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Choosing C&F Fly Box

Product Information

C&F Design Fly Boxes: The Universal System Guide

Updated January 2026

The Revolutionary Modular Fly Box System for Organized Anglers

The C&F Design Universal System is a game-changing approach to fly storage that eliminates the need for dozens of specialized fly boxes. This modular system features interchangeable foam inserts that clip in and out of waterproof cases in seconds, allowing you to customize your setup for any fishing situation.

High Capacity C&F Fly Box

Why Choose the C&F Universal System?

Adaptability: You can switch between nymph, dry fly, streamer, and saltwater configurations without carrying multiple boxes.

Organization: Keep all your foam inserts in a Guide Boat Box at home or in your vehicle, then select only what you need for the day.

Durability: They're built from rugged polymer with waterproof gaskets that maintain their seal for years. The micro-slit foam retains its grip on flies—even heavy tungsten nymphs—far longer than competitor products.

Investment Value: C&F fly boxes last 10+ years with proper care, making them more cost-effective than replacing cheaper boxes every season.

C&F System Fly Box

Who Is This System For?

Fishing Guides: You can switch inserts between trips to different waters without reorganizing entire fly collections.

Travelling Anglers: Pack light with 2-3 boxes and multiple foam inserts for various conditions

Multi-Water Fishers: Keep specialized loadouts for rivers, stillwater, saltwater, and backcountry without box clutter

Organized Anglers: Maintain a systematic approach to fly storage that scales with your collection

Why C&F Design Outperforms Competitors

  • True Waterproof Construction

    The gasket seal remains waterproof for years, not months. Squeeze before latching to ensure proper seal.

  • Micro-Slit Foam Durability

    C&F foam maintains tension and grip far longer than competitor foams. Even after years of use, the foam securely holds heavy tungsten bead nymphs without flaring or losing grip.

  • Reliable Latch Mechanism

    Reliable latch designed to work with cold, wet fingers. Opens easily, closes securely, no folding plastic joints to break.

  • Drop-Proof Design

    Rigid polymer construction survives drops onto rock, boat decks, and vehicle floors. Foam inserts stay secured even when dropped open.

  • Long-Term Value

    Expected lifespan of 10+ years makes C&F more economical than replacing budget boxes every 2-3 seasons.

How the Universal System Works

  • The Boxes

    Waterproof cases that hold 2 system foam inserts. Available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes, plus specialty configurations. Each box features:

    • True waterproof gasket seal (squeeze before latching)
    • Drop-proof construction
    • Reliable latch mechanism that works with cold fingers
    • Foam-free lid design that won't degrade

  • The Foam Inserts

    Plastic-backed, 5-8mm micro-slit foam sheets that clip in and out of any compatible box. Choose from 7 freshwater configurations and 3 saltwater options:

    • Streamer Foam: Large slots for woolly buggers, zonkers, and articulated patterns
    • Attractor Foam: Medium-large slots for size 8-14 attractors and hopper patterns
    • Standard Foam: Versatile slots for size 10-16 general nymphs and dries
    • Midge Foam: Micro slots for size 18-24 patterns
    • Dry Dropper Foam: Integrated threader system for rigging dropper setups
    • Threader Foam: Built-in tippet threading channels
    • Grand Slam Foam: Saltwater-specific configurations for bonefish, permit, and tarpon flies

  • The Guide Boat Boxes

    Pre-loaded storage systems that hold multiple foam inserts. Use as a boat box while fishing, or as your home storage system to organize and swap inserts.

    The Clip System: Press the clip outward to disengage the insert. To secure, angle into the stay, then press down into the latch. Takes 3-5 seconds per swap.

Professional Guide Series Universal System Foam Chart

Guide Boat Boxes

Purpose: All-in-one storage and organization system, or boat-based fly access

Features:

  • Waterproof and rugged construction
  • Pre-loaded with multiple system foam inserts
  • Inserts easily clip in and out
  • Functions as home storage or boat box

System Fly Boxes

Universal System Cases

Features:

  • No inserts included (sold separately)
  • True waterproof seal
  • Available in 3 sizes and 4 colours (Black, White, Olive, Orange)
  • Hold 2 foam inserts per box

Universal System Cases with Compartments

Purpose: Hybrid storage with foam inserts plus divided compartments

Lightweight Universal System Cases

Purpose: Weight-conscious minimalist option

System Inserts

Plastic backed, 5-8mm thick foam sheets available in Small, Medium and Large sizes, in 7 types of freshwater foams, 3 types of saltwater foams and threader options. Inserts are available in configurations suitable for anything from micro-sized patterns to large streamers and saltwater flies.

Compatible with C&F Fly Cases, Universal System Cases, Chest Storage Boxes and Boat Boxes.

System Fly Cases

These are waterproof universal cases that come pre-loaded with 2 matching foam inserts.

