Note: The Title of this post says Happy New "Gear" just in case you missed it! I will get to that in a moment.
However, I did want to wish all of my BlogBuddies and other readers and looker inners' a very Happy New Year 2014. You all are appreciated more than you know.
Now, that I have taken care of that need for today, I would like to show you all my Happy New "Gear" that Santa brought me for all the fly tying work I will be doing at my tying table. Santa thought I needed an upgrade. I tried to tell him that upgrading at my age might be dangerous! Anyhow, take a look at this and just imagine all the fun I will have.Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise
Here is a look at the first fly cranked from the new vise. So work has began. All the local fish in the Pond are either in big trouble or will be running for cover when The Pondstalker arrives!
Conehead Soft Hackle Bugger
Mel! Awesome bugger! The Peak vises are top notch and I am sure you will produce some amazing flies. I look forward to seeing the rest of your patterns and the fish they produce. Santa was very good to ya! Well deserved and have fun at the bench!
ReplyDeleteAl, thank for all the kind words. I agree with you on the quality of Peak vises. I have been tying on a standard Peak without rotary features, so the upgrade is something I have been looking forward too. Looking forward to this seasons fly tying work and will share with my BlogBuddies as they come.
DeleteDitto the NOCO.
ReplyDeleteI got a new vice this year too! I haven't given it too much time yet because I've been building rods. Time to get to work re-stocking the boxes...Happy tying!
ReplyDeleteHi, Tim! Good to hear that Santa brought you along a new vise for the fly tying season. Fly tying, rod building, fly fishing, ice fishing time with kids, so little time! Happy tying to you too in 2014.
DeleteNice looking fly. I'm interested in hearing what you think about that vise. I've heard it's just as good as the Renzetti Traveler.
ReplyDeleteKevin, I will be able to tell you more in a bit. Will probably do a User Review on my blog. I tied on a Renzetti Traveler for quite awhile. Very pleased with it. Then, like everything else, opted to sell it and go with another brand. Lately have been tying on the standard non-rotary Peak Vise. I am partial, and I admit that, to the fact that they are made here in my hometown of Loveland, Colorado. Rest assured, I paid the full price. Mrs. Santa says so!
DeleteI do like the made in USA aspect as well. If I could get $150 for my Traveler I'd buy one too.
DeleteI would encourage you to keep in mind the Peak Rotary. I have no problems with the Traveler either, just saying that supporting American made products is a good thing. Thanks for the comment, Kevin.
DeleteMel
ReplyDeleteI know what you are going to doing for the next month or so. That soft hackle is impressive. My hats off to all you guys who tie flies, I just don't have the patience to tackle that part of fly fishing now. Thank for sharing
Bill, thanks for commenting. Thanks for the kind words on the Soft Hackle Bugger. Like everything else in fly fishing, once you get a grasp of what you are trying to do, then the fun begins. Why not take the time to learn to tie your own. I think you would find it fascinating and not as demanding as you think. For instance, I like to tie flies that have a few simple materials, won't break the bank if I lose one or two, and are successful. Sounds like an idea for a blog post.
DeleteHappy New Year and happy new gear, Mel! Have a wonderful 2014!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. Sure nice to hear from you again. Hope that you have a wonderful 2014 with many happy hook ups. Be safe on the ice, but, catch a bunch.
DeleteIt's going to be a great year! I'm excited to see what my fellow bloggers will be tying up.
ReplyDeleteSure hope so, Josh, sure hope so! Looking forward to seeing the same from my fellow bloggers. If you have any test tube dummies you want me to try, I would be happy to see if Colorado warm water fish dig them!
DeleteHey Mel, Happy new year to you too! Great job on tying that Bugger, too!
ReplyDeleteJ., Happy New Year to you also my friend. Hope 2014 is full of happy hook ups for you. Thanks for the kind words on the Soft Hackle Bugger.
DeleteCongrats on the Peak vise...I love mine, I think it is one of the best vise's on the market.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Mike. So far everything has gone very well with the tying. I was tying previously on the Peak non-rotary vise and I loved the quality on that vise. So stepping up to the full rotary just made good sense. I agree for the money, I don't think you can buy a better vise. Plus, it is made here!
DeleteThat's a sweet vise. We used those when I was teaching fly tying to soldiers via Project Healing Waters. Very nice enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI tie on a Peak vise, too. Love it! I have had zero issues with it. It's held hooks size 14 up to a 6/0 just fine. I am thinking about getting the salt water jaws for the vise, because, I don't want to press my luck using the standard jaws for my big musky flies.
ReplyDeleteJustin, great to see another fellow blogger using the Peak Vise. I really enjoy and approve of their craftsmanship. I very much appreciate having a secure set if jaws when tying so that hook movement during the tying steps are no concern at all. Smooth operation is also a big comfort with the Peak Vise. I do not tie, at this time, anything large enough to need salt water type jaws, but, would be interested to know how they work out should you get some.
DeleteI will definitely let you know how those bigger jaws are, if I get them.
DeleteJustin, just guessing that if you decide that is something that you want to do to enhance your fly tying, that the folks at Peak and the quality they produce would be impeccable.
DeleteMel, How are you my friend. Been busy and life has happened so I am catching up. Nice vice and I look forward to seeing the flies that you produce! You bugger say bite me all over it! Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Al! I have missed your input and friendship. We all need to take some time now and then and let other things take priority over fly fishing and blogging. Thanks for the comment on my Bugger pattern. Keep it simple!
Delete