Tying Storage and Cases

[JayMorr]

So as I am getting ready for some tying at the green in a couple weeks, I decided to go through my bins, bags and consolidate a bit again. I am curious to hear what you all prefer for tying storage. I am more interested in hearing your thoughts on a traveling system or those who are always toteing their stuff along to tying events or gatherings.

I used to use a JW Outfitters bag/system, however I outgrew it fast. I noticed Haslem and some of the guys using plastic storage bins....give me your thoughts.

Also, do you guys like the hook bins and do you label them at all?

PS. I think I have an addiction with collecting bins/bags.....I can't seem to make up my mind with what is better?

JayMorr

[banjoflyfish]

I used to use a JW Outfitters bag/system, however I outgrew it fast. I noticed Haslem and some of the guys using plastic storage bins....give me your thoughts.

Also, do you guys like the hook bins and do you label them at all?

I have a tying desk and a lift top chest next to it full of clear zip lock big bags full of different items. I write on the plaasitc bags what is in eah bag (elk, deer hair, for example). I also haave all of my hooks in different types in those long plastic binds for hooks, a different box set for each type of hoook: 100, 200r, etc. I am out of space and i need a new filing cabinet type thing for putting in more stuff.

[Curtis Fry]

Jaymorr,
If you have as much tying crap as I do these days, it's impossible to tote it around town. I store most of my things in plastic storage setups. I use the plain shoe-box styles, plastic baskets, small drawer systems, medium drawer systems and some large interchangeable bin systems. Then when I need to go somewhere, I just have a couple of storage bins and a duffle bag I throw things into. I have a 2nd set of most tools, so I can keep those ready to go if I need to. I create labels for all the bins and drawers for easy reference.

At one point, I tried putting all materials into ziploc type baggies with labels, but it became way too hard to find things.

For hooks, I usually use the 6 compartment individually opened plastic boxes (they come in different sizes). They're nice because I don't have to open all compartments at once and the hooks don't "travel" to other slots. Plus, it makes it easier to travel with them. I only take the sizes I need. I superglue the hook description label from the hook package onto the underside of the lid for ID'ing the hooks.

IMO, unless you're on the road all the time and need all or most of your materials, it's probably easier to just have a traveling kit you change each time you travel to different locations or tying gigs. Dennis even left his big suitcase at home this year for the Expo and decided to pack light.

[Baiter]

I have one of the JW large bags. I call it the black hole. I now use the Clear bags that bedding sets come in. I use the craft bags that they use to store floss in on a ring. Group it by dubbing, beads, cones, yarns etc. I store hackles,longer stuff and tools in gallon bags. This works good for me, I get alot more stuff in 40% less space than the Large JW bag and I can see it all.

I have two bags one for freshwater and another for Salt. I still have several boxes of back up materials That I use to store bulky stuff.

I travel extensively for both work and fishing and this is what I use. The floss storage bags have really made a big difference. It is like a rollodex of material. I bought mine at WalMart.

Good luck
Dan

[UtahFlyGuy]

What I've done is go down to OfficeMax or some place like that and grab a plastic filing box. Usually they have the ones that have a hole in them to lock your stuff. The plastic file will run ya about 8 bucks and you can usually carry a couple of vices and plenty of materials. I also have a couple of small plastic containers for beads, thread and tools. Hope this helps Jay

UFG

[Utah DaveII]

I've gone to a plastic file storage system. This is nice because I can buy different sized drawers for different items and keep them organized. This system has dramatically shortened my "where the hell is it?" aspect of tying. The other nice thing is that it's real easy to add to the system. If I'm going to tie out of town I'll take the stuff that I think I'll need.

I've nto found a system that I like for hooks yet. I got the long plastic box hook holders, but the hooks migrate in those babies more than an arctic tern.

[Don]

I've tried about everything from Tool boxes to plastic bins to custom fly tying bags. Seems like there is never enough space.

The only thing that has worked for me is to consolidate and leave most my crap at home. Instead of trying to figure out how to get it all in, spend that time thinking it through of what specifically you migh need then try to leave the rest at home. By nature Fly Fisherman are Packrats, and fly tiers are even worse.

Now, I think of 10-20 patterns I know I'll be using or possibly be using, and try to take just the materials for those fly's. Most of the materials overlap and can be used on multiple patterns so it makes things even that much more compact.

For example when I head to the green this time of year. I bring stuff for a few different types of BWO, a few different types of midges, and a different things for streamers. Other than that, leave it home!

If your like me when you are on multi day trips your fishing your guts out and only taking time at night to tie to top off your box and maybe a few extras for your buddies.

[«°Ñøvã°»]

Well i got me one of them ghetto plastic drawer dealies from walmart for $20 and i have to say they do work quite well. THink i already need another one. For traveling i would have to say the best option is to write down what patterns you think you will tie up and write a list of materials needed and just pack those from your stash. No need to load the u haul for a weekend excursion. You can also network if your going with friends have each person take different things and share....yes i said share. I notice the more room i have the more i feel tempted to fill the spaces.

