poor man fly box

[Rex Robinson]

Through the years I have learned that a lot of items labeled "for fly fishing" often cost more than other fishing tackle.  The same is true with" fly tying" material.  But thanks to the abundance of craft store now a days I have managed to support my habit of fly fishing and fly tying by finding comparable substitutes.  I realize there is no substitute for top grade hackle and proper tying thread, but often times synthetic material, beads, foam, glues, and others materials adaptable for fly tying and fishing can be found if you look around in these stores.  Even places like walmart and dollar stores can yield things that we as fly fishers and tyers can make use of.  Recently I found in the beauty aid section of Walmart,  where the travel size item are, a small box very similar to some fly boxes I have seen before.  It was only 99cents so I grabbed a couple.They have metal pin hinges, one large compartment, two medium compartments, and three small ones.  It measures 4 inches x 2 1/2 inches x 1 1/4 inches so it fits perfect in a shirt pocket.  It's even wormproof, as I have stored some small soft plastic baits in it.  What more could you ask for, for 99 cents!

Another trip to Hobby Lobby recently yielded a similar find.  It was found in the bead and jewelry section.  A nine compartment box for $3.99.  It might be bought for less as they often have 30% to %50 off on certain craft items on certain days.These measure 4 1/2 x 4 x 1 1/2 inches.  They allow you to see your flies without opening each compartment.  They are apparently wormproof as the rubber legs on my flies have not melted and I have used these for several months and have been in the heat recently.  These fit perfect in cargo pockets on shorts and pants which helps save space in the kayak.

    I just thought I'd share in case some of you are looking for some cheap storage ideas.  Let me know of things you have adapted that aren't labeled "for fly fishing".  I figure they're some good mind with some good ideas on here so share the wealth of knowledge.

[Greg McWilliams]

Rex, I have an abundant supply of clear plastic electric tape boxes!!!!!! I just tell the wire twisters to save me some ,in a week I have enough to last along time!!!!!!