The Clouser Traveler Vise

The Clouser Traveler Vise
Bob Clouser is one of the most celebrated names in fly fishing and we are proud to offer a series of vises specially designed for tying his famed Clouser Minnow. The inline design can also facilitate the tying of any long streamer patterns, such as steelhead and salmon flies tied on Waddington Shanks. This unique design helps with the proper placement of material, both above and below the hook shank, which is critical for achieving the proper silhouettes and profiles these patterns require. This vise really pays for itself when tying any fly with a wing that rises toward the point of an inverted hook, such as most bonefish flies. With the exception of the rotary (rotating) shaft, the Clouser Series offers the same features as the Traveler Series. Pedestal base comes with pockets to hold eyes, beads, hooks, etc. Cannot be used with cam-lever jaws.

Pattern: Basic Bonefish Fly
Hook: #2, #4, #6 Daiichi X452
Eyes: Nickel Dazl-Eyes, 1/8"
Tying Cement: Zap-A-Gap
Thread: Uni 3/0, Pink UNI3D289
Tail: Pearl Krystal Flash
Body: Pearl Core Braid, Pink PCB289
Wing: Tan Calf Tail with Pearl Flashabou
Head Cement: Anglers Corner Water Base Head Cement

The pattern at left is a generic bonefish fly. With a craft fur wing it becomes a Gatcha.  With hackle tip wings, it becomes a Crazy Charley. The Basic Bonefish Fly is a proven pattern in many parts of the world. The colors and materials may be changed, but pinkish-tannish flies are proven in most locations.

If you are using a Clouser Traveler (or similar in-line jaw vise), place the hook in the vise so the jaws are in the middle of the bend. This position will enable you to easily place materials on both the top and bottom of the hook as the jaws are rotated.

Attach the thread about 3/16" behind the eye of the hook.  Wrap the thread so that two small balls are formed about 1/16" apart.  These will form the foundation for attaching the Dazl-Eyes.

Put a small drop of Zap-A-Gap between the balls of thread.

Place the Dazl_Eyes between the balls of thread and figure-eight wrap them tight.

Tie in 6-8 strands of Pear Krystal Flash behind the eyes and wrap to the rear of the hook with thread.

Secure the Krystal Flash and trim to one hook length.

Butt a strand of Pearl Core Braid aganst the eyes and secure it to the hook with tying thread.  Wrap the thread forward to in front of the eyes before wrapping on the body of Pearl Core Braid.

Wrap on the Pearl Core Braid and figure-eight wrap it around the base of the eyes.  Tie it off in front of the eyes. 

Trim off the tag end of the Pearl Core Braid and rotate the vise head so that the hook is up side down.

With the hook in the up side down position, tie in the calf tail wing so that it hides the hook point.  This will act as a sail, which with the weight of the eyes will make the fly fall to the bottom with the hook pointed up, making the hook comparatively snag free. 

Several strands of Pearl Flashabou may be added as an option.  Tie off the head of the fly and coat with head cement.  The fly is now ready to fish.

In Memory of Lenox Dick

A treasured friend, Lenox Dick passed away peacefully-and apparently at his own wish after a  short hospital stay several weeks ago.  Len's notable list of accomplishments included being a founding member of the Fly Fishers Club of Oregon, author of many fly fishing articles & the book The art & Science of Fly Fishing.  He was perhaps the oldest person to row his drift boat through White Horse Rapids when he was 86 years old. At 91,he was still scrambling up and down the steep banks of the Deschutes on his stretch above Maupin.  The fly fishing community will miss him.

Simms Guide Boot, Studded
Redesigned for 2008. Leather makes our Guide Boots burly; a molded midsole makes them light. Our Guide Boots are tough AND comfortable.