Catching a fish on your own handmade fly is an awesome feeling!  If you fly fish at all, you need to learn to tie your own flies.  There really is not a whole lot needed to get started.  This article will give an overall understanding of the tools needed to get you started!  Like most hobbies, you can buy the Honda or the Ferrari.   We will provide examples of both sides of the spectrum.

1. The Vise

A vise is the tool needed to hold the curve of your hook to allow you to wrap thread, feathers, hackle, yarn, deer hair, fishing line, beaded eyes, rattles, flash, foam, chenille, etc... to craft your fly.

There are two basic types of Vises: A Pedestal Vise and a Clamp Vise, which can either be rotary or not.

Clamp Vises are probably the cheaper of the two and you can pick one up for around 20 dollars.  Of course, it will not have all the bells and whistles, but definitely something to start with.

Pedestal Vises have their own base, rather than having to clamp it onto a desk or another object.  These are typically more expesnive than the Clamp vises.