The Bench

We break down the Stonfo Steeltech Bobbin's 35-gram stainless design, tension system, balance and why it excels at split-thread dubbing.

Choose a fly tying vise by the mechanics that matter: hook security, jaw clearance, rotary function, mounting style, ergonomics and serviceability.

The Crackleback pattern has its roots in the Ozark region of Missouri, where it was initially designed by Ed Story, a prominent figure in Midwestern fly fishing circles. Story, a Missouri-based fly tier and founder of Feather-Craft Fly Fishing, was known for his contributions to fly design and his commitment to creating simple but effective patterns. He developed the Crackleback in the 1960s to mimic a wide range of insects, especially in trout streams around the Ozarks.