With the best fly tying kits, you can create an assortment of flies to catch plenty of different types of fish. Arguably one of the most creative and fun aspects of fishing, there’s nothing quite like making your unique flies. You’ll surely find a tying kit that comes with all the accessories you need to create unique and exotic flies that you’ll love to use regularly.
Best Fly Tying Kits: A Review
1. Orvis Fly-Tying Kit
Orvis is one of the more well-known fishing brands on the market, especially since they have an assortment of gear products. Their premium fly-tying kit comes with everything you would expect from a starter kit, including patterns, guides, and even an instructional DVD. You can guarantee that if you’ve never made one before, fly tying will become your new favorite pastime.
Product Highlights
With this kit, you’ll receive more than enough materials for 16 patterns that feature ten flies per design. In total, you’ll have enough materials for up to 160 flies. Beginners will love getting their hands on the eight basic patterns and eight premium patterns, as well as the instructional DVD.
With the DVD, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the accessories and materials. Also, it will explain basic tool operation for the essentials you need to tie the flies. When it comes to tools, users will love having their personal vise, ceramic lined bobbin, bodkin, scissors, half-hitch, hackle plier, whip finisher, and hair stacker.
Above all else, everything that you receive will be able to pack down into its carrying case. If you’re most curious about the patterns, you’ll learn to tie the Fur Ant, Hollow Egg, Rusty Parachute, BH Caddis Larva, Klinkhammer, San Juan Worm, Pearl Flash Zonker, Woolly Bugger, and more.
What to Like About It
If you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate getting to know the ins and outs of making your flies with the help of this kit. You’ll find it comes with most everything you need to get started, which makes it a delightful experience. If convenience is what you’re looking for, we highly recommend the Orvis Fly-Tying Kit.
What Not to Like About It
It’s important to note that some items in the kit, such as the beads, tying materials, and hooks, are subject to change depending on availability. Some packages may have different things and substitutions, causing you to have to buy more materials. Also, the tools included in this starter kit are somewhat lackluster, as they are quite low quality, especially the vise.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- A moderate amount of materials
- Enjoyable experience
- Informative instructions and guides
Cons:
- Poorly made tools
- Contents are subject to change
- May require additional materials
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2. Wetfly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
Similar to the Orvis kit, the Wetfly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit comes with materials and instructions to make the most out of your time. You’ll love how this kit comes with relatively everything you need to make an assortment of flies, including tools. Also, beginners will have a reliable and informative DVD to help them along the way.
Product Highlights
The central premise behind a fly tying kit is to make sure the user has plenty of materials and tools to put to good use. This kit comes with eight, 12, and 14 hooks so that you can make an assortment of flies depending on the type of catch you’re going after. You’ll also have access to plenty of materials, including grey and olive dubbing, Marabou Grizzly hackle, medium chenille, brown hackle, copper wire, and black thread.
In addition to the materials, you’ll have an assortment of tools at your disposal. In each kit, you will find white poly yarn, scissors, hackle pliers, a bobbin, a bobbin threader, a hair stacker, a written fly tying guide, and an informative DVD. As an added benefit, the kit also comes equipped with a vise, so you can set up your fly tying station as soon as the package arrives.
What to Like About It
You’ll love this kit as a beginner since it comes with just enough materials to make 48 flies, as it has 48 hooks. If you want to make more, all you have to do is purchase more hooks, as you’ll find the materials will stretch out. Ideal for people learning how to make flies, this is a relatively comprehensive kit that you’ll put to good use as a beginner.
What Not to Like About It
The overall quality of the tools in this kit leaves much to be desired. The vise is quite low quality and likely to break after a week or two.
You may also find that you’ll run out of materials if you try your hands at more extensive flies. The bobbin is another tool that might be difficult for you to use and will be likely to break quickly.
Pros:
- Comes with plenty of materials
- Great for beginners
- Very informative teaching documents
- Arrives with 48 hooks
Cons:
- Poorly made tools
- Vise and bobbin are likely to break
- Shortage of materials for premium flies
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3. Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
According to the manufacturer, the Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is the most famous fly tying kit they have. Since its emergence on the market, new items have been added to the package.
Those new items improve its versatility for beginners and experienced users. You might find this kit has far more high-quality tools than most others.
Product Highlights
The things you will need to start fly tying is included in this kit, especially when it comes to tools. You’ll have a vise, hackle pliers, scissors, a bobbin, hair stacker, bobbin threader, head cement, rotatable whip finisher, and wire. Each order also comes with an instructional book and DVD for your convenience.
As mentioned, the materials included in the kit have also been improved to provide more versatility when creating your flies. You’ll love the grey and olive dubbing, Marabou Grizzly hackle, medium chenille, brown and black hackle, black thread, peacock and pheasant feathers, and more. There is seemingly an endless list of materials that come with every kit, so you likely won’t have to buy any extras.
In addition to the tools and materials, you’ll appreciate how there are size eight, 12, and 14 hooks readily available to use when creating your ties. Unfortunately, the kit doesn’t include saltwater hooks, but they can all be used in freshwater.
