Hand Held Vise for Small Flies

[Mike G]

This is in that category called "I wish I thought a that." My uncle was an avid fly fisherman who always brought a small kit of materials and tools along on every fishing trip. He could match the hatch when the trout were being selective. I wish he knew about this tip from a recent Hatches issue. He always brought along a full sized vise.

 

A standard Exacto knife makes a good hand held vise. Remove the blade, insert the hook, and tighten. They say it will work with size 6 and smaller hooks.

 

Exacto Vise

[Rob G]

Mike, excellent idea. I once saw this older woman tying beautiful flies at a show using a small pair of hand held pliers and she was probably quicker than I am at my vice.