Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fly fisherman or fisherwoman, your fly tying kit should be a crucial part of your arsenal.
Building your own kit can be a fun and creative process, however, it requires advanced knowledge of what tools are necessary depending on your personal fishing preferences.
Choosing a ready-made kit is a popular choice amongst beginners because it allows them to build a basic sense of the necessities.
Plus, most fly-tying kits contain an instructional manual or an instructional DVD to provide you with some useful tips to get you started.
These sets aren’t solely for beginners. Prepared fly-fishing kits are also popular amongst fishing veterans because they save time, and usually, a lot of money!
This article will review five of our best fly fishing kits in 2019 as well as an in-depth buyers guide which will indicate the features that you need to look out for.
Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package
The Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package will save you the hassle of having to shop around for fishing tools. Also, this kit is a fantastic value for money.
The kit boasts a 9′ 5/6 weight 4 piece fly rod that easily breaks down into four sections that are 28.75″ in length for storage in the rod sock and protective case.
The IM6 graphite rod is designed for 5 or 6 weight line and has a mid-flex, slow action and weight 5.7 ounces. All Wild Water Starter Package rods come with high-quality stainless steel, single foot, snake guides, and Silicon Carbide stripper guides with stainless steel frames.
The Complete Starter Package comes with;
- 9 sizes 14 Wing Black Ant flies
- size 14 Parachute Adams
- size 14 Parachute Adams
- size 14 Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Nymph.
The box has custom-designed foam inserts for fly storage and the waterproof seal keeps the contents dry.
The large Arbor Aluminum fly fishing reel comes preinstalled with 20# backing, weight forward 5 weight floating line and a 5X 9′ tapered leader. The spool can be removed from the frame with the quick release tab. Also, the stainless components are great for use in freshwater and saltwater.
The Monofilament leader is great for catching trout, small bass, bluegill, and crappies. The Line Nipper Tool easily trims your tippet, leader or line. Lastly, the Retractable Zinger is perfect for attaching to your shirt, vest, coat or waders.
This kit is perfect if you have an empty arsenal however most seasoned anglers will have the majority of these tools.
Pros
- The rod has a lifetime warranty
- Starter booklet included
- Budget friendly
Cons
- May not be ideal for seasoned anglers
Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools Gift Set
Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools go through a vigorous six-step quality process during manufacture; this ensures the quality, durability, and classic aesthetics of each product.
The Dr. Slick Company was founded in 1989 by a surgeon with a dedication for Fly Fishing and Fly Tying. The concept for his tools was designed to emulate the high quality of the specialized tools used by surgeons and then modified for fly tying and streamside uses.
This Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools Gift Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediates. The kit includes seven of the essential tools that you need in your arsenal.
This kit contains;
- straight scissors
- brass bodkin
- ceramic bobbin
- brass bobbin threader
- medium brass hair stacker
- brass whip finisher
- brass hackle plier
Plus, the large fly box is a bonus and is perfect for the organization of your kit.
The Dr. Slick Kit provides long-lasting tools while maintaining a sleek and polished design, making it an excellent starter option or gift. Additionally, the price is reasonable considering the quality of tools that could provide you with years of service.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Designed for durability
- Protective case
- Contains the essentials
Cons
- Fly tying materials sold separately
- No instruction manual
WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
The WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is another fantastic option for beginners or intermediate fly-fishermen or fisherwomen.
This kit will provide you with the essential tools you need to tie flies, including a vice, scissors and hackle pliers. The kit also includes high-quality materials for building ties such as hackle, dubbing, and chenille. The instructional DVD and book can help you to develop your skills in no time!
This affordable kit is a great starter choice for people learning to fly fish or anybody who’s looking to replace older tools. The tools and materials in the kid are mid-level quality, therefore over time, you will need to add to your collection.
If you’re a beginner and looking for a set for yourself or you’re looking for a set to give as a gift, this a fantastic choice! The kit includes;
- sizes 8, 12 and 14 hooks
- grey dubbing
- olive dubbing
- medium chenille
- marabou
- grizzly hackle
- brown hackle
- black thread
- fine copper wire
- peacock hearl
- pheasant tail
- elk hair
- white poly yarn
- vise
- scissors
- hackle pliers
- bobbin and bobbin threader
- hair stacker
- instructional book and an instructional DVD.
Pros
- Fantastic starter kit for anybody who wants to try fly tying
- Great way to trial tying your own flies without spending a fortune
- Useful case to keep everything together
Cons
- There's no whip finisher or bodkin in this kit
- You will need to upgrade some of the materials when developing your skills
Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
This Scientific Anglers Fly Tying Kit has everything needed to create effective dry flies, nymphs, wet flies, and streamers.
This kit includes;
- deluxe fly tying vise
- bobbin
- threader
- bodkin
- hackle pliers and scissors
- hooks
- thread
- tinsel
- wire
- dubbing
- hackle feathers
- marabou
Plus, everything is stored in a deluxe travel organizer, perfect for tying on fishing trips. The beginner will benefit hugely from this kit with its introductory DVD.
This kit is the ideal choice for learning fly tying. It provides enough tools and materials to get started, and it can be added to overtime. The quality is sufficient, and the price is reasonable.
