You don’t have to buy anything to have a Merry Christmas. You certainly don’t have to devote copious amounts of time and extravagant sums of money to celebrate the season, your family, and the incarnation.
But if you do decide to go that traditional and joyous route? And if you so happen to be a fly fisher or someone who is shopping for a fly fisher?
You could do a lot worse than shopping small.
I am not ethically opposed to big brands and big stores. I fish with plenty of gear from the biggest labels in the industry. Furthermore, I am awfully happy when physically or virtually browsing around Bass Pro. If you’re looking to find unique items, to support independent business owners, and knock Christmas morning out of the park? Patronize a small(er) company.
Just below the break I’m going to promote a handful of businesses that I think are worth your hard-earned dollars. First, I think that it bears mentioning that this 2021 holiday season is different for a few reasons. A number of variables have made it such that supply and demand are out of whack. Bottom line? You’ll be doing yourself and small business owners a favor if you order early and have a little patience.
Here’s where you can get some distinctive and exciting fly fishing items this year:
A perennial pick for all gift-giving occasions, the oversized pint glasses featuring Karen Talbot’s artwork are a sure-fire hit for anyone who likes to drink anything. With dozens of designs to choose from, these glasses can become your go-to for someone who has everything.
This Asheville, North Carolina outfit is the purveyor of everything from boutique rods and reels to retro-themed hats. They work with independent artists to create some truly eccentric pieces that will stand out among run of the mill gifts. Plus, they’ve got the best sticker to show your disproval for cairns I’ve ever seen.
For the devoted fly tyer, a custom bench from Finest Fly Tying Benches of Colorado might be one of the most exciting gifts you could commission. Each bench is made by hand, and is as functional as it is beautiful. These are truly heirloom-quality items.
Everyone probably needs another hat. Fly fishers definitely needs one more hat to add to their collections. The stylized flags on the fronts of these caps make for a subtle statement that will work anywhere and everywhere. Plus, there are numerous fabric and fit options to choose from.
If you order a pack, bag, or accessory from Vedavoo, it will come out of the room pictured at the top of this article. A team of craftsmen in Massachusetts will cut and stitch your gear to order. That attention to detail and devotion to customer service is what you want holding your gear and your time outdoors together.
Some of the belts and accessories from Whiskey Leatherworks have explicit fly fishing designs. However, the spirit of Montana is in the overall aesthetic of everything that rolls out of this now-New England shop. The highest quality materials go into rugged, durable, and handsome pieces.
Lastly, just browse your local fly shop. They might have a regional book, maple syrup from the area, or other artisanal items that support the shop and the community. And buy yourself a few flies or bags of tying supplies while you’re at it – you deserve it.