Fly Tying Kits

Robert Wells
11 min readJun 11, 2024

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Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of fly tying! In this roundup article, we’ve carefully curated a selection of the best Fly Tying Kits available in the market, catering to both beginners and experienced fly tyers. Our goal is to provide you with an engaging and informative experience, helping you find the perfect kit to unleash your creative potential and enhance your fly fishing adventures.

The Top 7 Best Fly Tying Kits

  1. Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit with Vise, DVD Instruction, and Carrying Case — Master the art of fly tying with this comprehensive kit, featuring an AA vise, basic tying tools, a DVD instruction video, and a sturdy wooden carrying case.
  2. Wooden Fly Tying Kit with EZ Vise (Z791B) — Experience the ease and versatility of fly tying with the Wooden Fly Tying Kit EZ Vise (Z791B), featuring a compact wooden tool kit with 11 specialized tools to create impressive and durable designs.
  3. Togens Premium Fly Tying Tool Kit for Anglers — Togens Premium Tool Kit: A high-quality, budget-friendly solution for fly tying enthusiasts, offering a variety of versatile tools perfect for tying flies with ease and precision.
  4. Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Vise, Scissors, and Materials — With a wide array of materials, tools, and easy-to-follow instructions, the Gunnison River Fly Tying Kit is the ultimate fly tying solution for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
  5. Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Wooden Carrying Case and Essential Tools — The Deluxe Fly Tying Kit, with its 4.6-star rating and an impressive 15 reviews, offers a comprehensive fly tying experience, featuring a sturdy wooden vise, 11 essential tools, and detailed instruction manuals.
  6. Cabela’s Ultimate Trout Fly-Tying Essentials Kit — Cabela’s Trout Fly-Tying Kit offers a complete, high-quality set of tools, vise, hooks, and materials for beginners to easily create their own effective fishing flies.
  7. Backcountry Fly Tying Kit: High-Quality Fly Fishing Accessory — Elevate your fly tying experience with the Backcountry Fly Tying Kit, featuring Italian-made Stonfo tools and Polish-crafted Renomed Super Cut scissors, combining excellent quality, ease of use, and durability in style.

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Reviews

Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit with Vise, DVD Instruction, and Carrying Case

When I first tried the S. F. Products Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit, I was impressed by its sturdiness and how well the tools worked together. The AA vise with its pedestal base was a great addition, providing stability and comfort while tying. The included tools, such as scissors, bodkin, and hackle pliers, made the experience all the more enjoyable.

One aspect that stood out to me was the DVD instruction video, which taught me how to tie three different flies, including the Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger, and Scud. The visual guidance was invaluable and helped me improve my skills.

However, I did notice a few areas for improvement. The vise could be just a bit tighter on the table clamp, making it even more secure. Additionally, the wooden carrying case could benefit from a protective coating to prevent wear and tear.

Overall, with its affordability and efficient design, this tool kit is a great option for anyone looking to get into fly tying or looking for a good addition to their existing setup.

Wooden Fly Tying Kit with EZ Vise (Z791B)

Last weekend, I decided to try my hand at fly fishing — I thought it’d be a great way to bond with my friends outdoors. So, I picked up the Wooden Fly Tying Kit EZ Vise (Z791B) at the local sporting goods store, thinking this would be a key tool in mastering the art of fly tying.

The first thing that stood out was its sturdy wooden design. The station has a rustic feel, which definitely added to the overall charm. The drawers were spacious, allowing me to store my materials and neatly organize my tools. What’s more, the EZ rotary vise was a game changer! It was easy to clamp onto a surface for ultimate stability while I tied my flies.

However, one minor drawback I faced was that the built-in base didn’t sit completely flat on some surfaces, making it a bit tricky to tie my flies. But, I guess it’s a small price to pay for its overall functionality and design.

Despite the small setback, I found the Wooden Fly Tying Kit EZ Vise (Z791B) to be incredibly helpful. I was pleased with its versatility, and the wooden station really is a standout in my fishing toolkit. Whether you’re just starting out in the fly tying world or looking for a new approach at an old sport, this kit is a welcome addition.

Togens Premium Fly Tying Tool Kit for Anglers

Togens Premium Tool Kit — This comprehensive fly tying tool set is a fantastic value for users seeking high-quality tools without breaking the bank. The kit features a number of essential tools, such as a ceramic bobbin holder, large hackle pliers, all-purpose scissors, and a whip finisher.

