Fly anglers, myself included, are among the worst of all gear junkies. That makes holiday shopping easy. I've assembled this list of over 30 unique items that any angler would love, and I've done my best to include a wide variety of products and price points, from a $15 Stanley brook trout thermos, to the trip of a lifetime chasing Golden Dorado In the jungles of Boliva. So, no matter how naughty or nice the angler on your list has been, you're sure to find something appropriate here.
1. Stio Camo Buff ($15 on sale) This uniquely versatile layer is a fly fishing essential. Cold weather, warm weather, wind or sun, this custom camo Buff from Stio will keep you on the water.
2. Stanley Heritage Classic 1.1 QTBottle, Brook Trout Pattern ($15 on sale) Celebrate wild adventures with the Stanley X Peter Perch collection, featuring the rugged construction of Stanley’s legendary bottle and one-of-a-kind design inspired by the outdoors. Peter Perch is a fish, fishing and wildlife illustrator from the Netherlands, based in Spain and creating worldwide. The limited-edition collection features the Stanley Heritage Classic 1.1 quart, double-wall vacuum insulated bottle with Peter Perch's screen-printed brook trout design.
3. Wingo Outdoors Brown Trout Neoprene Reel Case ($16) Protecting your fly reel is important, but protecting it in style is even more important! These durable, high quality neoprene reel cases come in two sizes and a variety of fish skin prints. Featuring an extra large over-rod flap, water vents, thick neoprene, and durable velcro, Wingo’s Fish Skin Reel Cases keep your reels protected on and off the water. Art specially commissioned by outdoors artist Sarah Lauridsen.
4. Yakoda Supply Nipper Lanyard ($22) There are lots of ways to carry your nippers. The simplest is wearing them around your neck, tucked into our waders—there when you need them, out of the way when you don't. Adjustable sizing. Made by hand in Colorado.
5. Yakoda Supply Slim Tin Fly Box ($24) The Slim Tin is an evolution of Yakoda's original Fly Tin, with a lower-profile and more storage—it holds about twice as many flies and still fits easily in a shirt pocket. Pack everything you need for a specific stream, load it up as a confidence nymph box, or use it as minimalist streamer storage.
6. 1-Year Subscription to Fly Fusion Magazine ($27 CAD) Fly Fusion embodies the soul of fly fishing. A cultural leader within the sport of fly fishing, this beautiful magazine features stunning photography and compelling storytelling, plus how-to’s and video content to entertain and improve your angling skills.
7. Fishpond Confluence Net Release ($30) A complete magnetic net release system with the quality and attention to detail you expect from Fishpond. The perfect accessory to keep your fishing net close and always at the ready
8. Howler Bros Electric Snap Back Hat ($35) The original Lucky Hat. I'm on gen 5 of my Howler Bros Electric Snapbacks and I can promise you they are lucky. Not too high and not too low, they are the perfect toppers for all your good days. Fully adjustable with a glare-cutting navy under brim, Howler Monkey icon tag on the back left and Howler artwork on the front. Don't believe in lucky hats? You should. Find out why here.
9. Frosted Beer Mug Featuring the Art of Jeff Currier ($39) Holding 16 ounces, these frosted mugs are the perfect pint. The handle easily allows for 4 fingers so you can get a good grip. Made of 100% frosted glass, these mugs are dishwasher safe. I, of course, prefer the brown trout, but you can choose from any number of trout, salmon, char, saltwater species, or exotics. You can learn more about Jeff's amazing story and his artwork in my interview with him here.
10. R.L Winston Trout Wall Clock ($60) Is it time to fish yet? Designed by Winston, this trout wall clock is the perfect gift for the office, cabin, or tying room. When is it time to go trout fishing? Whenever you can!
11. Poncho Men's Performance Shirt ($80) The best shirt you will ever own, period. Built to last all day on the water but equally welcome at the office or on the town. Poncho's performance fabric dries fast and is super light. Built-in stretch keeps you moving and UPF 50 sun protection keeps the rays off. Available in regular or slim cut, long and short sleeve, original, pearl snap, and flannel. I own all of them, and they are amazing. Read the full review here.
12. Fishpond Jackalope Rod Tube ($100) Traveling to fish? The lightweight hexagon interior walls of the Jackalope create the greatest protection for up to four 9ft 4-piece rods. Ditch the rod tubes and just bring the socks! Securely fit more rods with less space in this almost indestructible carry system alternative. Feel confident your valuable rods will arrive safely no matter how you ship them. Designed for carry on and featuring lockable zippers on both ends and a removable shoulder strap.
13. Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan 3D ($100) Love throwing streamers? This is your line! SA took one of their most popular tapers, the Titan, and drenched it in various mixtures of tungsten powder, to create a triple-density sinking fly line that will absolutely change the way you fish streamers forever. This is a fully-tapered shooting-texture sinking line, so it casts like a floater, but provides a straight-line sinking connection to your streamer.
14. Duckworth Vapor Hoody ($120) At 150 gsm, Duckworth's Vapor Hoody is the perfect catchall garment for people constantly on the move, straddling the lines of solo layer, baselayer, and stylish sun hoody. Featuring a loose-fit hood, this versatile piece was born in the Montana backcountry and has been performance tested in environments from Arizona to Alaska. Made with Montana Merino Wool and Duckworth's proprietary Vapor Wool fabric, the heathered-look Vapor Hoody is lightweight, soft, cooling, antimicrobial (odor-free), moisture-wicking, and ultra-fast-drying. Read the full review here.
15. Patagonia 55L Black Hole Duffel Bag ($170) This 55-liter workhorse organizes your gear and has enough space for a fun-hog weekend or a well-organized extended trip. Made from lightweight yet extremely durable, 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate to create a fabric that’s weather-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and highly packable; lined with 100% recycled polyester with a tough polyurethane coating. Padded, removable shoulder straps let you carry the Black Hole Duffel like a backpack and can be detached when not in use.
16. Fishpond River Armor Nomad Emerger Net ($180) The perfect size for wading, this composition was designed with the boulder-hopping bushwhackers in mind.
Nomad River Armor edition nets are constructed with a core of carbon fiber and fiberglass, and an outer layer of woven DuPontTM Kevlar fiber and carbon fiber. The result is an extremely strong net with enhanced durability.
17. Simms GTS Rod and Reel Vault ($200) Weather-resistant molded case for collecting and protecting rods, reels, and other tackle while on the move. Highly durable and crush-resistant compression molded ballistic nylon with 200D polyester lining. Clamshell zippered opening to main compartment, zippered face pocket, mesh pockets in lid. Holds up to six 9'6" 4-piece rods, and eight reels/spools with internal straps and dividers. Reinforced daisy chains for lashing and webbing loop for attachment to other luggage
18. Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack ($230) A Fully waterproof sling with an intuitive, ergonomic design that keeps fishing gear organized, dry, and ready to deploy.TRU Zip waterproof self-healing zipper for 100% waterproof-submersible protection. Integrated net sleeve on the front face with D-Ring. Compression-molded hydrophobic back panel and breathable padded shoulder strap with tool attachment port. Water-resistant exterior pocket for quick access to key items. Simple internal organization includes one large pocket and two stretch mesh pockets with a key clip. Exterior Hypalon lash points for attaching a rod tube or piece of outerwear
19. Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Jacket ($230) A classic for a reason. I've had mine for nearly 10 years now and it's been through it all. I wouldn't be caught on the water without it. Warm, windproof, water-resistant—the Nano Puff Jacket uses incredibly lightweight and highly compressible 60g PrimaLoft Gold insulation, wrapped in a 100% recycled polyester shell and lining. Fair Trade Certified sewn.
20. Waterworks-Lamson Remix Fly Reel ($230) A fusion between the free-form structures of a cast spool and the mechanical integrity of a CNC-machined case, Remix is the ultimate hybrid. Machined from bar-stock aluminum, the case delivers maximum structural rigidity and durability all wrapped in a harder, brighter finish. The spool (compatible with the Lamson Liquid), is pressure-cast with radiused compound curves, near zero-radius inside corners, and a precise fit and finish. It has a U-shape arbor and narrow format to aid in line control. Remix brings together the best of CNC-machining and pressure-cast technologies to deliver an unprecedented level of quality in it's class.
21.TFO Blue Ribbon Fly Rod ($260) The affordable Blue Ribbon series from TFO is constructed with intermediate modulus carbon fiber material and finished in a chestnut brown color with premium cork grips. The light weight up-locking solid brushed aluminum reel seats include an integrated hook keeper and have carbon fiber inserts. The rod is finished with SiC stripping guides and ultra-lightweight chromium-impregnated stainless-steel snake guides. All models feature TFO’s line weight ID system on the handle and alignment dots color coded by line weight. Blue Ribbon rods are packaged in a labeled rod sock and TFO rod tube. When combined with TFO’s no-fault lifetime warranty against defects, these rods are a great choice in any boat.
22. Simms G3 Guide Wading Boots With Vibram Sole ($280) The boot of choice for those that spend a lot of time on and in the water, the G3 Guide Wading Boots with Vibram Soles are designed with working guides in mind. This means the support, traction and durability that 200-plus days on the river demand. The boot features big-time ankle support and an enhanced feel underfoot to help you get to hard-to-reach places. With proven durability to handle the wear and tear of hiking and wading day in and day out, the G3 Guide Wading Boots gives you confidence to move across rocky river bottoms anywhere in the world.
