You have probably tried fishing, but have you tried fly fishing? It could be one of the best ways to enjoy your time out in the water.
As the name implies, fly fishing involves floating lures that look like flies on the water to attract fish. The method is not as easy as it sounds but with the best fly tying kit, you can have a great time angling.
That said, your kit should be:
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Lightweight
Keep it here to know how to get your hands on the perfect kit.
Top-Rated Fly Tying Kit in 2023: Comparison Table
Let’s go straight to the point. Here’s our top 10 best-rated fly tying kits summed up into a short and simple list.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot | 37 x 5 x 2.5 inches | 3.5 pounds |
| 2 | Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Gift Set | 10 x 1 x 15 inches | 0.712 pounds |
| 3 | SF Fly Fishing Tying Tools Gear Assortment | – | 0.45 pounds |
| 4 | Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise | 13 x 1 x 1 inches | 1 pounds |
| 5 | Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit | 3 x 10.5 x 9.5 inches | 1.4 pounds |
| 6 | WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit | 10 x 8 x 3 inches | 1.6 pounds |
| 7 | Fly Tying Material Feather and Dubbing Starter Kit | – | 0.35 pounds |
| 8 | Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit | – | 4.5 pounds |
| 9 | Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Tool Kit | 9.5 x 6 x 2 inches | 1.6 pounds |
| 10 | Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit | 10 x 8 x 3 inches | 1.6 pounds |
1. Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
How does a combo kit with a reel that is ready for use sound? Well, Wild Water has their reel with the leader and the backing line already set and it is said to be useable right out of the package.
Wild Water has included a line nipper tool in their kit to trim your line, tipper or leader to the preferred length. Furthermore, the retractable zinger is supposed to help you to attach the line nipper with ease.
Key Features
The fly box is said to have a large storage capacity with the ability to carry and it comes packed with nine life-like flies. Besides that, it is alleged to be waterproof and it can float in water in case of accidental falls.
A fly fishing rod is included in the kit with an IM8 graphite design pole that is said to break in four sections. In addition, the rod is claimed to be able to support 5 or 6 weight line.
There is a reference guide in the kit for starters. The downside to this kit is that the fly fishing rod tends to be brittle and breaks easily.
Pros
- Fly box capacity of 372 flies
- Reel with backing line
- Floating fly box
- IM8 graphite design rod
Cons
- The rod breaks easily
2. Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools
Are you looking for a perfect gift for someone in the business of fly tying, even if it is yourself? When you purchase this box combo from Dr Slick, your tools are likely to be safe as it has foam lining at the back, where the tools rest and a secure flip cover.
Tools in Dr Slick’s combo box are said to undergo a six-step quality inspection process. As a result, what you purchase is of high quality and likely to satisfy your tying needs.
Key Features
The fly tool case is said to have enough room that can even fit bigger flies. Besides that, it can easily carry seven tools.
Whether you are a beginner at fly tying or an expert, the combo box can come in handy. The tools in the box are said to be easy to use although there is no manual included in the packaging.
Unfortunately, in as much as the tools in this box combo are likely of good quality and durable, there is no vise. As such, you have to purchase a vise separately.
Pros
- Easy to use
- For experts and new fly tyers
- Durable tools
- 6-step quality inspection
Cons
- No vise included
3. SF Fly Fishing Tying Tools
Have you ever wondered how you can keep the tools in your fly box intact whenever you are moving? Wonder no more as SF seems to have a solution for you with their knot tying kit with elastic strips to keep the knotters fixed.
You get a seven-piece kit when you purchase these tying tools from SF. In addition, the D-ring on the carrying case is likely to make attachment possible for safe storage and carriage, making it easy to locate the tools when needed.
Key Features
Your comfort is likely to have been considered when designing the tools in the kit. The whip finisher has an ergonomic handle for easy handling as it rotates.
The hackle pliers have a non-slip grip with non-slip brass jaws for a secure hold. Moreover, the stainless steel frame is likely to withstand corrosion.
The tools are said to be of good quality and suitable for starter tiers. However, the bobbin threader, according to some customers, does not thread but cuts instead, causing damage and you may end up wasting a lot of thread.
