It’s about the fly.
For trout and bonefish, it is all about today’s offerings
More than once, fly-tying anglers have arrived on stream only to find that reports of robust hatches are not happening. And the previous night’s nymph and ‘emerger’ tying marathon probably will not pay off as hoped.
TJ to the rescue
TJ Douglas, a friend of many years and fly-tying Guru, author, and soldier, has coached more than a few on how to match the hatch in a stream or on the flats.
SUV becomes an RV
TJ drives a Suburban pickup with 150K miles and an RV interior conversion. It has all the comforts a 6’2” 230-pound soldier needs: a place to crash, make coffee, heat prepared foodstuffs, and keep everything fresh in a lithium battery-supported fridge. His setup is capable of more than a few nights off-grid without loss of anything.
It is all about the vise
TJ said packing a vise with tools and materials along with a Lagun tying table has made catching about twice as many finned animals than showing up with yesterday’s list of hook-tied flies.
TJ said his first foray into a travel-tying setup was a $54 beginner kit sold at a big box store
It was a huge mistake. Although it included every essential tool, including a vise, everything was poor quality, especially the vise. The vise in the beginner kit was not sturdy enough to hold the hooks securely, and the tools were not durable enough for regular use.
The man who taught a thousand to fly fish and tie flies is missed, Lefty Kreh. Photo Clement
Tie your flies where the fish live, said Lefty
At a tri-annual gathering of fly tyers at Renzetti’s Florida headquarters in Titusville, Florida, TJ said Lefty Kreh challenged attendees:
‘Why is tying at home worth more to you than tying what they are feeding on right now, at the trout stream, or in the saltwater flats? If anything it should be the other way around. Best vise, tools and materials in your RV and the dabbling vise and tools at home.’ [paraphrased]
Lefty struck a chord
TJ said that thinking struck a chord with everyone he later talked with. It made sense. However, following the recommendation did cost a few bucks—but not much, TJ said.
His Renzetti Traveler made the grade and only cost about $85 for a “C” Clamp. TJ said combining a complete tools inventory out of second-hand pieces was easy. The “C” clamp allowed the vise to be left in place without resetting it each time it was used.
TJ says a backup or traveler-tying system accompanies him in his Suburban or as luggage on destination trips. As a tube-tying fly tyer, he never has TSA hassle with hook-tied flies, making his travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Getting a vise that is suitable for luggage is a consideration.
A few vises like the Renzetti Traveler can meet the challenge of being travel-friendly.
Beginner kits
Personal experience leads many to believe that good-quality tying tools are essential if you are a serious angler. That always begins with the vise. Choosing a vise you like will be similar to buying a shirt. It has to fit and have specific aesthetic attributes. You cannot choose well from watching a YouTube video or a page ad—and even a recommendation by Mr. or Ms. Someone Celeb doesn’t mean it will fit your needs.
Renzetti Traveler Fly Tying Vise: $200, but the street price is better. Be sure to add a ‘C’ clamp.
Go to the fly shop
A fly shop will have what you need, and someone there will know much about vises and tying tools.
There are several good, inexpensive travel vises:
NOTE: Tying vises, particularly those under $100 or around that number, could be excellent, but durability and replacement parts can be problematic. How long will they be around? But if you’re strapped, it’s probably a good starter solution. If you are in for the long haul, pause and wait for a deal on a top brand. You will be glad you did.
