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To Kit Or Not to Kit, That is the Question
Beginner fly tying kits are not advocated by all.
The argument from fly tyers who are opposed to kits is that the quality of materials and tools are not worth the money. This is true in some, but certainly not all cases.
What we feel these fly tyers need to realize is the immense value in:
- Having staple materials and tools chosen for you and sent to your door
- The convenience of getting everything you need quickly and all at once
With the myriad of products out there it can be super daunting to know where to start—for some, getting a kit can be the difference in learning to tie flies, or not.
This is a complete guide to the best fly tying kits in 2023.
In this new guide you’ll learn:
- Pros and cons of kits
- Is a kit a smart way to get started?
- 3 questions to ask yourself before making your purchase
- What are the products we suggest and why? Plus, the pros and cons of each
- Options to build your own kit and purchase a “custom fly tying kit online,” and pair a new vise with tools plus a material kit.
- Vises singled out
- Tools singled out
- Materials singled out
If you are thinking about getting a fly tying kit we are confident this article will save you both time and money.
Let’s dive in!
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Jump Right to the Reviews
Introduction
In this article, we have taken the time to review the best fly tying kits .
Moreover, to provide you with the most comprehensive list of everything you need to get started –we do also take a look at fly tying vises, tools, and materials separately.
One of the main features that make this guide unique is that we have created lists below for people that would rather ‘mix and match’ their tying kits.
Here we’ve outlined the best custom kits for quality, and affordability.
If you are new to fly tying altogether and wish to explore our Fly Tying for Beginners resource guide please do so now. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners and breaks down everything the beginner fly tyer needs to know.
Overview | Is A Kit Right For Me?
As stated above, some fly tyers will suggest not purchasing a kit. There are pros and cons to getting started via a kit. Read on to see if they are a good fit for you.
Many tyers who are opposed to kits feel that the quality of materials and tools is not worth the money. This is true in some, but certainly not all cases. What these tyers need to realize is the immense value in:
- Having staple materials and tools chosen for you and sent to your door
- The convenience of getting everything you need quickly and all at onceAs
The myriad of tying products on the market can create buyers freeze. Being overcome by this is the difference between having the desire to learn and actually learning to tie flies.
Personal Experience
My personal experience in getting started with a kit:
I started off with a kit because I really wanted to get into tying but was overwhelmed with all the products and materials–hooks, beads, lights, feathers, and fluff I did not know where to start. I bought a kit, and got started immediately.
Yes, my vise was rough, but it worked… AND I had a good baseline of materials (albeit some of them were not the best quality). I tied a ton of flies, CAUGHT A TON OF FISH, learned a bunch AND when I was ready to upgrade I did, and I still use previous tools as back-ups and spares.
What do we mean by custom fly tying kit?
Goal: get the benefits of a kit AND increase quality by purchasing your vise separate
One of the main features that make this guide unique is that rather than simply reviewing out-of-the-box fly tying kits—we also offer curated kits for people that would rather ‘mix and match’ their tying kits materials, tools and vise.
Explore the 3 purchase options below. Numbers 1 & 2 below allow one to increase quality while saving money
1. Here we’ve outlined the best custom online kits for quality, and affordability.
2. If you want to mix and match or source a vise, tools and materials separately (according to your preference and or budget) you can click the corresponding section below.
3. Typical fly tying starter kit with everything in one box —jump to this section to explore
Kit Buyers Guide
As a beginner fly tyer you should ask yourself these three questions.
- How much money do you want to spend to, “get started”?
- What species of fish are you targeting (what size hooks will you be using?)
- Do you have a good fly shop near you?
1) First of all, fly tying equipment can be expensive and it’s a fallacy that learning how to tie flies will save you money on buying your flies down at the shop. It’s important to look at your overall budget and find out what makes the most financial sense—as kits can range from $60 – $200 dollars.
2) The second question is helpful in looking at the type of fishing and fish you’re targeting. For example, if you mostly fish saltwater or spey fish for salmon and steelhead you’ll want a vise that supports larger hooks and materials commonly found in those flies. The fly tying kits we reviewed below are geared towards dry and wet fly trout fishing.
3) The third question might be the most important. Do you have a good fly shop near you?
Many fly shops offer beginner tying classes and often provide the tools and materials. These classes can help gauge your interest level and desire in making fly tying your new hobby. Also, a good fly shop will give you advice on certain patterns and materials that will be most useful in your local waters.
If you are committed to learning or even advancing after a tying class you’ll need to invest in your own tools and materials. For many, an all-inclusive tying kit is the best way to get started fast. These kits can sometimes be more affordable than buying everything separately.
