I was browsing through some flats boats online and started to notice a few with these little black spikes on the outside of the hull. I couldn’t figure out what they were for at first. With a little digging, I found out though. It’s all about fly line management spikes DIY.
The little black spikes on the front of flats boats and microskiffs are for managing fly line when fly fishing.
Fly Line Management Spikes DIY Video
Fly line management tools and accessories can be expensive. Some frugal anglers have come up with ways to make their own fly line mats and stripping buckets. The homemade fly line mats start out as car mats and are modified to catch fly line by installing zip ties vertically as spikes.
DIY fly line stripping buckets
The stripping buckets can be made from collapsible leaf bags or rigid trash can liners. The buckets are modified by installing hand holds and zip tie spikes in the bottom. Some anglers also add a plate weight to the bottom of the bucket to make sure it stays put on the boat.
This is a good step by step instructable for a DIY stripping bucket https://www.instructables.com/Fly-Line-Management-Cylinder-for-Boats-AKA-Shootin/
Steps to make a DIY fly line mat
Creating a fly line spike mat is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
Materials you’ll need:
- Yoga mat or a foam mat with a smooth surface
- Utility knife or scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pen or marker
- Fly line spikes or carpet spikes (available at hardware stores)
- Adhesive (such as strong glue or epoxy)
Here are the steps:
- Measure and mark the desired dimensions on the yoga mat. A typical size for a fly line spike mat is around 18 x 24 inches, but you can adjust it based on your preferences.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure your markings are straight and accurate.
- Carefully cut along the marked lines using a utility knife or scissors. Take your time to ensure clean, straight cuts.
- Once the mat is cut to the desired size, you can attach the fly line spikes. These spikes have a sharp end designed to penetrate carpeted surfaces. Press the spikes into the foam mat, spacing them evenly across the surface. You can arrange them in a grid pattern or any other configuration you prefer.
- Apply a small amount of adhesive, such as strong glue or epoxy, to the base of each spike. This will help secure them in place and prevent them from coming loose over time. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may seep through the mat and affect the surface texture.
- Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to ensure the spikes are firmly attached and won’t detach during use.
- Once the adhesive is fully dry, your fly line spike mat is ready for use. Place it on a flat surface, and you can now use it to strip line or practice casting without the line tangling.