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The holidays are here, and you’re tasked with buying a gift for someone who enjoys fly fishing. Fly fishing gifts are easy, right? While someone having a clear-cut passion like fly fishing can seem like a blessing when picking out a gift, it can quickly turn into a messy pile of embarrassing assumptions and friendly nods, followed by the hasty use of a gift receipt.
Buying the perfect fly fishing gift is a challenge because the simple things can quickly turn complex. A new rod is always good, right? But wait, should it be a 5 or 6 weight? Fresh or saltwater? When you start getting into the specifics of fishing gear, the difficulties of picking the right option become obvious in a hurry.
The goal of this fly fishing gift guide is to avoid those headaches by avoiding anything technical or gear specific. I selected the items in this guide to be general: things that any fly angler would appreciate, regardless of fishing style, region, or technique. It’s also important to consider things that someone may not ever buy for themselves, but would still greatly appreciate having.
With those factors in mind, here is a list of things that will make your favorite fly angler false cast with joy.
This one falls squarely in the “things all anglers should have, but probably don’t” category. Proper fly line maintenance is a critical part of extending the life and usability of any fly line, yet most fly anglers rarely (if ever) take the time to clean their line. It’s not a flashy or fun part of the sport, and therefore can be easily forgotten in favor of other more aesthetically pleasing things. However, make no mistake, anyone who fly fishes regularly will appreciate a fly line cleaning kit as a fly fishing gift. Having a proper cleaning kit makes it easier to manage the task of cleaning those expensive fly lines we all love to abuse.
I know, I know. A new pair of socks is basically the universal metaphor for “bad gift.” However, if the person receiving them is a fly angler who walks miles in waders and stands for hours in freezing cold water, a quality pair of socks are something to cherish. My two favorite pairs of wool blend socks are over a decade old and have seen some unspeakably cold and wet conditions, but they are prized possessions for providing warmth and comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. There are a lot of good options when it comes to the best socks, but I prefer the Simms Merino Midweight OTC Sock. They’re a good combination of warming insulation and lightweight wicking material, and ideal for a long day in waders.
The Nomad landing net has become ubiquitous in the fly fishing scene, and for good reason. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes that fit just about any technique or species an angler can target. They’re buoyant and incredibly light, while also being durable and capable of handling abuse. Strung with high quality rubber mesh, these nets are the gold standard for most fly anglers. Unfortunately, they can also be quite expensive, averaging around $200. They can be a tough purchase to justify for a fly angler on a budget, but most anglers would be ecstatic to receive one as a fly fishing gift.
If you’re looking to get a child their first fly rod look no further than the White River Fly Shop Cricket Fly Rod. This 8-foot, 5-weight rod costs about $50 and takes down into two pieces. It’s graphite construction keeps the weight down to help young anglers focus on casting.
It was recently tested by Outdoor Life contributor, Christine Peterson, with the help of her daughter. You can learn more about the rod by reading Peterson’s full review.
Peterson’s 8-year-old daughter testing out the White River Fly Shop Cricket Fly Rod.
Best for New Anglers: Fly Rod Combo
Photo by Scott Einsmann
If you want to get a new angler started in fly fishing, make their life easy and get them a rod and reel combo. It will include just about everything they need to learn fly casting and catch their first fish. All they’ll need to get on their own is some flies and they’re ready to start fishing. If you’re feeling extra generous, it’s a great idea to gift fly casting lessons at a local fly shop along with the combo.
Below are great combos at various price points. The main differences between an expensive rod and a cheap rod is going to be materials, which translates to appearance and performance. There are real advantages to giving someone a rod they’ll use for many years versus one they’ll just used to get their feet wet. So determine the person’s level of interest and buy them a rod to match their commitment level. Another important thing you’ll need to know is which weight rod to get: The go-to for trout is a 5 weight, bass anglers typically use a 6 weight, and common weights for saltwater are 8 or 9.
Everyone will crack up when these fish flip flops are unwrapped. They come in colors to match common fish species, but you can’t go wrong with brook trout or green (largemouth bass).
One thing that all fly anglers have in common is the need for good fly storage. While any old fly box will work, it’s nice to have something quality. The Tacky Pescador is a silicone box that comes in a variety of sizes, but the key factor that separates it from other options is the latchless waterproof design. Other latchless fly boxes are great but tend to leak and have a poor seal should the box be submerged for any length of time. On the other hand, most waterproof fly boxes have a clunky latch system that can be bulky and annoying to fumble with on the water. The Tacky Pescador solves both those problems by having a clean, latchless design that’s also impressively waterproof.
Every fly angler is familiar with the ever-present hassle of dealing with trash on the water. Even the most responsible anglers can still have a difficult time figuring out where to jam the loose tag bits of leader or material that are a constant presence during a day on the water. The Fishpond Piopod (PIO stands for “Pack It Out”) helps solve some of that issue by providing an easy, portable container to stuff those annoying items of trash into. It’s a small container that conveniently attaches to a belt or pack, with an innovative lid that makes for easy, quick disposal of garbage. Not only does it allow the angler to pack their own trash out, it provides a way to clean up other items of garbage they may find on the water.
It’s an incredibly simple concept, but it’s also one of the most practical fly fishing accessories around. As someone who regularly jams flies into hats, pockets, rearview mirrors, or just about any other soft material within reach, this product speaks directly to anglers like me. The Fly Caddy is essentially an EVA foam patch on a small plastic platform with a clasp on the back. This allows it to be easily attached to a hat, belt, or pocket, and provides a perfect solution for on-the-go fly storage. It also comes with a small, adhesive backed stand that can be placed on any surface (think cooler, dashboard, or kayak) that the angler may want to use for quick access fly storage. This makes it extremely portable and will help save an angler from ruining their favorite hat or the expensive marine mat on a kayak or boat.
Not only is the Fly Caddy an innovative and useful product, Atollas donates proceeds from their sales to support 1% for the Planet. So, your purchase helps an angler stay organized and helps the planet.
If you’re looking for the best fly fishing vest, consider buying a sling pack instead. Fly anglers are using these packs more often because it’s a convenient way to carry their gear. Given their popularity, no list of fly fishing gifts would be complete without at least one pack.
The Simms Freestone sling pack is the ultimate all-in-one pack for a day on the water. Including several levels of storage for every conceivable tool or item an angler may need to carry with them, this pack is the most comprehensive on the market that still allows for a degree of comfort when hiking, wading, or casting. Along with multiple water resistant storage areas, the Freestone Sling Pack also includes a built-in tippet caddy and net sheath, which are slick additions and help make this pack the ultimate on-the-water tote for any fly angler.
Last, But Not Least: A Gift Card to a Local Fly Shop
You may not know the technical specs or exact details of what your angler needs, but you know who does? The folks at the local fly shop most likely. These days, it’s more important than ever to support the small local shops that help make fly fishing the special thing that it is. There’s no better way to do that than to give them business, and a gift card is a great way to support the shop without having to needle through every single fly bin or rod rack in search of the perfect gift. Fly anglers can be incredibly picky and specific about what gear they need and giving a fishing gift that allows the angler to explore and pick out their own is a solid option. Whether you go with a gift card or any of the above items, it’s a great idea to check in with the local shop and see what they have on the shelves.
