It isn’t easy to buy surprise gifts for a fly fisher.
Sure, you can ask which fly rod he wants. You can simply request a list of the gear she needs. But you probably aren’t going to walk into a fly shop and pick out a reel because it is pretty or a pair of wading boots that might coordinate with a favorite hat.
That doesn’t mean you can’t strike out on your own and buy something exciting and useful. In fact, there are a lot of fly fishing gifts than any fly fisher would enjoy receiving.
Today I’m sharing five fly fishing gift ideas. They range from tiny to large, in prices from $6 to nearly $500. But I am confident that if you know a fly fisher (or are a fly fisher looking to pass along some hints) there will be a number of great options.
Vedavoo – Personalize with a patch
Was that special person in the military? The boy scouts? A motorcycle gang? If they have a patch or emblem that means something to them, but has been collecting dust, why not have it applied to some brand new fishing gear? Vedavoo makes their packs, bags, and accessories to order in the USA. For $5 on top of the cost of a product, they’ll add your patch to make a truly personalized piece of gear. It could be as modest as a reel case or as grand as a fully-loaded backpack: either way, it will be unique and special.
$19.95-$474.95
Whiskey Leatherworks – A fine, fishy flask
Flasks are cool. Whether they’re in your fishing vest filled with bourbon or on your desk looking classy, they’re a simple and interesting gift. Whiskey Leatherworks adds a handmade trout-wrap to the flask. They have a handful of leathers, stitching, and monogram options to choose from as well.
$65-$95
TroutRoutes – Knowledge is power
Some people don’t need anything because they don’t need things. The digital resource TroutRoutes is a one-stop app for anglers looking for access, flows, and regulations. It is not a social media platform either; no one will know where you’re fishing or what you’re catching. A year’s subscription to the program will be a helpful (and intangible) gift that will keep giving for the next season and beyond.
$58.99
Karen Talbot Art – The best glasses
Does the special person on your list have an Angler’s Pint? I can guarantee they want a second, a third, and… well, how much space do they have in their drinkware cabinet? With everything from large pints to rocks and wine glasses, Karen Talbot adds her iconic artwork to what will inevitably be a great gift that will lead to easy gift giving in the future. You can start with one small item or give a multi-glass set.
$6-$125
Sunfish Woodworks – No-cast cast fish
If you want to really impress, you can contact Sunfish for a giant, custom woodworking project. Replica mounts, mancave signs, and more are available from the Michigan-based shop. However, he also produces cast and hand-painted fish. For a very reasonable price, you can order a 17″ sunfish or a 29″ musky. It is a great option for someone who would appreciate a piece of quality angling decor.
$125