Available Pre-Loaded Configurations:

  • Streamer Case: 2 streamer foams included
  • Attractor Case: 2 attractor foams included
  • Standard Case: 2 standard foams included
  • Midge Case: 2 midge foams included
  • Dry Dropper Case: 2 dry dropper foams included
  • Grand Slam Case: 2 saltwater foams (choose species)

System Chest Boxes

System Chest Boxes allow storage of flies within easy reach. They accept System Inserts, but come pre-loaded with their own insert.

Chest Boxes

Chest Boxes allow storage of flies within easy reach, or to allow them to dry. These chest boxes do not accept system inserts.

Why South African Anglers Choose C&F Design

  • C&F Design Dry Fly Box

    Durability in Harsh Conditions

    South African fishing environments, from Drakensberg streams to coastal estuaries, demand gear that withstands temperature extremes, UV exposure, and physical abuse. C&F boxes maintain their waterproof seals and foam integrity in these challenging conditions.

  • Light Weight Fly Box

    Organization for Multi-Species Fishing

    South African anglers often target multiple species in a single trip: yellowfish in the morning, trout in the afternoon, bass in the evening. The Universal System eliminates the need to carry separate boxes for each species.

  • Threader Fly Box

    Value Over Time

    With limited access to international fly fishing retailers and import costs, the 10+ year lifespan of C&F products makes them more economical than repeatedly replacing cheaper alternatives.

  • C&F Design Dry Fly Box

    Guide-Proven Performance

    Professional guides throughout South Africa, from the Vaal system to KwaZulu-Natal rivers, rely on C&F Design for their daily operations. If it works for guides doing 200+ days per year on the water, it works for recreational anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the foam inserts truly interchangeable between all boxes?

Yes, but size matters. Small inserts work in Small boxes/patches, Medium in Medium boxes, and Large in Large boxes. You cannot mix sizes (e.g., put a Large insert in a Medium box).

How many flies fit in each insert?

Depends on foam type and fly size:

  • Streamer: 45-54 larger flies
  • Attractor: 78-90 medium flies
  • Standard: 156-288 versatile sizing
  • Midge: 168-240 tiny flies

Are these boxes really waterproof?

Yes, when properly sealed. Squeeze the box before latching to ensure the gasket seats correctly. The seal remains waterproof for years with normal use.

Will the foam wear out?

C&F micro-slit foam is exceptionally durable. Boxes 5+ years old still maintain grip on heavy nymphs. This is significantly better than competitor foams that lose tension within 1-2 seasons.

Can I buy extra inserts later as my fly collection grows?

Absolutely. That's the beauty of the system. Start with 2-3 inserts and add more as needed. Your boxes never become obsolete.

What's the difference between the waterproof cases and lightweight cases?

Waterproof cases have gasket seals and solid construction—ideal for boat fishing or wet conditions. Lightweight cases use foam sides and magnetic closures—better for weight-conscious backpacking but allow airflow (not waterproof).

Which size should I choose: Small, Medium, or Large?

Small: Shirt pocket carry, hiking, minimalist approach

Medium: Vest pocket, balanced capacity-to-size ratio

Large: Maximum capacity, vehicle/boat storage, guides

How do I prevent mildew in closed boxes?

Open your box at day's end to let contents dry. Use the Fly Protector or chest patches for wet flies during active fishing. Never seal wet flies in a closed box long-term.

Can I use different foam types in the same box?

Yes! That's a key advantage. Load one side with Standard foam for nymphs, the other with Streamer foam—instant versatility.

Do the Grand Slam/saltwater foams work for freshwater?

The foam itself works for any flies that fit the slot size, but they're optimized for saltwater patterns. For most freshwater applications, the standard freshwater foam configurations are more efficient.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Daily Maintenance
  • Open box after fishing to air-dry contents
  • Wipe gasket seal if debris present
  • Check latch mechanism for smooth operation

Storing Wet Flies
  • Use Fly Protector patches for wet flies during fishing
  • Hook wet flies to chest patch or hat patch to air-dry
  • Never seal soaking-wet flies in waterproof boxes for extended periods

Long-Term Care
  • Occasionally clean foam with mild soap and water
  • Let foam fully dry before reinserting
  • Store boxes open in off-season to maintain gasket flexibility
  • Keep boxes out of direct sunlight when not in use

Waterproof Seal Tips
  • Always squeeze box before latching for proper seal
  • If gasket shows wear after years of use, contact C&F for replacement
  • Don't over-torque the latch—gentle pressure is sufficient

Product Specifications Summary

  • Box Dimensions (Approximate)

    Small: 10cm x 7cm x 3cm

    Medium: 14cm x 10cm x 3.5cm

    Large: 18cm x 12cm x 4cm

    Boat Box: 28cm x 18cm x 5cm

  • Weight Range

    Lightweight Case: 80-120g

    Waterproof Case: 150-250g

    Boat Box: 600-900g

  • Materials

    Box construction: High-impact polymer

    Foam backing: Rigid plastic

    Foam material: Micro-slit EVA foam

    Gasket: Silicone waterproof seal

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