Catching fish on flies I tied myself really appeals to me and I’d like to take up fly tying this winter. I’ve read several places that the vices and tools in most kits aren’t the greatest. Any recommendations for a good vice and tools to get started? I’m not looking for a $1000 vice just for bragging rights, but don’t mind paying for quality equipment that will last and I won’t outgrow. I don’t have a good place to clamp a vice, so one with a base is preferred.

I started with the white river kit and quickly realized that I needed a vise upgrade. I bought the renzetti traveller and recently got the purple renzetti with the longer stem and larger base. I know that Peak is also a quality brand and people like them. I have been very happy with the renzetti traveller and have tied articulated streamers all the way down to size 30 midges on it.

Thanks- the Renzetti traveler is at the top of my list after doing some research last night. Found lots of reviews by people that have used the same one for 20+ years and love them

You will be very happy with the Renzetti Traveler. You'd have to pay double or more to get something any better.

I ended up getting the Renzetti traveler. I found a deal for 25% off online and the vice and tools finally arrived. For my 1st effort I bought a car wash mitt and tied a mop fly. Not very pretty, but I figured you have to start somewhere, they looked easy, and I know they catch fish.

That fly will work!!

I'd eat it.

I wish they would make the tails in more colors, I keep finding the same colors no matter where I look. Would like to find some black and white to add some variety.

fdf

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You can get both black and white (and a bunch of other colors) chenille car wash mitts on Amazon. I got a white one along with the chartreuse.

I get this question often, and I have found that the first question you need to ask is do you want pretty flies, or just flies that catch fish. Pretty flies will catch fish, but so will ugly ones. If you want pretty flies, a rotating vise and good equipment will help. I still use clamp on vices you can pick up for $15 on eBay. I started tying when I was about 10 years old and still use my fingers instead of standard tools. Most of my flies fall into the simple and ugly category, but since I was the IGFA all-tackle length top fly angler last year, I guess they work. There are many excellent fly tying artists on this forum that will help with equipment. Just think about your fly tying goals before you start buying equipment. Ugly fly - pretty fish.

I’d love to tie pretty flies, but not sure I have the talent or patience for it. I’m trying to stick to simple patterns I know catch fish and bought a few books to get me started. I need to find a class, but I’m learning by trial and error so far. Here’s a few from my 1st week:

Great fish BTW. What kind of carp is that?

Butterfly.

I am having good results in my classes I teach with the Rambler Co. vises. They were called the Wolff Indiana before. The lower priced ones can be a bit "unique" per each vise, but the Atlas is very predictable.
It is easy to spend a TON of money on a vise these days, because they all seem to cost a ton of money.
That said, Rambler does give military discounts.
I also recommend the Renzetti and Dyna-King, both of which I have and use - depending on the fly I am tying.
What kind of flies will you be tying? You are VERY CLOSE TO salt! I would recommend a heavier vise if you are headed to salt.

I got the freshwater version of the Renzetti traveler. So far, just planning on tying for trout, bass, and panfish. My heaviest rod is a 7 wt and none of my rods have a sealed drag, so no plans for saltwater in the immediate future.