Another important feature of these all-inclusive kits is—they provide the new tyer with the instant gratification of getting all their tools and materials at once. They are also designed for tyers with virtually no experience and are able to hit the ground running.
Anchor Fly Custom Fly Tying Kits for Beginners
The best bang for your buck could be had by separating out vise, tools, and materials separately. We have pointed out two custom online mix & match kits below that we feel provide the best quality fly tying kits for two different budgets.
Is your budget around $250?
The vise, tools, and materials listed below are rock solid for under $250!
This Anchor Fly custom, mix & match fly tying kit comes with:
- The Colorado Anglers 2001 ez rotary fly tying vise.
- Loon Core fly tying tool kit.
- The Hareline fly tying materials kit.
The KING in the kit below is the Hareline fly tying material. Hareline offers plenty of high-quality materials—and having all this material upfront will keep you tying for a long time.
Plus! The high-quality rotary vise by Colorado Anglers and the Loon toolset is unmatched in quality for the price.
It does not come with an instructional DVD, but with all of the patterns easily found online, these instructions are not necessary. Besides, DVD players are pretty hard to come by these days.
Colorado Anglers 2001 ez rotary vice
Loon Core Fly Tying Tool Kit
Hareline fly tying materials kit
Note: You will need to purchase weight separately e.g. tungsten beads if you wish to tie nymphs.
Is your budget around $150?
The vise, tools, and materials listed below, we feel, without a doubt are your best option if your budget is around $150.
This Anchor Fly custom, mix & match fly tying kit comes with:
- The YZD rotary fly tying vise.
- Loon Core fly tying tool kit.
- The Phecda materials kit.
At this price point, the sacrifice is in the vise and the materials. However, if you are a beginner fly tyer you might not notice much difference in vices. One positive about this material kit is the plethora of materials you do receive.
They may not be as high quality as Hareline; but you’re getting enough to keep you busy for a while tying tons of different flies.
Again, this will not come with an instructional DVD, but again there are so many patterns online we feel that an instructional DVD is not necessary.
YZD rotary fly tying vise
Loon Core Fly Tying Tool KIt
Phecda fly tying materials, starter kit
Note: Depending on your purchase you may need to purchase hooks, thread & weight e.g. tungsten beads separately, for tying nymphs.
Want more fly tying tips and strategies?
Check out our other educational articles:
- Fly Fishing For Bass | Behavior, Seasons, Flies & Gear
- Wooly Buggers | How To Fish & How To Tie–This Legendary Fly
- Best Fly Tying Desks & Organizers | Buyer’s Guide
- Best Streamers For Trout | Proven To Catch More Fish (Top 9)
Best Traditional fly tying kits currently on the market.
If you’re wanting an easier way to jump into fly tying check out our fly tying starter kits below!
1) Dr. Fish Fly Tying Kit
This is without a doubt one of the best fly tying kits listed and comes with materials and instructions, which enable the beginner fly tyer to tie a number of dry fly and nymph patterns.
The Dr. Fish fly tying starter kit comes with:
- 55 hooks (3 different sizes)
- 2 spools of thread
- 2 spools of wire
- and even 1 spool of lead
Tools included in this fly tying kit
- quality vise
- bobbin
- scissors
- hackle pliers
- bodkin
- whip finish tool
Pros
- Plenty of materials
- High quality of materials
- Unique patterns
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 3 different sizes of hooks
- Does not include any beads
Note: You will need to purchase weight separately e.g. tungsten beads if you wish to tie nymphs.
2) Wapsi Deluxe Fly Tying starter kit
The Wapsi Deluxe Fly Tying Starter Kit is an expanded version of their popular Starter Kit. The kit includes all the tools and materials to tie 17 of today’s best fly patterns.
The kit comes with a DVD detailing the steps of each pattern.
Tools Included
- C-clamp vise
- Bobbin
- Bodkin
- Hackle pliers
- Head cement
- Scissors
Fly patterns the materials included can create
- Bead Head Caddis
- Foam Beetle
- Woolly Bugger
- Stretch Tubing Scud
- Poly Caddis
- Brassie
- Fur Ant
- San Juan Worm
- Poly Spinner
- All Purpose Nymph
- Cone Head Rabbit Streamer
- CDC Emerger
- Soft Hackle Wet
- Green Weenie
- Cone Head Leech
- Deer Hair Bug
- Clouser Minnow
Pros
- Easy to get started
- Affordable
Cons
- No instructional booklet, only DVD
- Minimal tools
Note: You will need to purchase weight separately e.g. tungsten beads if you wish to tie nymphs.