Users praise the tools for their well-made construction and ease of use, making this an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced anglers alike. However, some users have expressed difficulties with the whip finisher, suggesting that it may require additional practice or a different model altogether.

Overall, the Togens Premium Tool Kit is a worthy addition to any fly tying kit, offering a reliable and versatile set of tools for your tying needs.

Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Vise, Scissors, and Materials

The Gunnison River Fly Tying Kit is a comprehensive and convenient solution for any aspiring fly tyier. This versatile kit boasts an extensive collection of hooks and materials, enabling you to tie 36 different fly patterns.

Accompanying this array of resources is a range of tools, including a vise, scissors, and hackle pliers, all contained within a handy carry case. Despite some minor shortcomings, the kit’s quality materials and instructional resources make it a solid choice for beginner to intermediate fly tyiers.

Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Wooden Carrying Case and Essential Tools

This impressive Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is perfect for aspiring fly tiers who want to create their own unique flies. The convenient wooden carrying case keeps everything organized and protected while on the go. Inside, you’ll find one vise with a clamp and base, along with an impressive collection of 11 tools to help you get started.

Craftsmanship and sturdiness are evident throughout the kit, ensuring durability and longevity. Users praise the quality of the vise and the tools, with some even catching fish using the flies they’ve tied with this kit. The included instruction manuals make it easy for beginners to learn the ropes, and the compact design allows for efficient storage when not in use.

One downside to consider is that the original box is not included, which may affect the presentation when gifting this kit. However, the absence of the box does not detract from the overall value and functionality of the Deluxe Fly Tying Kit. With an average rating of 4.6 and 15 positive reviews, this kit is a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of fly tying.

Cabela’s Ultimate Trout Fly-Tying Essentials Kit

Cabela’s Trout Fly-Tying Kit is the ultimate choice for beginners looking to create their own fly-fishing flies. With top-notch tools, vises, hooks, and materials, this kit simplifies your introduction to the art of fly tying. And the added bonus of being effective for sunfish angling makes this an even more versatile tool for your fishing adventures.

The kit has a 4.0 rating from two users, with one praising it as a “great beginner kit” and another wishing for a more complete material set. Despite the minor drawback, the quality of the products is appreciated by users, and the overall value of the kit is considered a great way to get started in the world of fly tying.

Backcountry Fly Tying Kit: High-Quality Fly Fishing Accessory

The Backcountry Fly Tying Kit is an expertly crafted collection of tools that will prove invaluable whether you’re on a wilderness excursion or in the comfort of your own fly tying bench. This versatile kit features a range of high-quality, Italian-made tools by Stonfo, renowned for their durability and functionality.

It also comes with a pair of exceptional fly tying scissors by Renomed, known for their precision and comfort. The Fly Tier Super Cut scissors, in particular, are lauded for their finely serrated blade, making it a breeze to cut deer hair and fur. The larger scissor handles ensure comfort and durability during use. The kit also includes a hand-stitched waterproof tool roll that conveniently houses and protects these top-of-the-line tools.

In addition to the tools, this comprehensive kit offers two additional pouches perfect for storing fly tying materials and hooks. The user-friendly design, coupled with the high-quality materials used, make this kit a standout choice for both seasoned and amateur fly tyers alike. Whether you’re packing for a backcountry adventure or want to enhance your fly tying experience at home, the Backcountry Fly Tying Kit is the perfect companion for your angling adventures.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to fly tying, having the right tools and materials is essential to creating effective lures for your fishing adventures. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the critical features, considerations, and general advice for choosing a high-quality fly tying kit that suits your needs.

Important Features

A comprehensive fly tying kit should include the following essential features to ensure you can tie a variety of flies efficiently and effectively. Look for a kit that has the following elements: — A set of various hooks- A selection of thread colors- A collection of synthetic fibers, like marabou, dubbing, and other materials- Different types of feathers- A wire for creating wires and eye hooks- Scissors for cutting materials and trimming feathers- A vise for holding the hook during tying — A bobbin for winding the thread

Size and Capacity

Consider the size of the kit you’ll need depending on the types of flies you plan to tie and the level of organization you require. A larger kit may offer more versatility, with a wider range of hooks and materials to choose from, but may take up more storage space. Smaller kits can be more compact and portable, but may not have as extensive a selection.

Quality and Durability

Investing in a quality fly tying kit ensures that your tools will last and function as expected. Look for materials that can withstand repeated use, such as high-quality vise jaws and durable scissors. Higher-end kits may include more precise tools, like needle-nose pliers, that can help you create more intricate fly patterns.

