Build Your Own Fly Tying Bench to Complete Your Fly Fishing Journey

Have you ever wondered if it would really be possible to build your own fly tying bench? Whether you have been fly fishing for a couple of years or a couple of hours, it is time to come full circle and finally complete your fly fishing journey.

Let's face it, most people in the fly fishing community begin the same way. There is some event or a close friend that starts us on that fly fishing journey. Normally we hook up with a mentor and they slowly guide us along, instructing us on the proper techniques, which flies to use and when, and all the other things they think we should know to get started.

You have purchased all of your gear...the fly rod and reel outfitted with the line and leader, your net, your vest, your waders, and all of the other necessary fly fishing accessories. You learn what flies to use and under which circumstances to use them and you start catching fish.

Now you are hooked. Fly fishing has become a part of who you are. You can't get enough of it. You spend time discussing it on the fly fishing forums. You visit the local fly shop and discuss the local hatches and you purchase the flies you will need for that particular season. You are off to a great start. You are catching fish. So what is the problem?

Well, there is no problem really, other than the fact that you are only half way along your journey. You are catching lots of fish but something is still missing. And then it finally hits you. All you are really doing is selecting a fly that someone else tied to catch fish. Suddenly your mind takes you back in time to those days when you were young when your dad would hook a fish and let you reel it in because you just weren't quick enough to set that hook yet. In essence, you are now feeling the same thing. If you are not tying your own flies, eventually you become unfulfilled and it really feels like the fly creator actually hooked that fish and you are just reeling it in. Now it's time to take your fly fishing to the next level.

It's time to go back into that learning mode once again to learn to tie your own flies. As with fly fishing, the easiest way to learn is to find someone that can sit down and show you one on one how to tie your flies. If you cannot find a mentor that will do this, look for a local fly tying class. Many fly shops and other organizations like Trout Unlimited often put together fly tying classes that you can join. Aside from those options, there are also some very good fly tying videos that can get you started as well.

Once you get started, it won't be long until you realize that you need a way to keep all of your fly tying materials together in one compact area. The fly tying bench is your answer. A quick internet search will quickly reveal how many options there really are. When doing your search, use the phrases fly tying bench, fly tying desk, fly tying station and fly tying table as each of these are commonly used phrases. Gather as many ideas as you can as they will all come in handy when you finally decide to build your own fly tying bench. The options are really endless.

In your search you may find something you really like and you may end up purchasing a fully assembled bench. That's perfectly fine. If you have the money to do that, by all means, go for it. But most of us are pretty budget-minded these days and are always on the lookout for alternatives.

So why not build your own fly tying bench? Regardless of what you have heard, it can be very easy to do with very minimal effort. All you need is a little creativity or a set of plans and you are all set. The budget-minded fly tier can build a high quality, functional and very affordable bench with common tools found in most garages or shops and without the need of a high end table saw or any specialized woodworking tools.

After you finish, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the fish you are catching were on a fly that you tied yourself on a bench that was crafted by your own hand. Your journey will be complete. It doesn't get any more fulfilling than that.

Steve Haupt is a fly fishing and fly tying enthusiast who enjoys helping others get their start into this awesome sport. To get your own fly tying bench plans and more great information on how to build your own fly tying bench, visit our website at Hooked-On-Flies.com.