2) Hook into Vice

Here the different parts of the hook are labelled. Get used to the terms since they will be referred to often.

Here you see a hook properly placed in a vice ready for tying. Note the following:

• the shank of the hook is level
• the vice is gripping only the lower part of the bend
• only the amount needed to securely grip the hook is placed into the vice.

Here is a series of pictures that show the most common mistakes made when beginners first place hooks into vices.

Here the hook is placed far too deeply into the vice. As you will see later, the top part of the bend needs to be free so that you can easily tie materials on at this point. Remember, only the lower half of the bend should be in the vice.

Here the hook has not been placed in deeply enough. The hook will actually pop out of the vice when a little tying pressure is exerted.

Here the hook is not level. This makes winding the thread difficult and the materials won’t sit very well when you are trying to tie them on.

Again, here the hook is not level and the same problems will occur as before.

Here the hook point has been completely inserted into the vice. This is sometimes recommended since it prevents the tip of the hook from cutting the thread when you wrap. However, it is hard on the point and makes wrapping the thread to the bend difficult

It is a good idea to smash the barb before you start tying. This site promotes catch and release (see stewardship section). You’ll need a pair of pliers. Most pliers have little ridges on the inside of the jaws. The barb tends to slip into these and not bend down all the way. Try to find a pair with smooth jaws.

Here a properly smashed down barb is shown compared to one that hasn’t been bent down.