New Equip.

[greyhnd]

I am considering trying to tie my own saltwater flies. I was hoping someone could inform me on the best, least expensive vise and or kit to buy.and where to get it? I have no equipment as of now. Also do you recomend any books or videos to help learn the process?
Thanks

[Quicksilver]

A good way to save $ is buying a used vise. What patterns will you be tying?

[CharlieP]

greyhnd.....

i hope i don't mess this up for you, but check this link out. i was thinking about bidding on it myself.

good luck,

charlie

[CharlieP]

ok...so idiot-boy forgot to supply the link. sometimes i think i could mess up a free lunch.....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3617480123&category=44916#ebayphotohosting

[msiler]

A used or reasonably priced vice is a good way to save lots of money.

DO NOT buy an El Cheapo vice! You will buy another vice almsot immediately if you do...they suck, they break, they do not hold well especially large flies for the salt.

[Sentience]

agreed on the cheapo vise comment.

i love my regal vise. i recommend them to everyone. they are sturdy and they are really easy to use. they run about $115 i think. so even if you only tie 25 clousers and a few decievers you have made your money back. $5.00 a fly is outrageous if you buy them. i think tying your own really changes how you fish. i guess it is like playing golf without worrying about the rack of balls you just blasted into the woods.

[Moonwalker2000]

I saw a fly tying demo by Lou Tabory a few weeks ago at my club’s conclave and he uses a Vise Grip welded to 12" iron rod attached to a clamp. The whole lot comes in at under $25 dollars and will never lose its grip. Only thing though it's not rotary.

[bluefishercat]

I have a old flytying book from the seventies with a section on saltwater flies by Lefty Kreh, where he says that all you need is a pair of welded vise grips. My choice for a saltwater vise is Regal or regal clone. They are simple and have few parts to go bad.
Pete

[Animal Chris]

I have a Renzetti Traveler I use at home, but just got a Regal to keep it company that I am really enjoying. I can strongly recommend either one of these but, while cruising Bass Pro Shop the other day, I broke down and got a Regal clone (this is what prompted me to get the real Regal). This vise works well, so it will take the place of "El Cheapo" in my travel bag. If you have access to a pro shop I suggest paying them a visit and trying some on for size. Good luck.

[dharrison87]

I started about 1 1/2 years ago. I drove to Kittery, ME to purchase a vice. I setit up and was beggining to tighten up the vice and i stripped the main screw on the FIRST hook. The first was 22$ and after I returned it I bought a more expensive vice (around 65$). You really can't cheat yourself when it comes to your most valuable piece of equipment.


O yeah... and you'll need a bobbin too. As you can tell from my very first couple of "hand-wrapped" flies. Good tools will last you a whole lot longer and saves a lot of frustration and broken materials.