I have (and still do much of the time) used classic wool pads to hold damp flies which I removed, but have major problems with them.
The problems I typically have with wool pads include:
the fly barb, even when pinched as I always try to do, can get caught in the wool making the fly very difficult to remove from the pad,
the pad almost invariably mashes the hackle on a dry fly,
I have had flies brushed off the pad when worn on the front of the vest, (I now wear it on my hat)
I have had flies fall out of the pad, even when put in carefully, which have not been hit or brushed off,
Because of the problems with the pads, I have used a plastic travel soap box with holes punched in it, which I try to keep in a ventilated pocket in my vest. That seemed to work OK, but was not extremely handy.
Does any one have a better good solution to the problem of damp flies that you take off?
Hi Gandolf,
I too became disappointed with the (fake) wool patches for the reasons you mention. I also have had it with clip-on patches getting knocked off (and floating away) and sticking hooks into foam.
I also used one of these for a while, and still have it on my lanyard. http://www.streamworks.com/store-detail.asp?id=48&ct=19
It also is handy for putting flies in and out, but after about 4 years the magnetic patch needed re-attachment and the clasp keeping the box closed became weak with use. Still works though.
Both are sold at UpCountry Sportfishing in Connecticut http://www.farmingtonriver.com/, but a little harder to get here in Canada. Good luck on this upgrade move.
Someone shared this with me and since i have made a few. I’ll add the photos later battery’s died in my camera lol
What you need
1- film can or small medicine bottle with clip on lid
1- small split ring
small amount of brass or cloth screening
1- 2"or 4" coated steel leader with clip
hot glue gun
foam
Step One. Take lid off of film can and cut two or three windows in the film can ( make sure the lid still clips on snugly.)
Step Two. insert screen and secure with hot glue. (make sure it allows lid to snap in place)
Step Three. Cut small hole in lid (make sure hole is smaller then split ring) and pass leader ( the line attachment end. not the clip end) through hole past barrel and secure with split ring
Step Four. Cut a thin piece of foam 1/16" inch thick. 1" inch wide pass through eye of leader and use a small dab of hot glue at the end to make foam loop.
Step Five. Attach to vest by clip
Step Six. Take wet fly from fishes mouth
Step Seven. Open Can attach Fly to Foam and close lid
Step Eight. Attach new fly and fish
Step Nine take dry fly and place in fly box.
I looked long and hard for a replacement for the old style wool patches. I went through the Fly Trap, a few self-made devices, some cheapo foam things, and was completely and consistently dissatisfied. Then I found the FinSport Fly Keeper, which I’ve been using for a couple of years now. It’s a great solution to the used fly storage problem. Plenty of air circulating to dry the flies, so light you hardly know it’s clipped to your vest, the flies are covered so you don’t knock 'em off into the river. An all around superb product. I got mine at Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, but I’m sure they are available elsewhere.
As ususal – no personal financial interest – just a very happy customer.