3) Colorado Anglers Z798 Deluxe Tool Kit
This beginner fly tying kit by Colorado Anglers offers everything one needs to start tying dry flies, nymphs, and streamers right away.
Tools
- vise
- base
- clamp
- bobbin threader
- bodkin
- dubbing twister
- hackle pliers
- scissors
- whip finisher
Materials
- hooks (sizes 8, 12, 14)
- lead wire
- poly yawn
- various feathers
- chenille
- and more…
Pros
- Affordable
- Nice carrying case
- Easy to get acquainted with the tools and materials.
- Good for someone who has never tied before
Cons
- Limited tools (no half hitch or whip finish, head cement, wax)
- Limited materials (only one color thread and 2 types of dubbing)
- Minimal patterns you can tie.
Note: You will need to purchase weight separately e.g. tungsten beads if you wish to tie nymphs.
4) Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
Tools
- Rotary vise
- Scissors
- Bobbin
- Bodkin
- Bobbin threader
- Hackle pliers
- Hair stacker
- Whip finisher
Materials Included
- Grizzly & brown hackle
- Dubbing
- Marabou
- Peacock herl
- Pheasant tail
- Elk hair
- Chenille
- Poly yarn
- Black thread
- Copper wire
- Hooks, size 8, 12, 14
- Clear plastic box with multiple slots to hold thread, hooks, and beads
Pros
- Nice organizer and case
- Vice has rotary function (most beginner vices do not have a rotary function)
Cons
- Expensive for the quality of materials
- Limited amount of flies you can tie
- Poor quality vice
5) Hareline Fly Tying Kit with Premium Tools
Note: In the event you do not need fly tying tools—Hareline also makes just the material kit.
Tools
- C-clamp vise
- Bobbin
- Scissors
- Hackle pliers
- Hair stacker
- Bodkin
- Half hitch tool
- Whip finish
Materials Included
- Thread (multiple colors)
- Dubbing (several colors)
- Marabou
- Rabbit strips
- Hare’s mask
- Peacock herl
- Pheasant tail
- Partridge feathers
- Turkey
- Elk hair
- Deer hair
- Chenille (multiple colors)
- Hackle
- Hooks (wet and dry fly in various sizes)
- Beads
- Wires
Pros
- High Quality materials
- Abundance of materials
- Easy to follow tutorial
Cons
- Expensive
- Minimal dry fly patterns
6) Wetfly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit
Tools
- Vise
- Scissors
- Hackle pliers
- Bobbin
- Bobbin threader
- Hair stacker
- Book and DVD
Materials Included
- Hooks, sizes 8, 12, 14
- Grey dubbing
- Olive dubbing
- Chenille
- Marabou
- Grizzly hackle
- Brown hackle
- Black thread
- Fine copper wire
- Peacock herl
- Pheasant tail
- Elk hair
- White poly yarn
Pros
- Affordable
- Book and DVD
- Easy to get started
Cons
- Limited tools
- Limited materials
- Lower quality materials
Anchor Fly Custom Fly Tying Kits | Mix & Match By Budget
Mix and Match fly tying kit components to get the “most bang for your buck.”
You have probably noticed that one commonality among all of these kits is they often feature economy tools OR a limited quantity of materials.
We wanted to look at alternatives for the beginner fly tyer who wants to “mix and match” their kits to better suit their needs.
So, Anchor Fly has reviewed the best vices, tool sets, and material kits. With these we have broken them down into two categories; best quality and best price.
Let’s first look at our picks to create the best quality kit.
Best Fly Tying Vises Online (Top Tier)
1) Renzetti Traveler
The Renzetti Traveler 2200 vice is one of the better vices on the market today. Depending on your needs it comes in either a pedestal base or a sturdy C-clamp.
The Renzetti is versatile enough to hold small hooks as small as size #28 and larger hooks as big as 4/0 with its cam jaws. This vice also comes equipped with a rotary function and bobbin cradle.
2) Peak Fishing Vise
A classic and well-known vise, Peak holds a reputation for its durability and quality materials. It is made from steel, brass, and aluminum. The Peak is capable of holding hooks big as 2/0 and small enough for 24.
This vise is connected to a large heavy base that allows for easy adjustment of the shaft. In addition, the vise has a rotary function along with a bobbin cradle.
