API Spartan HMH Vise

Fly Tying Equipment

Rod & Reels

Fly Tying Patterns:Coming Soon!

The API Spartan Vise was produced by the company Angling Products Inc. between 1981 and 1994. The Spartan is a 1/3-scale model of the popular HMH vise that was manufactured in New Boston by Bill Hunter between 1976 through mid 1981. This vise has a 5/16 diameter stand rod that is smaller than the typical 3/8-inch rod size.

The original HMH is a fixed angle, rotary system. It was redesigned by API with two set screws that allowed the vise head to be adjusted. The jaws of these vises have smooth shoulders that are carefully designed. This helps in material positioning as well as access to the hook with your fingers. The Spartan is available today along with the HMH vise both produced by the Kennebec River Company with the 3/8-inch stand rod.

While in business API produced a series of fly fishing reels. The one pictured is an example of their Blue Water series. This reel is a 12-weight anti-reverse tarpon reel, not a knuckle buster. Featuring a very smooth thumb and index finger controlled drag. This large reel about the size of a CD is something to behold. The bearings are as smooth as silk and so is the finish. No longer available and rarely seen for resale the API Blue Water reels are a great piece of angling history.

Return from API Spartan HMH Vise to Tactical Fishing