What is a fly tying vise 

 

A fly tying vise is used to hold the hook secure while tying flies. It consists of a base, a clampable  jaw.  Some vises are stationary and clamp to a bench while other have a rotary mechanism that allows the fly tyer to rotate the hook so the tyre can apply materials from different angles. Fly tying vises are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and price ranges.  It's important to do some research so you choose the one that fits your needs and budget. 

 

1. Pedestal vises: Pedestal vises are large, and heavy-duty vises that are mounted on a heavy pedestal base. They cost more than other styles of vises, but are more stable and have a wide range of adjustable features. Pedestal vises work great when tying large or heavy flies. These vises are usually a favorite of professional fly tiers.

2. Bench vises: Bench vises are mid-sized vise that gets mounted to a flat surface, like a bench or table. They have a good balance of stability and are very portable, these vises can be used to tye many different sizes and styles of flies. These vises are the most popular vise being used by both beginner and experienced fly tiers.

3. Travel vises: Travel vises are small, and portable vises that have been designed to be used by the on-the-go fly tyer. These are lightweight and compact, and usually have their own carrying case or storage bag. They are ideal for any fly fishermen who wants to tie custom flies while on the water, and at times are popular with beginners who are just beginning to tie flies and learn the craft.

4. Rotary vise: rotary vises are a style of fly tying vise with a rotary function, allowing you to rotate the hook to access easier while tying the fly. With this function it makes it easier to work with the materials and feathers you’ll use while fly tying, this allows the tyer to create a smooth, even finish on a fly. These vises work great when tying larger and more complex flies, because they allow you to easily reach all sides of the hook. They also allow fly tiers to work with the fly in a horizontal position, because the rotary function allows you to easily rotate the fly to any angle. A Rotary vise can come in a wide range of styles and sizes, from small, portable models to large, heavy-duty models. They are usually more expensive than other styles of fly tying vises, but give the tyer a higher level of stability because of its adjustable features. 

 

When you choose the right style of fly tying vise for your needs, you will find the perfect tool that will meet your fly tying goals. Always make sure the size and type of flies that you are tying, will fulfill your needs. When you have the right vise that fits your fly tying needs, you will be able to create beautiful, effective flies that are sure to catch the attention of fish and fly fishermen alike.

What is a Bobbin

 

A fly tying bobbin is used to hold and supply thread while tying flies. The bobbin is used to hold a spool of thread, a tube to guide the thread, and has  tension in the thread holder that allows the fly tyre to control the thread. Bobbins can come in many different sizes and shapes, some have ceramic inserts to prevent thread from fraying or breaking, it is a matter of what you like and feel comfortable using.

 

• Bobbin threaders: are a tool used to thread the tying thread through the tube of a fly tying bobbin. It has a thin wire with a loop on one end and a handle on the other. The loop is pushed through the tube of the bobbin when a loop appears the thread is pushed through the loop and pulled back through the tube. This allows the  fly tyre an easy way to load the bobbin without struggling to fit the thread through the small tube. Bobbin threaders are made in different sizes and shapes to use with different bobbin sizes and styles.

What is a Whip Finisher?

 

Whip finishers are a tool used to a perfect knot when the tyre is finished tying a fly. It consists of a handle with a metal hook and a small post that holds the thread in place. The whip finisher allows fly tyers to create a tight knot that will hold the thread in place, preventing the fly from unraveling over time. Whip finishers come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of flies and threads.

 

What are Hackle Pliers?

 

Hackle pliers are a tool that is used to hold and wrap hackle feathers around a fly. It consists of two metal arms with textured pads or jaws on the ends that grip the hackle feather. The arms are joined at a pivot point and have a handle on one end. This allows fly tyers to easily grip and wrap the hackle around the fly with precision, creating a full and even body. Hackle pliers come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of hackle feathers and flies.

What are Fly Tying Scissors?

 

Fly tying scissors are designed with a sharp and precise blade that allows the fly tier to easily cut and trim feathers, furs, and threads. Fly tying scissors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can find them from small, fine-tipped scissors for delicate work to larger, heavy-duty scissors for cutting thick materials. You will find them with straight or curved blades, and serrated edges that provide additional grip when cutting tougher materials. 

 

The handles on fly tying scissors are ergonomically designed for comfort, and can feature soft-touch materials or textured grips to help the fly tier keep a firm hold. Fly tying scissors are a beneficial tool for any fly tier, it will allow them to create intricate and precise patterns.