Fly fishers are notoriously difficult to shop for. Picking out a rod is both pricey are personal. Flies are nice, but ones that will be used have the tendency to be quite specific. Floatant and split shot are serviceable stocking stuffers, but hardly under-the-tree fare. So what to do when the holidays come around? Is gift giving reduced to asking for direct links to fly shops’ online stores?
There is a better way.
Some items would be a hit for any angler. Below are seven gift ideas that range in price from “local TU white elephant” to “I’m going to spoil my spouse.” And they’ve been selected because either there is a good chance the intended recipient doesn’t have them. If he or she does, these gifts are the kind of thing that is worth probably having more than one.
Here are seven gift ideas, ranging from $10 to $400:
$10 | Loon Outdoors | Ergo Easy Cutter
The Easy Ergo Cutter is essentially a precision razor blade. The incredibly sharp cutter is perfect for shearing off thread, tinsel, or other materials adjacent to the hook eye. It can also be used to remove stray fibers or even out unevenly applied materials. This aids those who are putting the last, finishing touches on a beautiful tie. It can also round out a few flaws to render a serviceable fly.
Check out the full review here.
$20 | Karen Talbot Art | Angler’s Pint
The Angler’s Pint is precisely what it sounds like: a pint glass designed for anglers. Beautiful fish illustrations adorn the 21.5-ounce glasses. Since its release, this series of glassware has been bought by fly fishers, nature lovers, and beer connoisseurs alike. The outpouring of interest that came with the introduction of the Angler’s Pint hasn’t really waned. More pints, over a dozen species, are now a part of the collection. The fly fishing community, and the fly fishing industry, have continued to show their love for the Angler’s Pint.
Check out the full review here.
$30 | Lid Rig | Mag Band
Last year, Lid Rig came out with the Mag Band. Essentially, it is a silicone-coated slap bracelet with a magnetic surface. Yes: those slap bracelets. But this uncomplicated piece of gear isn’t a fashion trend. It is a functional little item that you can use in a handful of unobtrusive ways. And sometimes, those very things that are compact and unfussy produce outsized benefits.
Check out the full review here.
$80 | Steve Woit | Fly Fishing Treasures: The World of Fly Fishers and Collecting
This might be the most exciting coffee table book in fly fishing. While there aren’t two-page spreads of giant trout or breathtaking Patagonian vistas, there are beautifully photographed flies, reels, and tying tools. I can not overstate it: the pictures are wonderful and the details given are fascinating. Although it is a large and relatively expensive volume, it stands alone in the fly fishing library today. If you are a student of the sport’s history, or if you appreciate the aesthetics of angling, Woit’s book is a must have.
Check out the full review here.
$150 | Orvis | PRO LT Softshell Hoodie
Having a reliable 3-season layer is the foundation of the angler’s cold weather closet. This jacket (that happens to have a hood, thus: hoodie) is a warm, lightweight, and feature-rich option. With the right insulation, it could serve as an outer layer in all but the coldest conditions. Sized to fit, it will be a companion in transitionary seasons and an under layer for a heavy or waterproof coat. Most importantly, it is the kind of clothing that anyone can and will wear as much as possible.
Review coming soon.
$300 | Costa Del Mar | Grand Catalina
The hallmarks of the Grand Catalina are still the large lenses and side shields. As is the case with virtually all Costas, the lenses are available in 580G glass. These remarkably light glass lenses are astoundingly clear, while still being impact and scratch resistant. Larger lenses mean more polarized coverage: in four directions your vision is assisted by glare resistance. The removeable side shields increase focus by blocking out ambient light from the sides. Depending upon conditions and the contours of your face, being able to pop the rubber pieces in and out provides options on the water.
Check out the full review here.
$400 | Redington | Field Kit
Thanks to many major angling companies, pre-assembled fly fishing outfits are no longer seen only as entry level gear soon to be outgrown. Getting all you need so that you can go fly fishing from a box is a legitimate way to go. While such a purchase might be right for someone new to the sport, it doesn’t mean that she’ll be compromising. Fly fishing kits work. For a number of anglers and a variety of circumstances, such an all-inclusive box of gear is the perfect solution.
Check out the full review here.