Buying gifts for someone who likes fly fishing can be daunting. What do they have? What do they need? Will they even use something I pick out?
There are some items that will always be useful. Especially when shopping for someone who has just started fly fishing, certain gifts will absolutely make their way onto the water.
I’ve picked out 12 items from 7 companies that I think any angler on your list will enjoy. Most of them are $30 or less. All of them would benefit someone who is new to fly fishing. All of them would be things veteran fly fishers would still buy, use, and enjoy.
Check out these 12 gifts sure to please a new fly fisher… or one who has been doing it for decades:
Any new fly fisher will benefit from having more flies. I can say this with great certainty, because every fly fisher will benefit from having more flies. Ascent will not only provide flies, but they will provide flies specifically picked to match a region, season, or a special destination.
Tools matter. You can get by with bargain bin forceps and fingernail clippers, but you’ll enjoy solid fly fishing tools a lot more. Loon makes durable, ergonomic tools that will work just as well for seasoned veterans as they will for new anglers. Forceps, zingers, nippers, and more – a fly fisher will find a use for all of them.
- Essentials Kit (forceps, nippers, & zinger) – $33
- Iconic Kit (carabiner forceps & zinger/bottle opener) – $55
The best time to start fly tying is when you start fly fishing. It is a great way to get acquainted with fly patterns, and it is a great way to save some money (in the long run). Postfly has 23 different kits that include everything you need to tie a dozen flies. Each kit includes a completed fly and a link to a professional how-to video. Or, subscribe and get a new kit each month.
Remedy Provisions – Patch Hats
Everyone needs a good fishing hat. Thankfully, there are thousands to choose from. Nate Karns creates some fun, simple designs that walk the line between contemporary and classic. With a dozen fish patterns and a handful of different hat styles to choose from, this will almost certainly be a unique gift.
Even with big vests and sling packs, it is good to have another place to keep essential items at hand. Vedavoo hand makes some of the most durable, well thought out gear available to meet this need. Additionally, these pieces function on their own if the fly fisher likes taking the minimalist approach.
- Wader Wallet (fly wallet that can be strapped on anywhere) – $24.95
- Hip Pack (belt pouch for flies, water, whatever) – $49.95
Wingo Outdoors – Fish Print Gear & Apparel
It is a good idea to completely pack up your rod and reel between fishing excursions. But in reality, when you start fishing more and more, you just kind of throw things in the back of your car. Having a reel case that you can put on your reel while its still on the rod can protect your most important gear. Speaking of being ready at any moment, the bottle opener belt is about style and function in equal measure.
*Risen Fly Fishing – Target Species Kit
If someone wants to get into fly fishing and has nothing, this is a great way to get started. You get a rod, reel, line, leaders, and flies. Whoever gets one of these kits from Risen Fly can start fishing as soon as they open the box and step outside. There are kits available for trout, bass, and salmon that start right at $260.
There are plenty of other great products and brands that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
For dozens more reviews, check out this page.
As a new angler, I was given a Ty-Rite to help me hold and spin the fly while tying it to the tippet. Still one of the handiest (and probably also least expensive) gifts I’ve received.
Hi Steve. I agree! My boys have them, use them, and love them.
Here’s my take on the Ty-Rite: https://castingacross.com/fly-fishing-sales-pitches-a-little-orange-thingy/