What to Like About It
Most of the tools included with the kit are built with close attention to detail. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions that can teach you about a variety of beginner and premium flies. Also, the materials are quite extensive, allowing you to create an assortment of different designs depending on the type of fish you’re going after.
What Not to Like About It
The most significant disadvantage to the Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is the vise, as it is seemingly far below the quality you would find elsewhere. This seems to be a problem with most of the beginner kits on the market. It also would be convenient if there were saltwater hooks included, though, for most beginners, freshwater hooks should be sufficient.
Pros:
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Informative DVD
- An extensive list of materials
- Necessary tools included
Cons:
- Poorly made vise
- Hooks are only for freshwater
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4. DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit
No matter if you’re interested in bass, panfish, trout, or saltwater fish, this kit has everything you would expect from a versatile fly tying kit. Specially designed for beginners, you’ll get a clear idea of how you can make your very own flies at home. With the combination of the materials and tools, you can get as creative as you desire.
Product Highlights
There are tying instructions included with this kit that you’ll put to good use as a beginner. Within the guidelines, you’ll find multiple patterns with thorough step-by-step instructions. You can also put these materials to good use with the help of online video tutorials.
Most beginner kits come with an assortment of tools, and this kit is no different. The DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit comes with a Super AA vise, as well as a bodkin, MFC arrowhead, straight scissors, a bobbin, and a rotating whip finisher. You likely won’t have to worry about buying any additional items from your local fishing shop.
Materials are a large part of fly tying kits, as they are necessary to make your flies. In this kit, you’ll receive thread, yarn, peacock feathers, saddle, marabou, floss, and more. There is also an assortment of hooks available for you to use for both fresh and saltwater.
Some of the most popular flies you can tie with the help of this kit are Saltwater Saddle, Crystal Mirror Flash, Chinchilla Saddle, Everglow Tubing, and Foam Popper Heads.
What to Like About It
The DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit is a fantastic option as a portable or starter kit for tying flies. You’ll love how there’s more than enough materials to tie flies immediately, primarily if you focus on the most common designs. Compared to other tying kits, you’ll appreciate the quality of these tools, especially as the vice is particularly reliable.
What Not to Like About It
The only downside of this beginner fly tying kit is that the materials aren’t extensive enough for premium flies. Instead, you’ll have the basics, which is typically more than enough for beginners. You may also want to consider buying a couple of extra items, such as head cement, to create the most high-quality flies possible.
Pros:
- Better quality tools
- Has the basics for flies
- Enough materials to start
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Not ideal for experienced anglers
- May require additional materials
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5. Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
If quality is what you’re searching for, this is one of the better models. The Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is made from durable and long-lasting materials. With similar components as most other beginner kits, you’ll appreciate having the basics at your disposal.
Product Highlights
Built with a deluxe travel case, you can quickly bring your fly tying kit with you anywhere. The quality of the packaging speaks volumes, as you can continue to add new materials and items as you become more experienced. You’ll also appreciate the variety of the materials and tools included in the kit.
If you’re particularly interested in learning more about fly tying, this deluxe travel case includes a DVD with Greg Vinci titled, “Introduction to Fly Tying”. You’ll learn the specific details about the tools in your kit, as well as an assortment of designs to put to good use. Regardless of where you enjoy fishing, you’ll have a variety of flies to accommodate the wildlife in that area.
The vise in the Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit is particularly notable, mainly as it features a fixed angle head. You’ll be able to perfect the overall look of your flies without having to hold them yourself manually. Also, the vise features a c-clamp base, making it simple to attach to any desk or flat surface.
Some of the items you’ll receive in your kit include a bodkin, bobbin and threader, hackle pliers, scissors, tinsel, wire, hackle feathers, marabou, wire, dubbing, and hooks. You’ll have more than enough to create an assortment of wet flies, dry flies, streamers, and nymphs.
What to Like About It
On average, you can create at least 32 quality flies, but if you wind up buying more materials, you can create an even wider variety. The vise, for the price, is well worth the investment, especially when compared to more expensive packages. When using the tools, they will work with you and be easy to use, which is ideal for beginners.
What Not to Like About It
As you get more experienced, you’re likely to purchase higher quality materials and tools. You may also want to invest in different types of adhesives, as none are included with this kit. Another issue you may encounter is that in the instructional DVD, you may need materials for some flies that aren’t included in the package.
Pros:
- Great for entry-level anglers
- Makes up to 32 flies
- Reliable vise
- Tools are easy to use
Cons:
- Will require more materials
- No adhesive included
- Lacks elements for instructional DVD
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Buyer’s Guide
Once it comes time to start looking for fly tying kits, you’ll want to separate the highest quality products from the lowest. There are plenty of essential features to keep an eye out for, ranging from its packaging to the quality of the tools. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll discuss the top traits of the best tying kits on the market.
