Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:53 PM AWST

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Tie simple fishing flies

Tie simple fishing flies

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOFSH310A
State Code
D6387
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to tie a range of simple flies for both salt and freshwater fly fishing. The unit focuses on establishing fly design requirements, selecting appropriate fly patterns and sourcing materials and equipment suitable for tying a range of simple flies.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to tie a fishing fly
  • 1.1. Identify target fish species capable of being lured by an artificial fly.
  • 1.2. Identify the natural foods for each targeted fish species.
  • 1.3. Determine a fly pattern which meets the target species and environmental application.
  • 1.4. Select appropriate fly tying tools and equipment and fly tying materials to match a selected pattern according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Tie a fishing fly
  • 2.1. Select an appropriate hook and tie the fishing fly as detailed in the fly pattern.
  • 2.2. Add special effects and detail to the fly.
  • 2.3. Finish the fly and add sealers, protectants or floatants as required.
3. Test and evaluate effectiveness of the fishing fly
  • 3.1. Inspect the finished fly to ensure it meets design parameters, presentation requirements and quality of workmanship according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Trial and test fly action in specific fishing environments.
  • 3.3. Evaluate the performance of the fly.
  • 3.4. Identify and implement improvements to the fly as required.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Target Fish species may include:
trout
salmon
barramundi
mangrove jack
sooty grunter
queen fish
trevally
pike
bass
carp
snook
tarpon
bonefish
juvenile black marlin
pacific sailfish
kingfish
spanish mackerel
spotted mackerel
northern blue fine tuna
yellow fin tuna
wahoo
cobia
dolphin fish
bream.
Fly Patterns may include:
imitative
attractive
dry and wet flies
streamers
nymphs
terrestrials
emergers
poppers
hair bugs
freshwater and saltwater flies
blue water flies
warm water flies
lake patterns
still water patterns
running water patterns
fly assortments.
Fly Tying tools and equipment may include:
fly tying vises
lights
magnifying glasses
hackle pliers
needle point pliers
tweezers
scissors
bobbins
bobbin threaders
floss bobbins
hackle gauges
bodkins
tooth picks
dubbing twisters
dubbing rake
wing burners
whip finishers
hair stackers
fly-tying kits.
Fly Tying materials may include:
threads
yarns
furs
hair
feathers
wool
tinsel
cork
foam
balsa
lead wire
wire
hooks or hook storage
synthetics
mylar cord
eyes
beads, such as glass, ceramic, brass, tungsten
cones
tying liquids
silicone
epoxy resins
glues
waxes
floatants.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
safety and emergency procedures
use, maintenance and storage of equipment
manufacturer's design specifications and recommendations for equipment use
accepted industry best practice
risk management procedures
communication protocols
code of ethics.
Tie the fishing fly may include:
additional ballast materials
tread starting techniques
wrapping or winding techniques
whip finishing of threads
application of tying liquids
dubbing processes
hackle fitting techniques
head wrapping techniques
addition of special effect materials
use of sealers
fly finishing processes
fly protectant chemicals or lacquers
fly floatant chemicals.
Evaluation may include:
presentation of fly on or in the water
ability to attract fish
ability to catch fish
efficiency of fly in catching fish
durability
ease of use
cost of tying
level of difficulty
accuracy in casting.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
demonstrates knowledge of the techniques which apply to the tying of a fishing fly and selects appropriate fly tying tools, equipment and materials to match a selected pattern
uses a range of common patterns and a variety of fly tying techniques, tools, equipment and materials to tie simple fishing flies
inspects the finished fly to ensure it meets all requirements and tests it accordingly.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure production of multiple simple fishing flies for a range of target species that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
an appropriate workshop or facility to construct a range of tied fly fishing products
materials and equipment to tie fishing flies
resources and information regarding fly patterns and methods of tying flies.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of testing and evaluating completed fishing flies
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of fly patterns to suit the targeted fish species and details of fly tying construction aimed at particular fish species
portfolio of completed fishing flies
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOFSH205A Construct and work simple fishing lures.
No information
State Code National Code Title Type
J761 SIS30413 Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation Qualification