Our Top Pick:
Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Kit
★★★★★
Best Value:
Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Kit
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
WetFly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
★★★★★
Once you try your hand at fly fishing, you will get hooked, and sooner or later you will want to tie your own flies. It goes with saying that fly tying is cheaper than spending your money on buying flies. Also, the quality and patterns of store-bought flies may not be the best. So, fly tying is the best option, and it is a satisfying one.
However, as a novice fly fisherman, it can be confusing to tie flies. Thankfully, you can depend on the best fly tying kit to help you.
Such a kit has the right tools. It is prudent to realize that each fly tying tool is designed to meet the needs of a fly fisherman, the type of fish they want to catch, and the places where they want to fish.
Knowing this will enable you to figure out the kind of flies that are apt for you and the best fly tying kit to help you tie them.
We realize that with so many different kits, it can be confusing to choose one. That is why we have reviewed 7 of the best fly tying kits.
Once you know these, you do your own research to shortlist one kit that is ideal for you. You can rest assured that our reviews are unbiased and based on information from other users and our personal experiences.
Our reviews are designed to help you understand the pros and cons of each kit so that you make an informed fly tying kit purchase decision.
| The 7 best fly tying tool kits | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Kit | Check Price » |
| Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Kit | Check Price » |
| WetFly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit | Check Price » |
| XFishman Fly Tying Tool Kit | Check Price » |
| DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit for Saltwater | Check Price » |
| S.F. Products Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit | Check Price » |
| Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit | Check Price » |
The 7 best fly tying tool kits
Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Kit
This compact kit makes it to the top of the best fly tying kit list as it comes with numerous tools that you need for making your own flies. It has a carry case that lets you carry the tools in a safe manner whenever you go fishing.
Product Specifications
- Bobbin
- Scissors
- Hackle pliers
- Threader
- Hair stacker
Why We Recommend This Product
Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools will help you learn how to tie your flies in different ways and patterns. In case you are new to fly fishing, this is the tool kit that you need at your side to learn fly tying. It will hone your skills. The tools included in the kit are durable and long-lasting; they are made from brass and stainless steel. You never have to worry about the tools rusting or giving in to corrosion.
The kit has straight scissors, ceramic bobbin, brass dubbin needle, brass bobbin threader, brass hackle pliers, brass whip finisher, and brass hair stacker. The large carry case had die-cut foam that allows you to carry the tools without them getting damaged. The tools have a polished appearance, and the kit is reasonably priced considering the quality.
Pros
- A smart gift for novice fly fishers
- Compact
- It has a range of tools
- The vise clamp can be adjusted for different hooks
- Tools are durable and high-quality
Cons
- The bobbin can be a little unsteady and shaky
- Have to buy the thread, feathers, dubbing, and furs separately
- Does not have a vice
Tip: The scissors are sharp and can easily cut hair from a gnat’s back!
Info Alert: While the tools appear solid, they can break if not handled with care. So, do not be rough while handling Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Kit.
Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Kit
This is the perfect kit for fly fishermen to show off and demonstrate their prowess in fly tying. Although the case is made from wood, it is long-lasting and works well to keep the fly tying tools safe. Usually, this kit is considered ideal for beginners, but we believe that the tools are the right choice for experienced fly fishers.
Product Specifications
- A wooden case to carry the tools
- Vise
- Bobbin
- Threader
- Bodkin
- Dubbing twister
- Scissors
- Whip finisher
- Hackle pliers
Why We Recommend this Product
The fly-tying kit has a high-quality wooden box that will keep your tools organized and easily accessible. The durable construction of the box ensures that it will last for years, providing you with a reliable storage solution for your fly-tying supplies.
The steel tools included in the kit are user-friendly, allowing you to tie various flies easily. Their optimal size and design make them comfortable to use and versatile for various types of flies. Additionally, the vise included in the kit is easy to operate and can help you achieve the perfect fly pattern.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced fly tyer, this kit is an excellent choice. Its combination of durable construction and user-friendly tools will help you create professional-quality flies for your next fishing adventure.
The tools are quite easy to use and are made from steel, so you can be assured that they are sturdy. It enables you to tie more than 500 flies in a span of one month. The tools are sized just right, making them easy to work with. We like the vise, as it was easy to work with.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- It can be used by beginners and seasoned fly fishers
- Has all the essential fly-tying tools
- Easy to carry and store
Cons
- Case not waterproof
- Fly-tying materials have to be bought separately
- The instruction manual is not comprehensive
Tip: This fly tying kit is the best choice for tying bucktails of varying sizes.
Info alert: It does not come with furs and fly tying materials as they need to be purchased separately.
WetFly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
The WetFly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is perfect for beginner and intermediate fly fishers. It comes with the necessary tools that you require to tie flies. The materials are quite high-quality, and you will find it easy to use the tools as a beginner. The instructional DVD and book are the perfect visual aid for newbies.
