Build your Fly Tying Bench
Every fly tier develops favorite fly tying tools and materials over time. This page is a curated collection of the vises, tools, threads, hooks, beads, and materials I personally use at my tying bench. You won’t find every product on the market. Instead, you’ll find the equipment I reach for every time I sit down to tie. If I recommend something here, it’s because it has earned a permanent place on my fly tying bench
fly tying vises
A fly tying vise is the foundation of your tying bench. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive tool you own, but it should securely hold a hook and make tying enjoyable. Like fly rods and waders, vises come in a huge range of prices. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a $1,000 vise to tie quality flies.
For years, I tied on a Griffin Montana Mongoose, and it remains one of the best values I’ve found. Its pedestal base and true rotary function made it a vise I never felt the need to replace. More recently, I’ve started tying on a Regal Revolution, and it’s an outstanding piece of equipment. Regal and Renzetti are often considered the Cadillacs of fly tying vises, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessary for most tiers.
TroutStrike Recommendations
Rotary Fly Tying Vises
Rotate the hook for easier access, better proportions, and more efficient fly tying.
Non-Rotary Fly Tying Vises
Simple, dependable vises that tie excellent flies without unnecessary features.
Budget-friendly fly tying vises
Quality vises under $200 provide everything most fly tiers will ever need.
Essential fly tying tools
Once you have a quality vise, you only need a handful of tools to begin tying flies. Start with the basics and add specialty tools as your skills grow.
TroutStrike Recommendations
Scissors
One of your best investments after the vise. You don’t need all of these. Pick a good all-around pair to start. Below are three good options.
Dr. Slick 4.5 in Micro Tip Hair Scissors
Designed for small, delicate detail work.
Loon Ergo All Purpose Scissors
An excellent choice for quality and comfort.
Fulling Mill All Purpose Scissors
Ideal for everyday use.
Bobbin & bobbin threader
A quality bobbin gives you smooth thread control and consistent tension, making every fly easier to tie. Pair it with an inexpensive bobbin threader, and you’ll spend less time fighting your tools and more time tying flies.
loon ergo bobbin
An ergonomic bobbin that gives tyers complete control.
Rite Standard Bobbin Ceramic
The ideal all-around bobbin with thread tension control.
Loon Bobbin threader
An extra-long bobbin threader .
OTHER ESSENTIAL TOOLS
These simple tools may not get as much attention as your vise or bobbin, but they make fly tying easier, more efficient, and produce cleaner, better finished flies.
Loon Ergo Bodkin
The indispensable bodkin, with an ergonomic grip.
Ergo Whip Finish Tool
Whip finisher with an ergonomic body.
Loon Hackle Pliers
Smooth grip for effortless hackle wrapping.
Tools you’ll want eventually
These tools aren’t essential when you’re getting started, but as your skills grow and you tie a wider variety of patterns, you’ll be glad you added them to your bench.
Hair Stacker
Aligns hair tips for cleaner, more consistent flies.
Dubbing Twister
Twists materials into durable, buggy dubbing loops.
UV Light
Powerful rechargeable UV light for fast resin curing.
Material Clips
Holds fibers securely for clean, consistent dubbing loops.
lighting
Good lighting is one of the best investments you can make at your fly tying bench. A bright, adjustable light reduces eye strain, makes it easier to see fine details, and helps you work with greater precision. Whether you’re tying tiny midges or large streamers, proper lighting will improve both your enjoyment and the quality of your flies.
TroutStrike Recommendations
Pro Work Bench Lamp Light
A powerful dual LED bench light with flexible arms that eliminates shadows, reduces eye strain, and provides bright, precise illumination for every fly.
Alert FTL130 LED Fly Tie Light with Magnifier
A powerful LED light with 2X and 10X magnification for detailed work, improved visibility, and comfortable fly tying. Designed for fly tyers.
ESSENTIAL FLY TYING MATERIALS
Thread
The foundation of every fly. Choosing the right thread makes tying easier, creates cleaner bodies, and helps your flies last longer.
TroutStrike Recommendations
UTC Ultra 70
Your everyday thread for most flies.
semperfli Nano silk
Choice of professional fly tyers.
Veevus
Strong, versatile thread
Still confused which size to buy? watch this
Hooks & Beads
The hook and bead are the foundation of every fly you tie. A quality hook provides dependable strength and consistent hookups, while the right tungsten bead helps your fly sink quickly into the strike zone. I tie every fly with Firehole Outdoors hooks and tungsten beads because they’ve proven to be reliable, durable, and exceptionally consistent on the water.
FIREHOLE OUTDOORS
I’m proud to represent Firehole Outdoors as an ambassador. Firehole Sticks & Firehole Stones have become the foundation of every custom nymph I tie. Explore the hooks and tungsten beads I trust to create durable and effective flies.
