For less than a buck you can make your own fly boxes with VHS video cassette storage boxes, foam boat-seat cushions, and a spray adhesive. I've been using these boxes for the last 5 years and have yet to destroy one. You can easily carry several and they fit in fly vest pockets.

The boxes can be found in video or at discount stores for about 50 cents a piece. The one-quarter-inch thick polyethylene foam comes from a life preserver seat cushion for about $9. One cushion is enough for fifty boxes. 3M’s Super 77 spray adhesive can be found at craft or hardware stores for $5 a can.

Instructions

1: Open the box and use an electric or hand-palm sander with course paper (60-100 grit) to sand down the stems on the inside that hold the videocassette in place. Roughen the rest of the bottom of the box to help the glue to stick.

2: Cut the foam to the size of the inside of the video box.

3: Spray the foam with the glue and press it in place. You may have to put a weight, such as a book, on top of the foam to keep in place while the glue dries. It takes about an hour.

A second piece of foam can be installed in the top of the box to carry a second layer of small flies.

Debarbing hooks will make the foam last a lot longer. The foam can be replaced when it gets worn and can also be used to replace the foam in commercial boxes.