Everything is kept neat and tidy, therefore you won’t be frantically searching for where you put your scissors or that exact feather! Additionally, this kit is great because it has everything you need. Therefore, there’d no hidden expenses or top-up trips to the fishing supply store!
Pros
- Affordable - this kit is under $50
- Fantastic beginners choice for those on a budget
- You can follow along with the DVD
- Everything is kept neat and tidy in the sturdy travel case
Cons
- Eventually you may need to upgrade some of the items
- Only black thread is included
Colorado Anglers Z797 Standard Tool Kit
The Colorado Z797 Standard Tool Kit is suitable for anglers of all skill levels with a built-in base, vise and eight tools of high-grade materials.
The eight tools included are;
- vise with base
- bobbin
- threader
- bodkin
- dubbing twister
- hackle pliers
- scissors
- whip finisher
These tools are all in a nice and convenient wooden carrying case. This compact and lightweight kit has all of the tools necessary to get into fly tying.
The built-in base and durable case keeps the vise sturdy, therefore this portable set can be used anywhere. Throw it into a backpack for a road trip or a hike without fear of any breakages.
If you’re fly tying on a budget, this kit has every essential tool to start you off. The setup is very compact and easily stows just about anywhere you could fit a thick novel.
Although it may not be the prettiest set of tools, the fish certainly can’t tell the difference. Although I specified that this was a kit for anglers of all skill levels, it’s particularly great for beginners.
Pros
- Great price
- Perfect for beginners
- Suitable for experienced anglers
- Contains all of the essential fly tying tools
- Convenient to store and carry thanks to the wooden case
Cons
- No instruction manual
- No flying materials have to be purchased separately
How to Choose the Best Fly Tying Kit
Before you make your final decision on a fly tying material starter kit, you need to analyze the specific tools included. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or you want to replace your basic supplies, these eight tools are necessary for any kit.
Your fly kit must include these tools;
-
Vice
Unless you’re a professional, you’ll need some help with tying your flies onto the small hooks! Look out for a good quality vice that’s simple to use and is securely held with the flexibility to adjust to a range of hook sizes.
Lever and spring-loaded vices are popular, but lever action usually is sufficient. Make sure that you choose a vice that’s made from durable material and notice the difference between vices with pedestals and C clamps. Both of these are effective, but C clamp vices are more portable.
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Bobbin Holder and Bobbin Wire Loop Tool
Having a bobbin holder adds ease to the fly tying process. Using a bobbin holder means less waste and added tension while you’re tying knots to avoid losing furs and feathers. This is an excellent alternative to trying to tie your flies free-hand.
Most bobbins come with plastic, brass or ceramic tubes. Although a bobbin wire loop tool is not necessary, they make the threading process faster. However, many experienced fishermen suck the thread through the tube.
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Scissors
The most important feature that your fly-tying scissors should possess is extreme sharpness and a super-fine point for close cutting.
Over time, you’ll likely find that you want to add various pairs of scissors to your kit to provide you with a selection for your specific needs.
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Hackle Pliers
These pliers help to simplify the process of wrapping the hackle around the hook. This is achieved by the pliers grasping the hackle tightly, ensuring that the hook doesn’t slip.
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Whip Finish Tools
Although you could use your fingers to whip finish your ties, using this tool will speed up the process, make it easier and improve the accuracy.
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Dubbin Needle or Bodkin
This multi-use tool services a few important purposes including applying head cement, combing underfur, teasing dubbed materials, freeing trapped hackle fibers and dividing wingtips.
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Dubbing Twister
This tool provides tension to hold the fur in place so that you can twist dubbing and thread into a rope to make dubbing loops.
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Threader
If you have less than perfect eyesight or find it difficult to perform intricate movements with your fingers, a threader will save you time and struggle.
You should disregard any kit that doesn’t include these eight basic elements. Another useful tool to look out for is;
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Hair Stacker
These will help you to align different fibers evenly so they’re ready for tying.
Having these tools as your basic essentials will set you up for some great fly fishing.
Choosing the Best Fly Tying Tool Set
Don’t make the mistake of investing in a fly tying kit that’s not up to par and ends up being a waste of money.
Before you make your final decision, consider the following factors;
-
Quality
It’s counterproductive to choose a fly tying kit that’s manufactured from substandard materials. This will result in you needing to replace your tools far too soon.
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Organizer
Although you could purchase an organizer separately if you see a kit with a well-structured organizer, it will add convenience to your overall experience.
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Instructions
Some kits provide a detailed manual or DVD with useful fly fishing tips. If you’re a beginner, this is a must. If you’re an experienced angler, having a reference for the specific tools may come in handy.
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Costings
Choosing a ready-made kit should work out cheaper than building one from scratch. Be careful and don’t overpay.
Recap
Your fly tying tool kit can make or break your fly fishing experience. It’s essential to be prepared because if you’re always ready, then you don’t have to get ready.
All of the fly tying kits that we’ve included are amazing. However, we’ve chosen the reliable Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools Gift Set.
The Dr. Slick Fly Tying kit is well-organized, well-packaged, and filled with the tools you need to get the edge over your competition. Therefore; we think this set offers fantastic value for money.
If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend the Colorado Anglers Z797. This kit is fantastic for beginners with the eight essential tools you need for a successful trip.
Do you agree with our selection? Or, do you think it’s better to purchase the tools individually?
Sound off below and let me know your favorite kit from our selection!
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