DIY Saltwater Fly Tying Travel Kit | Build Your Own
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by Caleb Snead
3 min reading time
How to Build a DIY Saltwater Fly Tying Box
If you’re a saltwater fly angler who loves tying flies at home, at the campsite, or even right on the skiff, having a well-organized, portable fly tying box is a total game-changer. In this post, we’re breaking down how to build your own DIY saltwater fly tying kit—complete with essential tools, smart organization tips, a beefy box, and the rugged Atlas Vise from Rambler Angler & Blade Co. at the center of it all.
Why Build a DIY Fly Tying Box?
Whether you’re tying Clousers in the garage or crab patterns from your truck bed, having your tools and materials ready to go saves time and frustration. A custom-built tying box means everything is organized the way you like it and ready to travel. No more digging through bins or tangled spools.
What Makes a Good Saltwater Fly Tying Box?
When building your box, focus on three core things:
Durability – Saltwater environments are harsh. Choose materials that won’t rust or warp easily.
Portability – Keep it compact and easy to carry, but roomy enough for your must-have tools and supplies.
Organization – You’ll want clearly defined areas for your vise, tools, hooks, threads, and materials.
Tools and Gear You'll Need
Here's a breakdown of the tools and essentials that went into our DIY saltwater fly tying box:
Atlas Fly Tying Vise: A rock-solid, heavy-duty vise built out of stainless steel and designed to handle everything from small streamers to big saltwater patterns. Built for durability, with precise rotary action and a wide hook range, the Atlas is ideal for travel and hardcore use alike.
Rambler Fly Tying Essentials 8-Piece Kit: The Rambler Fly Tying Essentials 8-Piece Kit is your all-in-one solution for creating professional-grade flies with ease and precision. Designed for fly tiers of all experience levels, this comprehensive kit includes eight high-quality tools, each crafted for durability and performance.
Hooks and Materials: Saltwater hooks (sizes 1/0–4), thread and wire spools, craft fur, bucktail, EP fibers, flash, bead chain and dumbbell eyes, UV resin and adhesives.
Bonus Tips for an Effective Setup
Customize for Your Patterns: Build your box around the flies you tie most often. Crabs and shrimp? Make sure you’ve got room for heavier eyes and tan/olive materials. Baitfish patterns? Keep long fibers and larger hooks accessible.
Keep It Lightweight: Even though you’re working with rugged gear, keep portability in mind. The Atlas Vise is a great balance of strength and travel-readiness, making it the perfect centerpiece for your setup.
Watch the Build
Want to see how it all comes together? Check out the full video:
Watch as we walk through the build, explain our choices, and show how to pack it all in efficiently.
Final Thoughts
A custom fly tying box tailored to saltwater patterns and powered by a high-performance vise like the Atlas lets you tie anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re rigging up before a dawn patrol or knocking out patterns back at camp, this setup is built to follow you anywhere the tides take you.
