A question: If you were assembling a fly tying tool kit for traveling, what would you include? I am interested in just tools…bobbins, sicissors, etc…not actual fly tying materials or hooks.
I want to assemble a seperate kit that I can grab and go without stealing from my tying table.
Thanks in advance
Brad
Brad,
How about this: http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/OF-900935-0000/86000/J.-Stockard-Economy-Fly-Tying-Tool-Set.html
Kaboom,
I duplicated the brand and model of tools I use at home. The late Harry Mason (aka bones) taught me to keep my traveling kit simple and to use the same tools one uses normally. That lesson has kept my traveling kit uncluttered and a joy to work.
Warren and I thought along the same lines, I would add a electrical test clip and a popsicle stick with some velcro on it, fine sandpaper on the other.
vise, light, scissors, bobbin, hackle pliers, hair stacker, comb, half hitch tool, razor blades, pliers, SHHAN
Regards,
Scott
I just returned from a flight (with connection) to CO and was thinking about a ‘minimalist kit’ that would be permitted within carry on luggage. So your question is very similar. Speaking solely about tools, here’s what I came up with: 1)Scissors (legal for air travel although I have to find out); 2)Bobbin; 3)Hackle Pliers; 4)Head of a Toothbrush with the bristles cut down; and, 5)Hair Stacker. That’s it.
I can get by without a half hitch, a whip finisher, bobbin threader, dubbing needle and other misc. tools.
Allan
PS - I just looked it up and here’s what I found out about scissors: “Scissors: metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches" are allowed on a flight.” So I guess my tying scissor that is 3-1/2 inches is okay.
My wife has her kit minimalized to tie just a few pattern for flights and never has issues with scissors and such… But she brings her regular vise. I can’t do that… Wheels-up and I am asleep…
My kit has a Griffin Superior 3ARP vise because it is a true rotary that weighs next to nothing. I carry the usual compliment of tools, all of which is easier to decide on and carry than the materials selection…
Everyone assumes it is for carry-on. If you are flying to a fishing destination, you can pack “normal” tools in your checked luggage. Can’t do anything with them while on the flight anyway.
I take my normal tools with a lighter vise when I travel to the mainland to go fishing.
Sorry, I either bring it all or not at all. Considering how often I pack tying stuff and never use it, I really don’t see the point of setting up a “travel kit” that would mostly just collect dust. If I did, it would have to be nearly identical to what I have on my desk, and I’m not willing to duplicate all my tools just so I don’t have to pack/unpack. YMMV.
My Mileage will vary. I have a summer home and I am constantly packing and unpacking my tools. It is a PITA. I am assembling a kit that I can grab and go. Starting with the tools and then progressing onto the bag,box, trunk, semi that will be needed to carry them and the materials.
Thanks for the advise though…
Brad
Well that’s understable, but you are not talking about a travel kit, you are talking about setting up a second tying bench. Two different concerns, in my book. Makes even less sense to make a small kit that does not have everything you need/want when you are moving between residences. Of course if you are only a light tier, a modest kit will probably do. I prefer to go heavy or leave it at home.
Brad,
Could you leave a set there?
I belong to a club that ties once a month, I have a cabin in Ontario, sometimes I go to friends to tie, and sometimes I travel to fish. So I have the kit shown here that I can grab and go for all occasions. It has almost everything, and as you can see, still doesn’t take a lot of space. I have 3 vises, so one stays in the kit. A bottle of SallyH and the vise base are in a pouch behind the tools. You will see 2 kinds of tweezers, 3 scissors, 2 kinds of dubbing twisters, etc. No need to skimp and the extra cost is not that much for the convenience. The bag is from the pharmacy and intended as a cosmetic bag - similar & branded is sold by some fishing outlets at 3 times the cost.
You didn’t want to discuss materials, but aside from one or two items for specific flies, my travel materials are simple and include only 3 hook sizes (#6 streamer, #12 nymph, and #16 dry) and small amounts/patches of material to tie ‘anything brown/cream’. I figure that will cover most needs and be good enough for the duration (I am taking full fly boxes after all), and the assortment fits in one large zip-lock.
Brad, if air travel is not a concern, then all of those security concerns may be set aside. I take a vice, base plate for above, at least one pair of good scissors and maybe a second pair. One pair is scissors is be straight and the other might be curved. I pack at least two and probably 3-4 of ceramic, bobbin holders (a.k.a. bobbins in the U.S.). I take at least two dubbing needles. I have missed having a pad in my travel kit so from now on I intend to have a sheet (~8.5 x 11 inches) of foam from the craft store. That should help keep things from sliding/rolling/wafting off. Several paper towels are indisensable, but I’m not the most graceful of God’s creatures. At least one pair of tweezers if a huge help. I can leave the whip finishers at home. Like you, I whip finish by fingers. I take a dubbin twister. I put my tools into a large, deep, undivided Plano box. That certainly helps to keep things contained. I’m sure I’ll think of other things later. If so, I’ll edit the post.
Regards,
Ed
Greg
Thats what I am looking for. Cosmetic bag at the pharmacy…I guess my wife and I will be shopping tonight;). Thanks.
Brad
Actually, tying on airplanes is not at all difficult or illegal… Small scissors are no issue.
Get one of these:
http://jackdennisoutdoors.com/store/leatherman-crunch-multi-tool/
File, Wire Cutter, Knife to cut thread or whatever. and stick the blade in a log and channel lock for vise.
Just need a bobber.
Be sure to find one that won’t clash with your outfit. :lol:
