes for you.

What Makes a Good Fly Tying Eye?

Below, we’re going to go over a few different features of the eyes. Each of them has its own pros and cons so think about what you need and apply the information below.

Weight

Getting your streamers deep with a sinking line will never be easier than with weighted fly eyes. The same goes for throwing crayfish imitations.

If you want something that is going to run shallow or float then look for something very light or nearly weightless. Painted on eyes or feathers are great.

Attached

Barbell eyes use tying thread to hold it in place. These are typically weighted and are great for getting your fly down deep.

So, if you enjoy tying on your eyes then the barbell will work best. The same applies to feathers. However, if you’d rather epoxy or glue it on then a 3D set of eyes will be great.

Size

The size of your eyes is going to directly correspond to the size of your fly. If you have on a crawfish, but you slap on a couple of monster 3D eyes on it then it will not look normal.

So, match the eyes to what you intend on throwing and it will work out much better for you. The same goes for matching barbell eyes, and painted eyes to the correct flies.

Color

You’ll be able to find eyes in just about any color you can think of. White and darker colors are most prevalent in order to look more natural.

However, you’ll see bright colors too. These are typically used to catch the eye of the fish and draw it in. These are the best eye material for causing a reaction strike.

Best Fly Tying Eyes

Below, we’re going to go over three different products. These fly tying eyes have their own pros and cons so think about what kind of flies you wish to tie and use the corresponding ones below.

This list has been updated for 2021 but in all honesty, not much changes in the world of “fly tying eyes”. When you’re on Amazon you’ll find loads of other options for great fly tying eyes as well, but these are a few that we’ve had good experiences with.

Prime Fish Co. Dumbell

• Price – $10.15

The Prime Fish Co. Dumbell are nickel-plated brass eyes that have bright enamel painted on them. Making them ideal to tie onto a Clouser minnow.

These come in both bright colors as well as white. Giving you the option to go with something brighter or more natural.

2D/3D Fishing Eyes

• Price – $6.99

The 2D/3D Fishing Eyes are adhesive fly tying eyes. All you have to do is roll one set of eyes off of the sheet just like you would a sticker and then place it onto the head of your fly.

These come in three different colors and you get a total of 348 eyes for every 2 sheets.

Hareline Bead Head Chain

• Price – $6.25

The Hareline Bead Head Chain are 10-inch chains that are ideal for use in saltwater. This is because they are strong, durable and they will not tarnish because of the salt.

However, you can also use these for freshwater and they would be ideal for use on flies that target bass. These are the best eye for fly tying streamers.

Review This Post

Conclusion

Fly tying eyes are crucial for ensuring that you are creating something that is as lifelike as possible. There are also so many of them that you can really customize what you want.

So, now that you know a little bit more about fly tying eyes you should head down to your local fly shop and pick some up!