T

Tail
Sometimes called a whisk. Usually feather fibres to imitate the tails of a natural insect. Lures and attractor-type flies also have tails, but these are only to enhance the attraction of the pattern.

Taper
Refers to the principle or process of the transition of materials (rods, fly lines, leaders) from thicker to thinner, or heavier to lighter, in a manner that allows a smooth transfer of energy between components

Terrestrial
Insect that is born and spends its entire life cycle on land. Many freshwater fish, especially in warm climates, feed on terrestrials. Terrestrials that are often imitated in fly designs are ants, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and spiders.

Thorax
The part of the insect's body between the abdomen and neck to which the legs and wings are attached.

Thread
The binding agent by which all other materials are attached to the hook.

Thumb-on-top grip
The most common way to hold the fly rod handle with the casting hand. Placing the thumb of the casting hand on top of the fly rod handle leads to precise control and accuracy in the cast.

Tinsel
A thin metallic material used for ribbing or making complete bodies. Gold, silver or copper colours are available. Flat, oval, round or embossed tinsels are all used.

Tippet
See Golden Pheasant.

Throat
A hackle wound as a collar divided on top and tied under the shank to represent legs or front of streamer or other such flies. (Also see beard)

Tie In
To fasten a material with tying thread.

Tie Off
To whip finish or half hitch thread after applying a material or to finish the head of a fly.

Topping
The long crest feather of a golden pheasant.

Try-line
Refers to two (or more) 36" long sections of different color & diameter limp or braided nylon students provide that are used with the School's Course to practice tying knots; diameter can be 1/8th"-3/8th" or less