DIY Boat Fly Box

DIY Bugger Box
DIY Bugger Box

I’ve almost pulled the trigger on buying one of the big bugger boxes or boat fly boxes from the big name companies more than a couple times. Each time, my better judgement stopped me from spending the $40-50 on a fly box, but I kept my eyes out for a deal. Eventually, I found a screaming deal on a blank box, and figured I’d make my own for under $10.

Ingredients:

  • Box – I found these green Flambeau Tradesman 10.5 boxes on sale for $1.84
  • 6mm Foam – You can find 6mm online. I was a bit impatient and didn’t want to wait for it to ship. The local craft store had one piece of 6mm foam left. Of course it was pink.
  • Spray Adhesive – My wife had some of this spray adhesive laying around. Pretty simple to use.
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife
DIY Boat Fly Box
DIY Boat Fly Box
DIY Boat Fly Box
1. Flip the box open and push it down firmly on the foam.
DIY Boat Fly Box
This makes a pretty distinct outline which is easy to mark with a pen.
DIY Boat Fly Box
Trim the foam to fit in the bottom of the box.
DIY Boat Fly Box
Take a straight edge and mark where you want your slits in the foam. Follow it up with a utility knife blade.
DIY Boat Fly Box
In a well ventilated area, spray the back side of the foam and press it firmly to the bottom of the box. I also ran a line of super glue around the edges for a more secure bond.
DIY Boat Fly Box
Fill and Fish.
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6 Responses to “DIY Boat Fly Box”

  1. Aaron A

    Great idea, and well done! You know, the pink isn’t really that bad.

    Out of curiosity, why did you choose the slotted foam over the ripple foam (other than expense)? You can buy “boat patches” (12″ x 16″) of ripple foam for around $10.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Aaron. I chose the 6mm craft foam purely from an economical standpoint. Super cheap and easy to replace in the future if need be.

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Jack

    If you put a logo on it and put “fly fishing” in the description somewhere, you could charge $50 for it… just like scissors! Saw a pair at a brick and mortar store for $2. Exact same pair but with “fly fishing” on the package, $30. Exact same pair… so I DIY as much as I can do I’ll be making this sweet box. Thanks for the post.

    Reply

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