If you look back at previous years’ gift guides, you’ll find some common themes. I always recommend small businesses, American made items, and some of my favorite gear. As much as possible, I attempt to source items that span the price spectrum. Often, I try to showcase things that I have used over a prolonged period of time. Something else that you’ll see, article after article, is one quasi-intangible gift suggestion.
Give the gift of fishing.
I usually follow up that suggestion with a few general ideas on how to make that work. But today, I’m going to give some specific ideas on how to make it work. Take them completely, if you will. Or, alter them in a way that suits you or the recipient of what might be the best gift of this holiday season. Because going fishing might be a whole lot more than a wow, thank you on Christmas morning.
Here are a few things you can do:
Make concrete plans.
…but be flexible of course. Lead with “we’re going to go fishing on this river on this weekend,” followed with “assuming the water and weather cooperate.” With reasonable caveats in mind, make concrete plans. If finances allow, go big and book your room or guide now. Bare minimum, print out a map. Share some links. Send along a video. Lend a guidebook with some of your margin notes. The key is to build anticipation.
Build anticipation!
Talk about your upcoming fly fishing trip. But also just talk about fly fishing. Go to a fly fishing event this winter. Help him begin to accumulate flies. Meet her somewhere to practice casting. Answer questions. Ask him if he has any questions, and then answer them. Share articles, podcasts, and your favorite fly fishing websites (wink wink).
Follow through.
No one is perfect, however you’re going to need to keep your word with this gift of fly fishing.
Get them a full combo.
Most major fly fishing companies will sell you a package that includes rod, reel, line, and a few extras. You can be sure that it will all be properly fitted and balanced. I’m a fan of Redington’s offerings for a few reason. One, they have options that run from just over $100 to right around $400. The top of the line packages, their Field Kits, are legitimately great setups. But even if you were to choose a more budget-friendly combo, whomever you’re giving the gift to will have all the essentials to take ownership of their core gear. Plus, they’ll be able to hold, play with, and practice cast with something real as they anticipate springtime.
If a hundred bucks is too steep, give them a box of flies and lend him some of your gear. That is fine. The purpose is to move them towards the water.
Regardless of the dollar amount you invest in this gift, you’re potentially giving someone fly fishing. Think about that. Think about what fly fishing means to you. Imagine not having that… then getting it. Of course, there are years or even decades of memories and experiences that make it what it is. But truth be told, we all look back on those first fresh moments with a fondness that we’d all love to recapture. That is what you’re gifting.