I think I’ve figured out the ultimate Father’s Day gift for fly fishing dads. You could really treat the dad in your life this year by combining two of their favorite things: their children and their fishing gear.
The Redington i.D. reel came out a few years ago. It is a great cast aluminum reel with a sturdy disc drag. At $89, you’re getting a great deal for trout, warmwater, and even light saltwater angling. The fun part of the i.D. is the customization. The reel features an unported, recessed surface on the side with the drag knob. It was designed to accept a decal, and Redington has sold various designs that range from abstract art to fish-scale patterns.
I decided to go a step further and commission some original pieces from two of my favorite artists: my 7- and 4-year old.
Redington sent me the specs for the decals. I told my boys to “draw something you like about fish.” Not unlike the marketplace today, what I got was abstract art and fish-scale patterns. These reel stickers aren’t going to be featured in a magazine anytime soon, but I love them. As a dad, I’ll gladly head into the woods with my boys’ artwork on my reel. Knowing them, they’ll keep asking for little squares to color so I can switch up the design.
Check out the full range of i.D. reels here. For the project, I’d recommend some adhesive UV paper. You can have the kids color directly on the paper. Or, if you are at all tech savvy, you can scan their art and print onto the sticker paper. Here are the outside diameter specs for each reel: 3/4 – 2.93″, 5/6 – 3.33″, 7/8/9 – 3.72″. Then, use some sort of precision cutting tool (or a pair of sharp scissors).
What you’ll end up with is a one-of-a-kind reel that will put every macaroni picture frame, World’s Greatest Dad mug, and fish necktie to shame. With a drag that can handle fish, too.
Here are five more great gift options, all under $40, for Father’s Day (or any other time you need something!):
Angler’s Pint – Karen Talbot Art
You always need more glasses – especially if they’re big enough for those 16 oz cans and feature amazing fish art. These are sturdy, attractive, and take a full pour with ease. With over a dozen species to choose from, you can start the collection now and have a plan for plenty of holidays to come. ($19.95 – karentalbotartonline.com)
Leather Patch Hats – Mana Fly Fishing
A distinctive hat is a treasured thing. With hundreds of fly fishing hats on the market, it seems like there are a lot of common colorways and designs. Mana Fly Fishing has some great color combos (green & white, red & navy), and subtle leather patch logos on the front panel. These hats from Mana Fly Fishing look and feel good, too. ($20.00 – manaflyfishing.com)
Furled Leader Package – Appalachian Furled Leader Co
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There are a lot of benefits to furled leaders, but three stand out for most anglers: season-long durability, smooth presentations, and less knots. A good furled leader will improve your cast and last a year. Also, a furled leader will cut down the number of knots you have to tie while on the water. Appalachian Furled Leader Co. has put a package together with two of their most popular leaders and a tub of Mountain Wax leader treatment. ($25.00 – appalachianfurledleaderco.com)
Rogue Quickdraw Mitten Clamps – Loon Outdoors
A good pair of forceps is a must. They should be handy and accessible, because you usually need them in a pinch: holding a recently tied rig and crimping split shot; quickly playing, netting, and releasing a fish; the list goes on and on. By integrating a carabiner into one of the finger loops, Loon made an already great pair of clamps even better. ($27.95 – loonoutdoors.com)
Fly wallets might be the best way to carry streamers, nymphs, and other flies that don’t need “hackle protection.” Instead of a rigid fly box, you have a flexible wallet that can comfortably go into any vest or sling pocket. It can also just as easily tuck into a back pocket or wader pocket. Vedavoo makes bulletproof, smart gear in the USA. This wallet utilizes loop velcro, and features pockets for strike indicators, leaders, etc. ($39.95 – vedavoo.com)
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