Tool advise for some new lure making adventures

[CatFan]

I made it all the way through the “New to tying” thread, but still have some questions.

Background:

I’ve been pouring and painting my own jigs for more than 30 years, but I’m wanting to branch out into some tying. Actually stopped pouring because my son loved it when he was young, so we made way more crappie sized jigs than I’ll ever use Getting back into pouring too because I’m fishing for walleye now so I need 1/4 to 3/4 jigs.

My particular goals are to tie some bucktail treble hooks in sizes 2 to 1/0 and to make some 1/32nd and 1/16th panfish bugs.

The trebles are for smallmouth and pike in Canada. We tear them up on Mepps Aglias, but the pike are heck on the bucktails, and the smallmouth inhale the treble hook and often are fully hooked on all three barbs.

Any vise recommendations for these uses? I’m not sure if the size range from the #8 on a 1/32nd oz jig to a 1/0 treble hook might be an issue when selecting a vise. Many of the particular recommendations in the thread were dead links.

Thanks for any info!

[SuperDave336]

Most vises have capabilities to handle these different size hooks. They even have different jaw sizes you can get if needed. On the Peak vise like I own it says it can handle from 2/0 down to the smallest you can buy but I think if you did a lot of smaller jigs or flys you would prefer the midge jaws which are around $40.

[MCG1]

I've had several vises and now own a Peak vise. Really well made. Adjustable as SuperDave said. The rotary function is nice and would probably be great for those trembles. Good luck.

[Shmang]

I am a believer in the Peak as it handles everything from size 24 midge hooks up to 1/32 oz crappie ties. Rotary would surely help you with dressing treble hooks - which the Peak also features.

[JUNGLEJIMJIGS]

I'd hit a fly shop or retailer and take the biggest treble hook that you will use and see how it fit's a few vises before you buy. How much are you willing to spend on a vise? Most vises have a wide range of hooks that they will hold so you have many options. I've used a Renzetti Traveler for over 30 years and tied baits from a 6/0 down to size 18 with no issues.

[MCG1]

Renzetti has a great reputation and so does JungleJim!

[Grainraiser]

I have a Renzetti and I have never wanted another vise. It does everything I need and is built like a tank. Peak also makes a great vise and it is also built like tank. Either will last you a lifetime.

[ksnouf]

I have 2 Force Predator vises...they will an 18-6/0 hook. but they are not made any more and hard to find.

[skeetbum]

Another vote for the Renzetti. I’ve had one for close to 15 years without issue. Mine is an old one before the cam lock jaws. It’s done everything I’ve ever asked it to. I’ve tied on a few others and there’s other good vises out there. I can’t remember ever hearing a bad report on the peak and I’ve tied a couple of jigs on one. A little different than mine but still good. Skiptomylou on here is a dealer for them and a wealth of knowledge one many other things related to this. I’ve tied trebles and they aren’t hard. If they’re for mean fish I tie in stages with some half hitches along the way along with Sally’s or cement. I don’t try to get all the hair in at once but do one section of the treble at a time. It’s worked well for me. Hope you find what you’re after. Holler if I can help. You’ve helped us all so much I’d be happy to turn it around for a change.