23. Costa Tuna Alley Pro Polarized Sunglasses ($284) As recognizable as the sandy shelves between islands in the Bahamas that Giant Bluefin run through each spring, Costa's Tuna Alley frame now comes with an updated style and PRO Series upgrades. This legacy frame’s updated vent system is backed up by six fish-spotting features to help you do it like the pros: Sweat management channels and eyewire drains, improved Hydrolite rubber, adjustable nose pads, top hooding and side shields, and metal keeper slots. Plus Costa's famous 580 glass polarized lenses.
24. Skwala Waterproof Carbon Jacket ($400) Built for anglers who demand flexibility and dexterity but aren’t willing to sacrifice comfort, the Carbon Jacket is fully waterproof, truly breathable, and easily packable. This shell weighs less than a pound and features a four-way stretch hard-shell outer layer that moves unlike anything you’ve ever worn. Whether you travel across the globe, or just higher up your local creek than most are willing to venture, the Carbon Jacket will keep you dry without holding you back.
25. Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders ($550) Patagonia's versatile, midweight waterproof/breathable waders with waist-mounted, EZ-Lock suspenders for quick conversion from chest to waist height. Features include interior waterproof pocket, reach-through handwarmer pocket, a drawcord cinch-top closure, a stretch-woven chest pocket and anatomical booties.
26. HMH TRV Fly Vise ($597) The TRV is the first vise HMH has made with a True inline Rotary action. This means the hook shank can be aligned with the axis of rotation of the vise, allowing materials to be held while the hook is rotated. Great for dubbing loops, chenille, tinsel, or palmering a hackle! Jaws are cast in true HMH style out of tool steel, other than the jaws, all parts are stainless steel, brass or powdercoated for protection. The jaws are black oxide (gun blueing) coated, and The TRV comes with the impressive brass palm wheel.
27. Riversmith Derek Deyong Artists Edition River Quiver ($720) Keep your rods secure in style. The best-selling fly rod roof rack in the world, now featuring the art of Derek DeYoung along with their top-of-the-line mounting system and the most secure rear entry molded reel box available. Designed, assembled, and shipped from Boulder Colorado. You can read my review on the original 4-banger River Quiver here.
28. Winston Alpha+ Fly Rod ($955) Your next streamer rod. These fast-action rods were specifically designed to cast heavy and oversized lines, as well as large, bulky and weighted flies. Unlike other fast action rods in the category, the Alpha+ series (5-10wt) load deeper and recover faster to access extra reserve power in the lower sections, minimizing false casts and maximizing lifting strength. Use the 5, 6 and 7wts for large trout and warmwater species, the 8 and 9wts for stripers, pike, and jungle species like golden dorado and peacock bass, and the over-built 10wt for musky, tarpon, and other big-time fish. All rods come with Winston graphite tube and logo rod sock. Read my full review of the Alpha+ rod here.
The Alpha+ pairs perfectly with the Bauer RVR reel ($695). Bauer's groundbreaking and beautifully modern design, over two years in the making. The 6/7 is specifically designed for streamer fishing with floating or sink-tip lines, stillwater angling with floating, intermediate and full-sinking lines, as well as handling the aggressively-tapered lines needed to turn over large dry flies, poppers, and articulated streamers.
29. NRS Slipstream Two-ManFishing Raft ($3,495) The NRS Slipstream 96 raft packages feature NRS's smallest fishing raft. The 9'6" long Slipstream inflatable is designed specifically to fit in most standard truck beds fully inflated. It's the perfect boat for a rower and one angler looking to Catch the Adventure™ far from crowds. Looking for something bigger? Check out the 3-Man Outcast Drifter 13 ($5,050). You can read my review of it here.
30. Chase Golden Dorado in Bolivia ($6,200.00 per person based on double occupancy, plus $570.00 for the Indian Territory / National Park Entry Fee) Chase Golden Dorado in Bolivia with Yellow Dog and Tsimane. The Agua Negra Lodge features comfortable safari-style wall tents that have been erected on raised wooden platforms. Wall tents accommodate two anglers with comfortable single beds (including all linens and bedding), generator-supplied electricity, and a private shower and bath. Even in these remote locations, guests will have full-electric power via generators. The large dining and common area tent are spacious, well-lit, and very comfortable. This is definitely “deluxe” camping with many of the same comforts and amenities found in the fixed base Tsimane lodges. Watch the video here.
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