re: The Fly Fishing Thread: Questions, pics, discussion all here

I have an Orvis EZ rotary vice and am ok with it - $70. The Regal is supposed to be amazing but I dont want to spend $200 on a vice The ones Stewie mentioned sound really good so I would consider those.


I like the Dr. Slick tools - my curved tip sissors have been great. All I have is those sissors, some more durable sissors I dont care about that I use to cut wire, 1 thread bobbin, and a whip finish tool. Haven't seen the need for much else though I guess I could see the need for hackle pliers one day.

I think you'll get lots of opinions on thread. I've used a bunch of different kinds and I now only use one kind. Waspi Ultra GSP - that stuff is not breaking on you ever. There is nothing worse than finishing up a fly and breaking the thread toward the end without getting to finish it with your knot. I use 100 and 200 denier in white, black, and chartreuse. All of the other colors I would want I can create by just using a sharpie on my white thread. If needed you can really get this stuff to lay down nice and flat if you are looking for a sleeker profile - like for a tiny size 20 trout midge.

Head cement - Sally Hanson's Hard as Nails. Find it with the nail polish at the store.

UV Clear Finish by Loon - I love this stuff b/c it really allows you to make a sweet head on the end of your fly. I use both thin and thick. Dont buy the UV light from the fly shop. Just get it on amazon

Some online fly shops offer free shipping with any order. Really dig through the links on the OP of this thread. Some great deals to be had. Also sign up on Facebook for the "Flyfishing and Flytying" and "Flyfishing Gear Buy Sell Trade" groups. Someones guys sell tying materials real cheap

If you need opinions on just trout hooks let me know. I'll let someone else talk saltwater hooks