Vise Selection Article

A pretty good article in my opinion. Covers the "what to look for in a vise" based upon what you want to tie. Great for those who want to learn about vise function and terminology.

Get A Grip

Minnow Heads For Multiple Species Of Fish

Here are some new ties using 1/16-oz. Arkie minnow head jigs with #4 hooks.  Tails consist of turkey and chicken feather.  Bodies consist of Sulky Holoshimmer and Lion Brand Suede.  The heads have a nice reflective holographic finish beneath their epoxy topcoats in my opinion.

Approaching Green Pumpkin

A popular color among smallmouth bass fisherman.  There is some variability in its hue and tone among lure producers.  I created my own versions of this color through these craft fur ties.

Combined are brown, sage green, and black craft furs.  Each jig is tied on a 1/8-oz. football head with a size 1 or 1/0 black sickle or round bend hook.

More Craft Fur Jigs Tied Over The Holiday

Tied these recently after Christmas.  Used "holiday-colored" paint and tinsel in a few of the patterns.  Each jig weighs about 1/8 of an ounce and has a #2 round bend hook.

Panfish Jigs

Each jig has a thread style body tied with braid, metallic thread, or film.  Tails are turkey feather, chicken feather, or blood quill marabou.

The jigs weigh 1/16 of an ounce and have either a #4 round bend or a #6 sickle hook.

Tinsel Time

Visited my local Target store last evening.  Picked up four packages of Christmas tinsel (icicles) for 50% off or $0.50 per package.  Five-hundred icicles per package.  Colors include gold, silver, green, magenta, and blue.  Its design is similar to holographic tinsel.

Here are closeups of two jigs tied with the tinsel yesterday evening.  Used 1/8-ounce ball heads with #2 hooks.

A useful material that may be discounted at many other stores during Christmas clearance sales.

Tips for Tyers

Here are a few that keep me tying smoothly:

• I use acetone nail polish remover to thin clear nail polish as it ages.  This reduces its thickness and the "spider webs" created when brushing it onto thread. 
• Keep a lint roller handy on your table or bench.  Fur and feathers often wind up on your clothing.  The roller makes for a quick and easy cleanup before you leave your work area.  Sometimes, I'll even use it to quickly clean off my table top.
• Save soda cans.  These are perfect platforms for mixing two-part epoxy.  Use the bottom of a can for mixing the resin and hardener.  Be sure to remove its pop-top to ensure that it stands level.  Dispose of the can properly after use.