Product Specifications
- Sizes 8,12 and 14 hooks
- Scissors
- Hackle pliers
- Bobbin
- Bobbin threader
- Hair stacker
- Fine copper wire
- Black thread
- Vise
- Poly yarn
- Instructional DVD and book
Why We Recommend This Product
If you learn to tie your own flies, you will save money; that is exactly what the WetFly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit teaches you. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate fly fishermen, and you will find that the kit has all the essential tools, like a vise, hackle pliers, and scissors.
We found that the tools are of quite good quality considering the price, and we liked the fact that the kit comes with a book and instructional DVD to help newbies hone their fly-tying skills. The kit has over 20 items, making it a worthwhile investment.
Pros
- Quality tools for beginners and intermediates
- Reasonably priced fly tying kit
- Has all the necessary tools for tying flies
- It comes with instructional DVD and book
- It comes with a carry case
Cons
- You will need to add to your collection of tools over time
- Not the best choice for experienced fly fishermen
Tip: The kit has materials, such as chenille, hackle, and dubbing, for making a variety of ties (48 to be precise)
Info alert: You can use the kit to make small bucktails on treble hooks without any problem.
XFishman Fly Tying Tool Kit
XFishman Fly Tying Tool Kit can be used with ease by beginners and intermediates. It comes with seven basic fly tying tools that are encased in a retro tool bag that looks quite elegant. You can place up to 12 different tools in the bag, which is designed to keep the tools organized and safe from damage.
Product Specifications
- Scissors
- Bobbins
- Hackle pliers
- Rotary whip finishers
- Bobbin threader and cleaner
Why We Recommend This Product
We like the compact feel of this fly tying tool kit. It has essential tools that allow you to tie flies and snare the fish. We loved the fact that this tool kit comes with two bobbins. It makes relacing the threads a quick and simple process. The two bobbins can be used with all types of fly fishing threads regardless of the size of the spool. Even the two different-sized rotary whip finishers were a welcome surprise.
The travel bag is actually a pouch made from PV leathered material. It is supposed to be waterproof, but we did not test it. The pouch can accommodate up to 12 tools and can be rolled for easy transport. The tools are durable, made from steel and brass. So, expect them to be long-lasting.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Comes with two bobbins
- Has seven fly tying tools
- Can be used with all types of fly tying threads
Cons
- Hackle pliers can be a little stiff
- Scissors can be a little blunt in some kits
- Does not come with a vise
Tip: The two bobbins can be used for relacing the threads in a continuous manner
Info alert: You can polish the tools with paper towels and they will get a nice shine.
DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit for Saltwater
Most fly tying kits that you get out there are for freshwater fly fishing, so it was like a breath of fresh air to get a fly tying kit that can be used in saltwater. This is the perfect kit for catching trout, panfish, and bass. The kit has everything you need to tie flies and enjoy success during your fishing trip.
Product Specifications
- AA vise
- Assorted hooks
- Thread
- Floss
- Marabou
- Yarns
- Bodkin
- Scissors
- Rotating whip finisher
- Bobbin
Why We Recommend This Product
The DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit for Saltwater has a wide range of materials, like furs, feathers, chenille, yarn, marabou, flash, and thread, and all items come labeled and with suggested use. While you may not find materials in this kit to tie every type of fly, there is sufficient material to make most types of flies that are ubiquitously used.
We were impressed with the scissors as it was better than we expected. The vise too is strong and has the ability to hold hooks with ease. It also comes with 50 hooks which are sufficient for beginners, but they may end up ordering more in a few days or weeks. The kit has pattern cards that allow beginners to follow and create their own flies.
Pros
- Items come labeled and state their name and use
- Ideal for beginners
- Can be used in saltwater
- Has fly fishing materials
- High-quality scissors
- Solid vise capable of holding hooks
- The kit comes with fly pattern cards
Cons
- Not the ideal choice for experienced fly fishers
- Tools will have to be replaced over a period of time
Tip: Kit contains sufficient materials and a starting point to tie flies without any hassles.
Info alert: Good quality beginner fly tying kit, but you will need to buy the head cement.
S.F. Products Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit
The S.F. Products Standard Fly Tying Tool Kit comes with the basic tools that you would require to tie flies. You can get all the tools in a wooden case, making it easy and convenient to carry the tools for your next fly fishing expedition.
Product Specifications
- AA vise
- Dubbing twister
- Scissors
- Whip finisher
- Bodkin
- Standard bobbin
- Bobbin threader
- Hackle pliers
- Pedestal base
Why We Recommend this Product
On using the tools, we did find them a little small, but that could be due to the size of our hands! Nonetheless, we found the tools easy to use. We really like that we could carry the tools with us for fly fishing without causing any damage to them. So, it gets a thumbs up from us for the wooden case.
The tools are made from steel and brass, so they are long-lasting and not prone to rusting and corrosion. We also found that the scissors were quite sharp. What we didn’t like is that the vise base cannot be removed from the carry case. Other than this, we loved this fly tying kit.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Comes with an instructional DVD
- Ideal for beginners but can be used by seasoned fishers as well
- Durable and easy to use tools
Cons
- Instructional DVD is not comprehensive
- Some fishers may find the tools small
Tip: You cannot remove the vise base from the carry case.
Info alert: You can continue using the tools even if you graduate to another vise later on.
Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
The Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is made from high-quality materials. It is one of the best starter kits for anyone who is keen on learning fly tying. This kit comprises not just tools and hooks, but also fly tying materials that are safely enclosed in a travel case. It also has a DVD that introduces beginners to the basics of fly tying.
Product Specifications
- Fly tying vise
- Bobbin
- Threader
- Bodkin
- Hackle pliers
- Scissors
- Hooks
- Fly tying materials
- Instructional DVD
Why We Recommend this Product
It is one of the best fly tying kits for starters. It is affordable and the quality of the tools is quite reasonable considering the price. It is ideal for tying pheasant tails, but you may feel short-changed when you attempt wooly buggers.
We liked the case and the clasps. It enables you to carry the tools in an organized manner. The tools are pretty durable. We found that the kit was quite addictive as we could not stop tying flies even though we hadn’t planned a fishing trip!
Pros
- The vise comes with an angled head and a C-clamp base
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with fly tying materials
- Can be used for making dry flies, wet flies, and streamers
Cons
- The vise may have quality issues
- Does not have a whip finish tool
Tip: Can be used for making different patterns, including streamers, nymphs, dry flies and wet flies.
Tips for Buying the Best Fly Tying Kit
When you are looking for the best fly tying kit, take a closer look at the individual tools that come in the kit. Whether you are a beginner who is just starting out or you want to replace the basic tools in your fly tying kit, these are the eight essential tools that the fly tying kit should have.
Vise: You will need a vise to help you tie the flies. You can do without one if you already know how to go about tying flies. Remember, hooks are quite small and a good quality vice will make it easy to manage and hold the hooks. Make sure that the vise can be adjusted to accommodate different-sized hooks. It should be made from durable materials. A C-clamp vise is a better option than a pedestal vase.
Bobbin Holder and Bobbin Wire Loop: A bobbin holder makes it easy to tie the fly. It ensures you reduce wastage of the thread, enhance the tension, and do not lose feathers and furs during the tying process. Most bobbins are made from ceramic, brass, or plastic. While a bobbin wire loop is not a necessity, it does help make the entire process of threading a quick one.
Scissors: A fly tying kit without scissors is incomplete. Make sure that the scissors are sharp and have a fine point that enables you to cut close.
Hackle Pliers: This tool is designed to make it easy to wrap the hackle around the hook. It holds on to the hackle so that there is no risk of it slipping during the wrapping process.
Whip Finish Tool: It is quite possible to whip finish ties using fingers. However, if you use the whip finish tool, it makes the entire process accurate, quick, and easy. What more could you ask for?
Dubbin Needle: It is also known as Bodkin and you need to apply the head cement, comb the underfur, divide the tips of the wing, free any hackle fibers that are trapped, and for teasing the dubbed material.
Dubbing Twister: A dubbing twister is designed to create tension and hold the fur in place. As a result, it lets you twist the thread and dubbing into a rope so that you can make dubbing loops.
Threader: In case your eyesight is not what it used to be, you will find the threader a blessing. It enables intricate movements and helps to save you time.
Hair Stacker: This tool allows you to position all the fibers so that you can go ahead and finish tying them.
These items are basic essentials that a good fly tying tool kit should have. Besides these basic tools, it will be an added bonus if your fly tying tool kit also has small pliers and tweezers. They can prove to be quite useful.
The Final Verdict
After testing these seven fly tying kits and reading user reviews, we believe the Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tools Kit deserves to be called the best fly tying kit in the market. It comes with all the basic tools that every kit should have and more. It is compact which makes it easy to carry the tools during fishing trips. The vise clamp allows you to adjust the vise to accommodate different hook sizes with relative ease. The tools are top-quality, durable, and easy to use.
FAQ
Is fly tying worth it?
Yes, fly tying is worth it for anglers who enjoy customizing their flies to suit their fishing needs. Tying your own flies can be rewarding and satisfying, and it allows you to create unique and effective patterns.
Is fly tying difficult?
Fly tying can be challenging at first, but with practice and patience, it can become a fun and rewarding hobby. There are many resources available, including books, videos, and classes, that can help beginners learn the necessary techniques and skills.
Is it cheaper to buy or tie flys?
In the long run, tying your own flies can be more cost-effective than buying them. While there is an initial investment in tools and materials, tying your own flies can save money over time, especially if you fish frequently and need a variety of flies.
How fast can you tie a fly?
The amount of time it takes to tie a fly depends on the complexity of the pattern and the skill level of the tyer. A simple fly can be tied in a few minutes, while more complex patterns can take an hour or more.
Should I start tying my own flies?
If you enjoy fishing and want to create customized flies for your fishing needs, then you should consider tying your own flies. Fly tying can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and it allows you to create unique patterns that are effective in your local waters.
Can you tie flies on regular hooks?
Yes, it is possible to tie flies on regular hooks. However, fly tying hooks are specifically designed for fly tying and are preferred because of their shape, size, and construction. Using fly tying hooks can make the process easier and more efficient, and can result in a higher quality fly.
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Updated: February 17, 2023
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