A DIY fly fishing lanyard is like a handy necklace for people who love to catch fish with flies. You can make it yourself and use it to keep your important fishing stuff nearby when you’re in the water.
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, a DIY lanyard can make your fishing day easier and more fun by keeping everything you need right where you can easily grab it.
How to make it yourself? Let’s read on to know more.
What Is A Fly Fishing Lanyard?
A fly fishing lanyard is a wearable accessory designed to provide fly fishermen with quick and convenient access to their essential tools and accessories.
It typically consists of a cord or strap that hangs around the angler’s neck, similar to a necklace, and is adorned with various attachment points and loops.
Anglers can use these attachment points to secure items such as line clippers, tippet spools, fly boxes, floatant, and other small tools frequently used during fly fishing season.
By wearing the lanyard, these essential fly fishing tools are always within easy reach, eliminating the need to rummage through pockets or tackle bags.
How To Make DIY Fly Fishing Lanyard?
To create the best fly fishing lanyard, start by measuring and cutting a suitable cord or strap length. Add beads and clips evenly, then attach keychain clips with small jump rings. Finally, secure the ends with a knot, and for added comfort, consider placing foam rollers at the back.
DIY Lanyard Construction
Prepare The Materials
- Paracord (330 type): This will be the foundation for mounting your tools and accessories. The smaller diameter of the 330 paracord works well with the mounting hardware and beads used as spacers.
- HDPE plastic: You’ll use this material for additional gear attachment points.
- Adhesive hook and loop strips: These strips will attach the fly box securely. Apply the dropper loop side to the box and the hook side to the HDPE plastic.
- S-Hooks: These are handy for attaching various accessories to your lanyard. They provide versatile attachment points.
- Rigging foam: Rigging foam is essential for carrying pre-rigged droppers, double nymph rigs, and extra leaders. You’ll use adhesive magnets to make it easy to remove.
- Spring-loaded cord lock or buttons: These serve as spacers to adjust the positioning of your tools and tippet on the lanyard without disassembling it.
- Synthetic wine corks: These will be used for storing large flies or small streamers.
- Fuel line: This will be employed as neck padding for added comfort.
Measurement And Cutting
Before you start customizing your fly fish lanyard, measure the length you need, adding a little extra length to allow for tying the ends together when you’re finished.
Cut your foam rollers in half using a pair of scissors. It helps your lanyard have the right size and that you have the necessary materials ready.
Mounting Fly Box And Accessories
First, attach the HDPE plastic to your lanyard as a mounting piece for your fly box and S-hook carabiners. Ensure that it’s securely fastened.
Next, use adhesive hook and loop strips to affix your fly box to the HDPE plastic. This will keep your flies secure, even when fly fishing in the rain, and the box will be easily accessible.
Rigging Foam For Droppers And Leaders
Add adhesive magnets to the front of your fly box and glue small magnets to the rigging foam.
This makes it easy to attach and detach rigging foam, ideal for carrying pre-rigged droppers, double nymph rigs, and extra leaders.
Next, attach the rigging foam to the fly box using the magnets. It keeps your rigging essentials organized and accessible.
Tippet Holder
To create a tippet holder, gut a pen barrel and thread paracord through the center with swivels on each side. It allows for easy attachment of tippet spools.
After that, mount the tippet holder on spacers just above your fly box, ensuring that your tippet is readily available for quick changes.
Small Streamer Storage
Drill a hole through the center of two synthetic wine corks. These corks are an excellent storage solution for small streamers and keep them securely in place.
Place the synthetic wine corks on your lanyard above the tippet holder. They provide a convenient location for your streamers.
Neck Padding For Comfort
Cut an 8-inch section of a fuel line. Punch a hole in the center of this hose piece.
Insert the paracord into both ends of the hose and bring them out through the hole punched in the center.
Add another spacer button for adjustability, allowing you to customize the lanyard’s size and length for comfort during your fishing adventures.