Ease of Use and Comfort

Your fly tying kit should be easy to use and comfortable to handle. Consider the size and shape of the tools, as well as their weight, to ensure they don’t cause fatigue during extended tying sessions. The vise should be adjustable to accommodate various hook sizes and have a comfortable grip. Additionally, look for kits with ergonomic features, like a rotating vise or adjustable tension, to enhance your tying experience.

FAQ

What is a fly tying kit and why would I need one?

A fly tying kit is a collection of tools and materials necessary for creating artificial lures, called flies, used by fly fishermen. You may need a fly tying kit if you wish to customize your own fishing flies, save money on buying pre-made flies, or engage in the art and sport of fly tying. The kit comes equipped with various components required for tying, such as hooks, threads, feathers, and beads.

Fly tying can be an enjoyable hobby, a creative outlet, or a helpful skill to have for fishing enthusiasts. Some fly fishermen enjoy the process of creating their own flies for specific fishing situations, while others find the activity relaxing and meditative. There are countless resources and tutorials available online to help beginners learn the art of fly tying.

Which components are essential in a fly tying kit?

A comprehensive fly tying kit typically includes the following essential components: hooks, thread, scissors, bobbin, vise, pliers, and a few other accessories. Hooks come in various sizes and shapes, depending on the desired fly type. Thread is used to wind around the hook in the creation of the body of the fly. Scissors are necessary for cutting materials, such as feathers and fur, that are used as the body and wings of the fly. A bobbin is a container that holds the thread, enabling the user to easily unwind it. A vise is a device used to secure the hook in place while tying.

Pliers are essential for bending wire legs and hooks, and for manipulating fine materials like feathers and threads. Additional accessories may include a whip finish tool for securing the thread at the end of the fly, a body-making tool for shaping foam bodies, and a hackle plier for handling and applying feathers. While not all fly tying kits may contain all these components, a good quality kit should include most of them.

Can I customize my own flies with a fly tying kit?

Yes, using a fly tying kit, you have the ability to create custom flies to meet your specific fishing needs. Since artificial flies can mimic various insects and aquatic life, the possibilities are endless. You can create flies in different sizes, colors, and shapes, depending on the type of fish you’re targeting and the fishing conditions.

For example, if you’re targeting trout when they’re feeding on mayflies, you can tie a mayfly imitation using a hook, thread, wings, and a body. By adjusting the size, color, and wing style of the fly, you can create a more effective lure for your target fish. Customizing your flies also allows you to adapt to changing fishing conditions. If your original flies aren’t working as expected, you can modify them to better match the current situation.

What skill level is required to use a fly tying kit?

Although fly tying can be a complex art form, using a fly tying kit is relatively accessible for beginners. Most kits come with instructions, tutorials, and even pre-made flies as a reference. Learning the basic techniques and practicing regularly can help you progress quickly and achieve desired results.

Some fly tying kits are designed for beginners, offering simpler tools and a larger selection of materials. These kits guide you step by step through the process, making it easier to grasp the fundamental concepts. As you progress, you may choose to invest in more advanced tools and materials that cater to your specific interests and skill level.

Are there any environmental concerns with using a fly tying kit?

Fly tying kits, when used responsibly, can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly activity. Many fly tiers choose to use synthetic materials, such as synthetics for fur and feathers, which have a minimal environmental impact compared to natural substances. Using scraps of thread or recycling old materials is another way to reduce waste.

However, some fly tying materials, like feathers and fur, come from wildlife. It’s essential to ensure that the materials are sourced responsibly from either natural sheds or farms, rather than wild-caught animals or endangered species. By purchasing from reputable suppliers and following eco-friendly practices, you can minimize the environmental impact of your fly tying activities.

How do I maintain and clean my fly tying kit?

Proper maintenance and cleanliness are essential for the longevity and functionality of your fly tying kit. After using the kit, make sure to clean and dry all the tools thoroughly. Store them, especially sharp objects, in a safe place to avoid injury or damage to other tools and materials. Clean the vise regularly to keep it rust-free and functioning smoothly.

Some tools should not be left in direct sunlight or exposed to moisture, as they might deteriorate or corrode over time. Keep your kit in a dry, airy space with controlled temperature and humidity. Periodically inspect your kit for any signs of wear and tear and replace worn-out items as necessary to keep it in good working condition.

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