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.

[Rex Robinson]

Vince, did get the foam there.  They have sticky back foam that's great for lining these boxes.  If you like to tie flies you'll find plenty of stuff there.

[Vince Fusco]

We have Hobby Lobby's here in Georgia, but I have never been in one. I guess I will have to check them out! Did you get the foam there as well? I am always looking for bargins. Thanks for the post,Rex.

[Rex Robinson]

JBplusThuy, the white foam I added.  It's the peel and stick foam.  Works great.

[JBplusThuy]

I don't think we have Hobby Lobby in California, but I'll have to check some local stores for boxes like the bottom one, that thing is great!  Did it come with the foam, or did you add that yourself?

[Rex Robinson]

Lee, both sides have lids for all compartments.  The left side has 8 compartments and the right side has lid for the big compartment the poppers are in. It locks secure and has metal hinge pins.  I like the fact that you can see what in it without having to open everything to find what you want.

[Lee]

 Nice VALUE boxes! I especially like the lower one. Is that one box with lids on both halfs? be perfect for what I need.

 Like the poppers too :)

[Leo Nguyen]

LOL! Man, you are on a poorman's budget Rex.

Thanks for the info Allen. I found plenty of bead chain types here at the jewelry stores around here, ranging from plastic, to stainless steel, all the way to brass. It's by the foot. However, you can find them also at Sally's beauty stores, or any female's hygiene specializes stores. There are plenty of it online as well at arts and crafts stores. Shipping costs kill it.

[Rex Robinson]

Leo, know what you mean on the fishing budget.  We're a family of five and a bum leg beagle.

[Allen Morgan]

I've found 28-gauge brass wire at Ace Hardware for about $3.00.  I've found the same size copper wire for a similar price at Hobby Lobby in the jewelry section.  I found a package of black goose biot feathers at Micheal's for $2.99, and there are about three times as many feathers in that bag as what you would find in a package at BPS.  I also found a selection of 4 different sizes of brass crimp beads, totalling $8.+, and it has over 500 beads in it, also at Micheal's.  I got some 12 x 18" sheets of 1/8" craft foam for $0.89/each.  I can get 12" sections of brass and black-nickel bead chain for $1.23 at Wally World.  Hardware stores will often have bead-chain by the foot, not sure on the cost.

[Leo Nguyen]

You box is nothing of a poorman's box. Way too many good stuff to be a poor man's box. Mine is truly a poor man's box. It's full of makeshift crap that can sink a Titanic. Having a family can put a ding on the fishing budget.