[Grizz]

The only thing that has worked for me is to consolidate and leave most my crap at home. Instead of trying to figure out how to get it all in, spend that time thinking it through of what specifically you migh need then try to leave the rest at home. By nature Fly Fisherman are Packrats, and fly tiers are even worse.

Now, I think of 10-20 patterns I know I'll be using or possibly be using, and try to take just the materials for those fly's. Most of the materials overlap and can be used on multiple patterns so it makes things even that much more compact.

For example when I head to the green this time of year. I bring stuff for a few different types of BWO, a few different types of midges, and a different things for streamers. Other than that, leave it home!

If your like me when you are on multi day trips your fishing your guts out and only taking time at night to tie to top off your box and maybe a few extras for your buddies.

I agree. If you're traveling, take inventory, figure which patterns you'll need & pack accordingly. If you run accross something you don't have & you're fishing a destination water, there is most often a fly shop in the vicinity. or, ya just improvise. I can get by for a weekend with two small boxes, one small tin box with tools, hooks & thread/wire & one bigger (my vice box) for the rest of materials. If I have the room & I'm car camping, I'll usually pack a bigger strealite tote that allows me to bring the kitchen sink.

peace

[wildnative]

I usually just take my vice, hooks and 5 colors of thread. If a hatch comes up and I want to match it, I use what nature provides: A tig, a leaf, some fibers off of a stinging nettle plant and what have ya. I've often wondered, however, if this still counts as an artificial? When I used the service berries as imitation salmon eggs, I thought I might be crossing a line. How do ya'll feel about it?

[Grizz]

I usually just take my vice, hooks and 5 colors of thread. If a hatch comes up and I want to match it, I use what nature provides: A tig, a leaf, some fibers off of a stinging nettle plant and what have ya. I've often wondered, however, if this still counts as an artificial? When I used the service berries as imitation salmon eggs, I thought I might be crossing a line. How do ya'll feel about it?

Dunno, sound like a ? for the Hardy dude. You sly lil' fox.

Antagonize away, oh great one.

peace

[«°Ñøvã°»]

I usually just take my vice, hooks and 5 colors of thread. If a hatch comes up and I want to match it, I use what nature provides: A tig, a leaf, some fibers off of a stinging nettle plant and what have ya. I've often wondered, however, if this still counts as an artificial? When I used the service berries as imitation salmon eggs, I thought I might be crossing a line. How do ya'll feel about it?

Dont forget the feathers in the sleeping bag or pillow, old tippet ya find on the banks and by all means carry permanent markers.

[Kuma Fish]

I use a hold holder system made by Tiemco. It has 32 individual plastic boxes for holding different size hooks. Each box fits in its own compartment and locks into place. The whole thing looks like a book. It opens like a book and the hook compartments are on both sides. It measures about 8 inches by 10 inches by 1 inch.

You can label each individual hook box. Great system.

I bought mine through Feather-Craft.

KUMA FISH

[Lonnie]

I've nto found a system that I like for hooks yet. I got the long plastic box hook holders, but the hooks migrate in those babies more than an arctic tern.

For hooks I use small plastic (plano) bins and I used to have trouble with the hooks "migrating". To solve that problem I cut out the magnetic hook holder that comes with tiemco hooks to shape and put it in the bottom of the box. Now that problem is much reduced. When I'm tying a certain sized pattern I can just reach into the bin, pull out the magnetic card and take off the hooks I need. I works great with the smaller sized hooks....

[Grizz]

For hooks I use small plastic (plano) bins and I used to have trouble with the hooks "migrating". To solve that problem I cut out the magnetic hook holder that comes with tiemco hooks to shape and put it in the bottom of the box. Now that problem is much reduced. When I'm tying a certain sized pattern I can just reach into the bin, pull out the magnetic card and take off the hooks I need. I works great with the smaller sized hooks....

Are you saying that if you put those magnetic dealee's in their own little compartment they wont litter up the docking station? That's brilliant, I was just cussing those things yesterday.....(because I have about 10 of them with 8-10 hook sizes on each)

I guess I finally found a reason to go to wallbelas......

;-)

peace

[Lonnie]

Are you saying that if you put those magnetic dealee's in their own little compartment they wont litter up the docking station?

I dunno Grizz. As they say, Individual results may vary. Here's the box I use. I just cut the magnets to size (don't use your good sicsors) and slip them in each compartment. I don't do this for larger size hooks. If you shake the hell out of them, they might still move around but for every day use it seems to work...

http://www.planomolding.com/images/3414.jpg

[JayMorr]

Awesome info guys! Thanks much for all your comments and help. I have so much stuff and have always tried to pack as much in as I can when going to homes or places to tie.

I appreciate the tips!


JayMorr