Pros
- Seven-piece set
- Elastic strip
- D-ring for attachment
- Carrying case included
Cons
- The bobbin threader does not thread
4. Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise
Have you wondered if you can get a vise that you can use to tie a variety of hooks? Why not try out this Griffin odyssey Spider fly tying vise with a jaw capacity of 28 to 4/0 that is said to help to steady any hooks, even the articulated ones.
According to the manufacturer, this vise makes fine adjusting and hook positioning effortless. This may be attributed to the rotary features of the vise that allow you to see all the sides of the fly.
Key Features
Since the vise has a C-clamp, it means you attach it to a surface while working which can be restrictive. However, the manufacturer has included a bobbin cradle with the aim of compensating for the non-portable vise.
The tying vise is said to work efficiently since it is light in weight. However, some customers find it tiresome having to tighten the plastic parts of the vise that loosen up while you work.
Pros
- 360 degrees rotation
- 28 to 4/0 jaw capacity
- Light in weight
- C-clamp attachment
Cons
- Plastic parts loosen up
5. Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
Have you been searching for a carrying case that is easy to carry anywhere and use? Scientific Anglers seem to have what you want as their case is solid, easily portable plus keeps your tools well organized for easy reach.
A DVD that introduces you to fly tying is in the kit and it is likely to be very helpful. You can play it to teach yourself how to tie or to better your tying skills, in case you already know how to tie flies.
Key Features
The vise included in this fly tying kit has a fixed angle head with a C-clamp base. You can attach it on to a solid surface and the fixed head is said to enhance the firmness when you are holding your hook.
You can use the crafting material included in this kit to make up to 32 flies. Moreover, the materials are said to be of good quality and likely to be durable.
Customers have reported that they like the kit since it has most of the important fly tying tools. However, the fact that it lacks a whip finisher and they have to purchase one separately is discouraging.
Pros
- Quality materials
- Instructional DVD provided
- Hard shell travel case included
- Suitable for new tiers
Cons
- No whip finisher
6. WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
You can teach yourself how to tie flies using the instructional book that comes with this WETFLY Deluxe fly tying kit. Besides that, a DVD with clear demonstrations on how to tie is also included making it seem like a good choice for beginners.
The solid carrying case included provides a safe place to keep your tools and likely to prevent their loss. In addition, you can easily take your tools with you anywhere as the case design makes it easily portable and light in weight.
Key Features
This tying kit is said to have durable and easy-to-use tools. Besides that, the vise has a clamp for attachment hence a steady hold of your hook so your work is likely to be simple.
There are crafting materials in the kit for you to make flies with. As such, you can choose which flies to use depending on where you will be fishing.
One drawback with the kit is the missing whip finisher. As such, tying can take you a long time as the finisher plays an important role in the fly tying procedure.
Pros
- Crafting materials included
- Comes with an instructional book
- Carrying case provided
- Simple to use tools
Cons
- A whip finisher is missing
7. Muskoka Lifestyle Products Fly Tying Material
In case you need a variety of materials to make flies, you can try out this kit from Muskoka Lifestyle Products. Inside their kit, dubbing, feathers, streamers and nymphs are said to be included.
With this kit, you can choose to make dry or wet flies. You need to consider the kind fish you want to catch in relation to your fly style since wet flies are meant to sink while dry flies stay on the water surface.
Key Features
Having multi-colored flies can work to your advantage in terms of the colors attracting fish. But you have to know how the colors match and what fly you intend to imitate or it would be counterintuitive.
Synthetic products like the rabbit hair are said to be good since they can be used to make both wet and dry flies. The rabbit hair comes in handy when you are not well conversant with the fish feeding pattern.
The fly tying materials are alleged to be good with those starting to tie. However, the materials are somehow limited as others are not in the package.
Pros
- Dry and wet fly styles
- Synthetic rabbit hair included
- Suitable for starters
- Multi-colored polyester dubbing
Cons
- Limited variety of crafting materials
8. Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit
Creative Anglers state that their tools are of high quality and durable. We may attribute their durability to the quality materials used when making the fly tying accessories and you are likely to use the kit for a long while.
For a beginner, this fly tying kit is said to include most of the tools needed to start tying. Besides that, the tools are said to be suitable for harsh water environments.