Customizing Your Setup
Be Creative
Consider incorporating fish-themed beads into your lanyard design. These can add a charming and thematic touch that connects your fishing gear to your passion for fishing.
Customizing your fly fishing lanyard offers an opportunity for creativity and personalization. Don’t hesitate to explore different options and materials to make your lanyard unique.
Tying The End
Once you have assembled your lanyard with all the desired components, tie the ends together securely.
This step ensures that your lanyard stays intact and functional during your fly-fishing trips.
Best Tools And Accessories For A Fully Loaded Lanyard Setup
Although you can make simple fly fishing lanyards by hand, having the right tools and accessories can make your angling experience more efficient.
Below is a breakdown of the best tools and accessories to consider for a comprehensive fly fishing lanyard setup:
Forceps
Forceps with fine tips are essential for removing hooks from fish or for precise fly manipulation. Look for ones with a locking mechanism for added convenience.
Tippet Spool Holder
A tippet spool holder keeps various tippet sizes organized and easily accessible. It prevents tangling and helps you quickly switch between different tippets as needed.
Small Fly Box
A compact fly box is ideal for carrying a selection of your favorite flies. Opt for one with compartments or foam slots to keep your flies secure and organized.
Floatant
Floatant can keep your dry flies buoyant and ready for action. Many anglers prefer gel or liquid floatant for ease of application.
Nippers
Nippers are used for cutting your fishing line, tippet, or leader. Choose ones with sharp blades and an eye-cleaning needle for added versatility.
Leather Leader Straightener
A leader straightener helps remove memory coils from your leader and tippet material, ensuring a smooth presentation of your flies.
Fly Drying Chamois
A fly-drying chamois is handy for quickly drying waterlogged flies, especially if you’re fishing dry flies. It prevents your flies from becoming waterlogged and sinking.
Shirt Clips
Shirt clips are small, handy accessories that attach to your lanyard and provide a place to secure items like hemostats, forceps, or other tools.
Ty-Rite Hook Holder
This tool makes it easier to secure hooks when tying on flies. It holds the hook steady, saving you time and frustration.
Retractors And Zingers
Retractors and zingers are retractable cords that attach to your lanyard and hold tools like nippers or forceps. They allow you to use your tools and then retract them to prevent loss.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Make A Fly-Fishing Lanyard?
The time it takes to make a DIY lanyard can vary depending on your experience, the complexity of the design, and the materials you’re using.
However, for basic fly fishing lanyards, you should spend 10 to 20 minutes completing the project.
This estimate assumes you have all the necessary materials and tools and are familiar with the process. If you’re crafting a more intricate or personalized lanyard, it may take longer.
Are There Any Safety Considerations When Making A Lanyard?
Yes, below are safety considerations to keep in mind when making a lanyard:
- Be cautious when using scissors, knives, or other sharp tools during lanyard-making.
- Ensure the lanyard is not too long to avoid tripping hazards or getting tangled in objects.
- Use the lanyard only for its intended purpose, which is to hold fishing tools and accessories. Avoid using it for activities that could strain it excessively, like towing heavy objects or climbing.
Are There Any Eco-Friendly Materials I Can Use For My Lanyard?
Yes, there are 2 common environmentally friendly options for lanyards as below:
PET recycled plastic lanyards
These lanyard straps are crafted from recycled water bottles, specifically Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). They come with break-away straps and are available in various colors. By using recycled materials, these lanyards reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Bamboo lanyards
Made from 100% pure bamboo fibers, these lanyards are soft, durable, and environmentally friendly.
Bamboo is a sustainable material that easily decomposes and helps prevent pollution. Like the PET lanyards, they come with break-away straps and are available in different colors.
Final Words
In summary, a DIY fly fishing lanyard helps anglers keep their important fishing tools nearby when they’re in the water.
They’re customizable and let you add your own style to them. Whether you make them from any stuff, a handmade lanyard is a useful tool that makes fishing more enjoyable.
