Behind The Vise FAQ — Quick Answers
What is Behind the Vise?
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Behind the Vise is a grassroots initiative from The Fly Box LLC built to support independent American fly tyers. We provide visibility, community, gear, and financial/material support to help them grow — and we're doing it all with the help of the fly fishing world.
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We uplift the folks tying at their kitchen tables, not big commercial outfits.
Who is Behind the Vise for?
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Fly tyers based in the U.S. — whether you're just starting out or you've been at the bench for years. If you’re passionate about tying and want to grow your craft, community, or reach, this initiative is for you.
Does it cost anything?
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Nope. 100% free — whether you're applying as a tyer, signing up as a social media supporter, or contributing as a brand. This is all about community and access.
What kind of support do tyers actually get?
Support can include:
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Featured articles and social shoutouts
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Free materials (via sponsors or our fund)
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Exclusive giveaways
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Help getting their name and work in front of bigger audiences
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Resources and community events (coming soon)
We also have branded Behind the Vise gear where 50% of all proceeds go directly into the fund to help tyers.
How does the material support work?
If selected, tyers submit a materials wishlist. We’ll either purchase those directly or coordinate with sponsoring brands to get materials donated. We never give out direct cash — only supplies that go toward fly tying.
How often do you accept new tyers?
Applications open every quarter (4x a year), and we select a small group each round. The first round opens August 1st, 2025 and closes August 31st, 2025.
What’s the deal with the gear?
Our Behind the Vise branded hats, sweatshirts, and T-shirts aren’t just apparel — they help fund the whole mission. 50% of profits go into the fund to support tyers.
It’s a way for anyone to rep the cause, support American tying, and look good doing it.
Can brands or companies get involved?
Absolutely. If you’re a gear company, shop, or creator that wants to uplift fly tyers, there’s space for you here.
We offer flexible partnership options including:
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Donating materials
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Sponsoring a featured tyer
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Offering promo codes or product giveaways
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Being spotlighted in supporter roundups
Reach out if you want to collaborate — we’d love to hear from you.
Why focus on American-made flies?
Because they’re disappearing.
Most of the flies sold in fly shops today are imported. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we believe American tyers should have a path to be seen, supported, and valued too. Behind the Vise helps make that happen.
Still got questions?
No problem! Contact Us Here And Ask Us Anything!