3) HMH Spartan Vise W/C-Clamp Base
This simple yet sleek design is one of the top vises out there. It is the most expensive vise we’re featuring but the value is incredible. It is made from high-quality steel and aluminum and offers a lifetime guarantee.
The HMH offers a very smooth rotary function, and an easy-grip locking cam lever—making for easy one-handed locking. There are 3 interchangeable jaws that can fit hooks 2/0 – 20. Another great feature of this vise is it comes with both a base pedestal and C-clamp.
Best Beginner Fly Tying Vices Online (Middle Tier)
Quality vises at affordable prices
1) Griffen Odyssey Spider Vise
This vise is moderately priced but comes with features that resemble a high end vise. It is geared towards the beginner tyer that wants a more durable vise to learn and practice on. It has a rotary function and bobbin cradle.
The Griffen Odyssey features a smooth jaw grip but still holds hooks very well. It mounts to your desk or table with a C-clamp.
2) Colorado Angler EZ Vise
This is a basic rotary vise at an affordable price. The EZ vise is made from durable aluminum and steel. It comes in with a heavy base pedestal and easy adjustments. There is also a bobbin cradle and smooth jaw grip. This vise features a lot of advanced functions for an entry-level price.
3) YZD Rotary Vise
This is the best quality vise under 30 dollars. It offers a basic 360-degree rotary function. It does feature a hinged rotary offering more versatility. This would make a great vise for someone who wants a better quality vise than most kits but won’t break the bank.
Best Quality Fly Tying Tool Sets (Top Tier)
1) Stonfo Travel Fly Tying Tool Kit
Stonfo is an Italian company that produces some of the best fly tying tools in the world. These tools are on the pricier side but you’re getting the highest quality of materials. This tool kit also features a couple of unique tools not found in other sets.
The tool kit features
- Sleek case with rubber interior
- Bobbin threader
- Rotodubbing mini
- Pettine comb
- Hackle pliers
- Small scissors
- Bobtec1 bobbin with adjustable thread tension
- Bodkin
- Conical finisher
2) Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tool Set
This is a high quality tool set at a modest price.
The set includes
- Ceramic bobbin
- Pair of all-purpose 4″ scissors
- Bobbin threader
- Hair stacker
- Whip finisher
- Hackle pliers
And to ensure all the tools stay organized and in proper working condition, the set is neatly secured in a handy foam-lined storage box.
Most Affordable Fly Tying Tool Sets
1) Loon Outdoors Core Fly Tying Kit
From a name like Loon Outdoors, you can expect some quality tools. The core fly tying kit is not as high-end as some of the other series toolsets, but still, a great beginner toolset.
Orvis offers 5 main tools (plus the organizer) needed to get started tying—at an incredible value.
Each kit contains
- Organizer
- Bobbin
- Scissors
- Bodkin
- Whip finish tool
- Hackle pliers
2) AGOOL Fly Tying Set
SUPER ECONOMIC TOOLKIT
The AGOOL Fly Tying Tools Set suits for both beginners and intermediates. It includes the basic tools you will need for tying flies.
This kit comes with 3 bobbins so you can save time by keeping common thread colors on each bobbin—unique feature not found in many other tool kits; making for quick and convenient tying.
The Agool tool set offers the most valued tools at an economical price.
The tools all fit in a travel case for easy tying and organization while on the move.
Best Quality Material Kits
Hareline Dubbing Material Kit
Hareline is another trusted name in fly tying and offers great quality and quantity of materials. This kit tops our list and frankly, we like it so much we decided not to add any other material kits to the “best quality material kit section.” This is perfect for the beginner tyer who already has a vise and tool set.
The Hareline material kit features 48 different materials, including plenty of hooks and beads.
There is an instructional manual that comes with this kit, and gives directions for 20 common patterns. Everything comes in a large plastic case offering easy storage and transport.
Most Affordable Material Kit
Phecada Sport Fly Tying Material Kit
The Phecda tying material kit offers tons of materials at a very affordable price.
What’s unique about this kit is it offers several color variations for almost every material. It includes different colors of marabou, dubbing, crystal flash, and feathers. This creates variations in your patterns and lets you get creative in tying some distinctive flies.
The materials are not as high end as the Hareline kit, but still a great material pack.
Conclusion
This is a good, general list of recommended fly tying equipment for a beginner. We hope you found the article above relevant and helpful. Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
If you are new to fly tying altogether and wish to explore our Fly Tying for Beginners resource guide please do so now. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners and breaks down everything the novice fly tyer needs to know. Moreover, for a complete look at vises, please feel free to check out Best Fly Tying Vises.
