How To Properly Store Saltwater Flies

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Saltwater flies are one of the most essential tools in a fly fisherman’s arsenal. They are usually small and don’t require a lot of storage space, but they can be fragile. Saltwater flies need to be stored properly to ensure their longevity. 

Saltwater flies should be stored in a plastic container with padded foam and slits to attach the fly hooks. This prevents the hooks from getting wet or caught on each other and damaging the fly material. All flies should be stored according to their color, weight, and target species for easy access. 

Saltwater flies are more delicate than their freshwater counterparts. Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss how to store these flies properly and take good care of them, as they can easily start to rust.

storing them properly will increase logevity

Why It’s Important to Store Saltwater Flies Properly

Saltwater flies are a great way for anglers to target a variety of saltwater species due to their ability to mimic a variety of baits. Storing them correctly will help them do their job properly. 

Saltwater flies are designed to imitate the movement of baitfish or crustaceans in the water to attract the attention of fish. They have a wide variety of colors and patterns so the fish believes it is the real prey. In addition, they also tend to have better movement than other traditional artificial baits. They can even mimic very small baits which are difficult to cast on traditional gear.

There are many different types of saltwater flies, such as flies designed for clear water flats, muddy marshes, and the open ocean. Always consider buying that mimic the bait in the area that you intend to fish. Have a look at this YouTube video for more information on the best saltwater flies:

What Are the Best Ways To Store Saltwater Flies?

Saltwater flies can be delicate and need to be stored properly so that they last longer. To preserve your saltwater fly, you will need to place it on a piece of foam and wrap it in plastic.

There are many factors that need to be taken into account when storing saltwater flies. 

Saltwater Flies Should Be Individually Stored, Not as a Whole Group

It is possible to store saltwater flies as a whole group, but it is better for them if they are stored individually. This will make sure that each fly has enough space and can be easily found when needed.

When storing saltwater flies, it’s important to keep them organized by color or type of fish you are targeting. It’s also important to ensure there is enough room for each fly in your container, so you don’t have to worry about tangling or overcrowding your flies.

you can store saltwater flies as a whole group

Saltwater Flies Should Be Organized by Target Species

One of the most important is the target species. For example,species such as bonefish and tarpon are typically found in the same tropical areas, therefore these flies could be stored together. Other flies for target species, such as bass and trout, can be kept in smaller containers with less weight as you are typically walking or wading when targeting them.

The Saltwater Flies Should Be Kept in a Plastic Fly Box or Tackle Bag

The type of container you use to store flies can vary greatly, and it is vital that you pick the best for storing your saltwater flies. 

When it comes to storing saltwater flies, metal containers are not recommended because they can rust and corrode over time. Conversely, plastic containers will not rust or deteriorate in the same way metal containers would.

Water intrusion is the leading cause of ruined flies. Flies should also be stored dry and kept free of moisture. Moisture will weaken the hook strength and cause the fly to rust over time. Moisture can also fade the color pattern of the fly. 

One of my favorite fly boxes to use as a saltwater guide is the Gonex Double Sided Waterproof Fly Box. These boxes come in a variety of sizes from a small day box to a full size boat box. Having the clear lids allows you to quickly see what is in the box. More importantly, the box is waterproof and will keep your flies dry.

Organizing fly storage containers is a good option if you have many types of flies and want them to be stored in one place without having to worry about tangling. Saltwater fly boxes are necessary for storing and transporting your flies. These containers are designed to hold a variety of flies which are usually in the same size category in either compartments or both sides of padded foam.

Fly storage containers come in different shapes and sizes depending on what you need and how much space you want to store the flies.

You will need to consider a few things before you make your purchase:

  • Bag or Box
  • Size of the container/box (small, medium, large)
  • Type of lid (hinged, hinged with a handle, hinged with a locking mechanism)
  • Type of closure (zip closure, Velcro closure)
  • Waterproof capabilities
  • Weight capacity

Now that you know how to store and organize your saltwater flies, you just need to get out of your room and buy the best that fits your needs. 

fly containers are a great way to store them

Proper Cleaning and Sterilization of Your Fly Storage Container Is a Must

Fly containers are a great way to keep your saltwater flies in a safe and dry area. However, they require proper maintenance. In order to do this, you need to clean and sterilize the container periodically  to avoid building up salt crystals resulting in corrosion of the metal hooks attached to the flies.

It would be best if you also kept it in a cool, dark place so that it doesn’t get too humid or damp, which would cause bacteria to grow. 

You should also have your fly container and flies completely dry before you store it. Rinsing saltwater flies with fresh water and drying them before storage will allow you to use flies multiple times without issue.

Conclusion

Although saltwater flies are beautiful and can be a great addition to your fly box, they need special love and care to preserve their useful life. 

Saltwater flies should be kept in a plastic fly box or bag, away from direct sunlight or heat. These flies should be stored individually, preferably organized by their color, weight, and target species for easy finding. 

Saltwater flies must remain dry to extend their useful life and keep the integrity of the hook strength. Having a waterproof box is highly recommended.

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