1. Materials
Materials are one of the most important things you’ll want to consider, as they are what you will use to make all of the different fly designs that you have in mind. You’ll want a vast assortment of different materials to use, such as marabou, beads, rubber legs, synthetic wing fibers, tinsel, hair, feathers, plumage, and more. The most significant your collection of materials, the more extensive your list of available flies will be.
Over time, you may be likely to invest in more materials to add to your existing kit, which can always be beneficial. However, to start, you’ll simply need the most necessary elements to make essential yet useful flies.
2. Tools
One of the most significant concerns for most people when buying a fly tying kit is the quality of the tools. As with any starter kit, you’re likely to find higher quality items sold separately, but you’ll need to ensure those included will work to the best of their ability. Most fly tying kits will come with everything you need, including scissors, a vise, a whip finisher, and a bobbin.
When you receive your kit in the mail, you shouldn’t have to worry about going out to buy additional tools. To get the best deal, ensure everything you need is already included in the price of the kit and will work well until you’re ready to upgrade your equipment.
3. Case
Most fly tying kits will come in a case, though some are available in bags. Regardless, you will want to make sure the packaging is strong enough to protect your materials from damage and moisture. It’s also vital that you have plenty of storage for all the smaller components in your kit.
Keeping all of your fly tying pieces organized will help you to know when it’s time to replenish certain materials. You’ll also love having a space for all of your tools and materials, especially if you like traveling with your kit.
4. Instructions
As a beginner, likely, you’ve never tried your hand at fly tying before, and you’ll want the help of a professional to guide you through the process. Most of these kits come with a thorough instruction manual, and some may even offer an informative DVD. If you don’t have access to either of these features, make sure you can find fly tying videos online, as there should be plenty.
The instructions included with your kit should explain the purpose of all your tools. They will also describe the materials you have received and how to make the most popular patterns.
5. Hook Types
Even though it might seem obvious, not all fly tying kits come with hooks. Frequently, you will be faced with the hassle of having to buy your own. If you want a package that comes with hooks, we recommend opting for a model that includes both fresh and saltwater hooks so that you can have flies for multiple occasions.
Best Fly Tying Kits FAQs
1. What Is Needed to Start Tying Flies?
When you’re learning how to start tying flies, the best thing you can have at your disposal is a fly tying kit. These kits contain all the essential tools and materials that a beginner will need to make the most basic designs. If you’re not interested in a kit and want to purchase everything separately, here is a list of the most critical items:
- Vise
- Scissors
- Whip Finisher
- Bodkin Needle
- Hackle Pliers
- Bobbin
- Materials
- Thread
- Wire
- Hooks
2. How Do You Tie a Fly?
Learning how to tie a fly all depends on the type of fly you want to create. Each pattern has an assortment of different materials, different hook recommendations, and tying styles. When you receive your fly tying kit, you will typically have a collection of some of the most popular flies you can create with the materials you’ve received.
A few of the most notable flies to tie include:
- Woolly Bugger
- San Juan Worm
- Zebra Midge
3. How Do You Use the Bobbin Rite?
Rite Bobbin is one of the premier manufacturers of fly tying bobbins in the market. They have a few different bobbins for you to purchase, each with their operating instructions. It’s best if you rely on the user guide included with your bobbin to help you with the process.
Their most popular products include the Mag Bobbin (Heavy duty for big flies), Cermag Bobbin (Zirconia ceramic insert with stainless steel body), Shorty Bobbin (3/4 smaller than the “Rite” Bobbin), Standard Bobbin (Versatile and most popular), and the Half Hitch (Tapered barrel with O-ring grip).
4. How Do You Thread a Fly Tying Bobbin?
One of the most frustrating parts of preparing your fly tying equipment is learning how to thread a fly tying bobbin. It might seem easy at first, but it can be quite frustrating with limited experience. Here is our quick guide that you can surely put to good use.
- Taking an unfrayed thread tag, stick it into the bottom of the holder tube.
- Slowly work the thread through the hole in small increments as not to cause any fraying.
- If you find the thread isn’t moving, moisten the dry thread with your mouth, as it should make it easier to thread through.
- If all else fails, you can also invest in a bobbin threader specially made for the task. The devices are typically inexpensive and allow you to put the thread into a bobbin quickly.
5. How Does Fly Fishing Work?
Fly fishing is an activity that can be done in either salt or freshwater and typically relies on the use of a synthetic fly that you have created yourself. However, you can also buy pre-built flies from several manufacturers on the market. In combination with your reel, fly rod, and exclusive weighted line, you can attract many types of native fish in the area.
Typically, you can fly fish in smaller areas than other types of angling, and your goal is to trick fish into thinking your artificial lures are edible prey, either as nymphs or adults.
Our Final Recommendation
The DDF Beginner Fly Tying Kit is the best kit for beginners interested in learning how to tie flies as it features the highest quality tools out of the other models on this list. With a modest number of materials, you can create an assortment of quality flies to put to the test. As you get more experienced, you may be tempted to buy more stuff to extend your collection.