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Courtesy Fly Project
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A trout could care less if you throw them an imitation of an emerging mayfly with a $100 rod or one that fetches $1000 (not including the line and reel of course). But that doesn't stop the fly angler who values a nice piece of gear from seeking out that next tool or accessory to bring on their next outing for the purpose of achieving a marginal gain or simply enhancing their angling experience. Trust me, I'm one of them. And there's no such thing as too much fly fishing gear.
Finding a gift for the gear-orientated feather flinger can be quite the task. To help make lighter work of finding a gift for your fly fishing loved one, I've gathered some carefully selected items that they likely don’t already own–if they do, they probably would have talked your ear off about it already.
Btw, check out our picks for the best gifts for campers and gifts for photographers, too—chances are you have a couple of them on your list, too!
The Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Holiday 2023
Yeti GoBox 15 Gear Case
Tippet, floatant, nippers, fly boxes–the compact case keeps it all organized while rigging up at the tailgate or in a drift boat. Completely dustproof and waterproof, plus virtually indestructible for years of service. Also available in 30 and 60-liter volumes.
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Yelling to your fishing buddy over the roar of rapids and riffles isn’t how you should spend your day on the water. I’ve had great luck communicating with my partners upstream and around bends with a pair of these handy radios to find out what fly patterns and techniques are working.
Fishpond Tacky Pescador MagPad Fly Box
I tie more flies than I need, so I keep a tall stack of fly boxes on hand to house them. Fishpond’s patented silicone fly boxes do an exemplary job of holding my flies tight, and the magnetic pad even keeps the tiniest midge patterns right where I need ‘em.
Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L
Lumbar and sling packs have their merits, but only a backpack fits all the extra layers, meals, and an unreasonable count of fly boxes for a day on the water. Pair this submersible pack with either a clip-in 3-liter or 4-liter chest pack for supreme convenience.
Patagonia Black Hole Rod Case
Once you get into the habit of packing multiple rod tubes and reel cases to multi-day trips, you’ll start to appreciate the genius of this case that provides nearly the same level of protection with the added compartmentalized organization. Make sure to carry-on unless you really trust those luggage slingers.
Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport
Wading has its limits, and so does my budget for hiring driftboat guides. This folding kayak features a rail system for mounting a rod holder and other accessories, while skipping the burden of trying to store a rigid watercraft in even the most modest dwellings.
The Optimist: A Case for the Fly Fishing Life
David Coggins dissects the rituals and subtleties of fly fishing for a variety of species in a series of short stories, taking readers from Bahamian salt flats for bonefish to Maine’s trophy brook trout waters.
Fishpond River Rat 2.0
Fly fishing typically requires two hands, and enjoying one’s favorite beverage takes at least one more. This smart koozie suspends a refreshment front and center for hydration breaks between casts.
Orvis Pro Underwader Pants
When air temps start rivaling water temps, these fleece-lined pants bring substantial comfort to the cold water angler that keeps casting after the fair weather fishers have hung up rods. Don’t be surprised if your angler starts wearing off the river and around the house; they’re really that cozy.
Fulling Mill All Around Trout Fly Selection
An angler that doesn’t tie their own supply is doomed to pay for each and every hooked imitation. This selection includes patterns that will work for virtually any trout, anywhere.
Free Fly Bamboo Flex Hoodie
The power of the sun’s UV-rich rays amplifies once it hits the reflective surface of the sun. This bamboo viscose blended hoodie comes with both a protective UPF 50 rating and unbeatable softness for all-day comfort in the sun.
Huckberry x Xtratuf Legacy Altitude Chelsea Boot
Skip the wading boots and cast from shore with style in Huckberry’s signature colorway of these Alaskan guide-approved boots. They’re also perfect for days on the boat or just bopping around in nasty weather. As any outdoors lover knows, you can't beat a pair of Blundstone like boots.
Patagonia Stealth Wader Work Station
This smart pack attaches to wader shoulder straps to put five liters of cargo just above your belly. A dream gift duo pairs the work station with the Guidewater Backpack or Stealth Pack, both of which are designed to integrate with the small bag.
Hatch 3 Nipper
A $5 pair of nippers cut through monofilaments just okay, but these deluxe American-made nippers slice through 30lb and 6x tippets like butter. Available in a variety of fun, limited edition colors in addition to standards.
Fly Project Norlender Original Fisherman Sweater
This 100% Norwegian wool sweater brings a classic look to equally classic activities, like swinging for salmon and kicking back next to the lodge fireplace. Knitted by Norwegian knitwear brand Norlender, who’s got nearly 100 years of experience outfitting commercial and recreational fishers.
Published 11-28-2023