Key Features
You have an assortment of 12 tools that are meant to facilitate your fly tying process. The manufacturer has also provided a bag that you can carry or use to keep the tools.
The vise in this tying kit can be used with a C-clamp or a pedestal base that it comes with. As such, you do not have to worry about where to use the vise since the pedestal base allows for portability.
However, some customers have reported that the vise jaws do not meet properly. This results in poor grip, likely to make the hook unsteady.
Pros
- EZ rotary vise with C-clamp
- 12 assorted tools
- Quality material tools
- Travel bag included
Cons
- Vise jaws do not close well
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9. Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Kit
You can use this kit anywhere because it has an in-built base said to be stable on flat surfaces. Besides that, the wooden case makes carrying and storing your tools easy.
The tying kit is compact yet it is said to be light in weight. Inside the kit, there are seven tools that are necessary when fly tying.
Key Features
Most of the tools in this kit have stainless steel parts. As such, they are likely to resist corrosion even when exposed to saltwater or unfavorable water environments.
This kit is said to be suitable for pro and beginner tiers. The tools in the kit are simple to use and the unique wooden case seems elegant.
When fly tying, it is important that the vise makes a 360 degrees turn for efficiency. However, the vise in this kit does not make a complete turn, making it cumbersome to use.
Pros
- Built-in vise base
- Compact yet lightweight
- For pros and beginner tiers
- Wooden tool kit
Cons
- Vise does not make 360 degrees rotation]
10. Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
If you have been worried that you cannot properly tie flies, worry no more. Creative Angler has a book and a DVD included in their kit that is said to have all that you need to know to start tying.
There are three hooks of different lengths that come with this kit. As such, you can use the hooks according to the fish species you intend to get.
Key Features
A carry case is important especially when you have many tools. Creative Anglers claim that their carry case is durable and safe for use with minimal danger of losing your fly tying tools.
All the materials available in this kit are stated by the manufacturer to be of high quality. These are the chenille, marabou, saddle hackle and dubbing, said to give good fishing rewards.
The rotatable whip finisher is likely to make your work simpler and faster. Unfortunately, the kit is said to lack a cement head to help with the fly finishing.
Pros
- Durable carrying case
- Book and DVD included
- Rotatable whip finisher
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Lacks cement head
Buying Guide for Fly Tying Kits
If you want value for your money, you will have to consider a few key factors such as:
Usability of the Kit
It is important to factor in how easy it is too use your tying kit. This is because some kits are made exclusively for seasonal fly fishing.
If you are new to fly fishing, you may want to consider getting a kit for beginners that comes with detailed instructions in a guide or DVD.
The last thing you want is to be stuck with something you cannot use.
Materials Used
What kind of fly do you intend to make? It is important to determine that so as to establish what materials you are going to use.
Overall, an ideal kit should have materials for both dry and wet flies for extra elasticity. It should also include vital materials such as a knot tying tool, nippers, and hooks.
Quality of the Kit
In your search for the perfect kit, you will come across really cheap kits and although that is something to be happy about, you do not want to compromise on quality.
A good kit should be easy to use, durable, and economical. If you can get all these qualities in a cheap kit, then go ahead and get it.
Weight of the Kit
A fly tying kit contains a number of tools but that does not mean that it should be too heavy for you to carry around.
You want a lightweight kit that you can easily tag along on every angling trip without getting fatigued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about fly tying kits, we would love to answer all of them, but we have started by addressing a few below.
What is the best fly tying kit?
We cannot pick a particular one because there are many good ones in the market. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that the kit you plan to buy has a few important features such as durability, usability, and is lightweight.
Are fly tying kits expensive?
These kits range in prices. The price usually dictates the quality of a kit but that is not always the case. You want to research on these kits to find the best one for you at the right price.
Best Overall Choice
The Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is our best-rated fly tying kit. It is said to be easy to use with a waterproof fly box. In addition, its fly carrying capacity is high. This seems like a quality product worthy of our recommendation.
Final Thoughts
A good fly tying kit should infuse usability and value for money to provide you with the dependability you need while fishing.
You do not have to dent your pockets either while getting one because with a bit of research, you can get a quality kit at a good price.
This guide should help you do that, so keep it close by.