Every year I enjoy putting together a gift guide at the end of the season. I get to look back on the products and brands that impressed me. Then, I share them with everyone who reads Casting Across.
There are a lot of great gift ideas this year; everything from jackets to syrup to art prints to flip flops. Prices range from under $10 to over $600 with a lot of options in between. Along with a short description and a link, I included what kind of person I think that this gift would be perfect for.
Browse through the list (which is arranged from least to most expensive) and see if something might fit in the list of someone you’re shopping for. Or, if you are proactive, maybe there is still time for one of these items to make your list.
Take a look at over a dozen fly fishing gifts below:
Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup & Honey, Iron Fish Distillery
Sometimes just having a picture of a fish on a gift is good enough for an angler. Iron Fish Distillery in Michigan uses fish in their branding, but it ties directly into their protection of local watersheds and the steelhead that are returning to them. While they can’t ship their whiskeys and other spirits nationwide, there are some locally sourced and farm-aged syrups and honeys available. Of course, if you live in or around Michigan you might have access to their actual spirits too.
$9-$22, Perfect for the person who has it all, the foodie, or the whiskey lover.
Angler’s Pint, Karen Talbot Art
One of the few items that I recommend year after year, the Angler’s Pint is the perfect gift for the angler that has everything… even a few Angler’s Pints! Over a dozen prints are available, with rocks glasses and wine glasses as well. The artwork is excellent and subtle. The “pints” actually hold over 21 ounces, which make 16-ounce can pours a breeze. This functional gift is a surefire win.
$17-$22, Perfect for the person who has it all, a species fanatic, or a craft beer connoisseur.
Ripplebox, Pirate Fly Fishing x Ripple
I am very pleased to share this product. I have known the folks behind both Pirate and Ripple since their companies got started, and they are committed to innovation that benefits anglers. This is a great fly box. It uses silicone, but in a unique way: the silicone ripples form long grooves that easily hold all kinds of flies. I think it is perfect for streamers, terrestrials, or, because of it’s versatility, a “one box only” approach to fishing.
$26, Perfect for every angler, the new fly fisher, or the gear head.
This is a book for people who fish for salmon. It is also a book for fly fishers who have never fished for salmon. For those in both categories, it will be a real eye-opener. Make no mistake: this is a book that is all about environmentalism, However, it is very balanced, historically focused, and salmon centered. Kurlansky tells the story of a fish and a world full of people trying to figure out their role in living alongside them.
$30, Perfect for the avid reader, the environmentally-conscious, or the salmon angler.
If you know someone who enjoys brook trout, promptly order Squaretail by Bob Mallard. This book is a celebration of brook trout and the places that they are found. In reading this book, one will learn angling techniques, come to appreciate history, and add five or six must-visit spots to his or her angling itinerary. The photography is wonderful, and Mallard is a very good writer who keeps you hooked chapter after chapter.
$40, Perfect for the avid reader, a brook trout aficionado, or an angling historian.
River Oracle Streamside Match the Hatch Kit, Ascent Fly Fishing
Going down the rabbit hole of fly fishing doesn’t mean just getting more rods and reels. Truly growing in appreciation of the pursuit entails grasping the nuances. One simple, and very helpful, avenue is to figure out which bugs are in your stream. This kit from Ascent Fly Fishing provides you with everything you need to monitor the aquatic macroinvertebrates that inhabit your local waters. Ascent offers plenty of resources to help you get started and make sense of what you collect, too. Plus, catching and looking at bugs is always fun.
$46, Perfect for the science-minded, the intermediate fly fisher, or the young angler.
Fly & Trout Prints, by Steven Weinberg
Even though fly fishing is a relatively small community, there are a lot of artists who portray the common subjects in a very similar manner. Steven Weinberg is not one of them. His simple yet elegant style is eye catching. Also, it would be just as suited for a man cave as it would for an executive’s office. His originals start at around $300, but he has a number of prints (including a great series of brook trout) that are very affordable.
$50, Perfect for the brook trout fanatic, the art collector, or the hard to shop for fly fisher.
Fly Tying Tool Kits, Loon Outdoors
One of the first things a fly tyer outgrows is his or her “beginner” tools. A great and simple way to upgrade is with a kit from Loon. They offer a core kit and an accessory kit. The core kit provides the tyer with everything needed for nearly all basic techniques. The accessory kit rounds things out with some more specialized tools. Loon focuses on functional, ergonomic, and no-nonsense products for anglers of all skill levels.
$60, Perfect for the new or intermediate fly tyer.
Fish Flops, Whiskey Leatherworks
Handmade, bison leather, fish-print flip flops? With a 5 year warranty? The Fish Flops from Whiskey Leatherworks are truly unique. The workmanship that Dan and Ally pour into all of their products is top-notch, and they admit that they’ve spent more time getting this footwear right than they have on any other product. Currently six different patterns are available. Since they’re small batch and 100% American made, do not wait to put in an order!
$125, Perfect for the person who has it all, a species fanatic, or a sandal lover.
This might be the closest thing to extravagance on this list. These new lines from RIO come with a premium price, but they are also some of the best lines out there. If you want to spoil someone who knows and appreciates fly casting, an Elite or Premium RIO line will do the job. The lines have been reformulated to be slicker and more durable. While I haven’t put enough river hours on mine to make judgments on their toughness, I can attest to their cast-ability.
$90-$120, Perfect for the serious angler or the devoted fly caster.
Wayward Guide Jacket, Redington
In my opinion, the best wading jacket is a top-shelf rain jacket with a few fishing-specific features. The Wayward Guide Jacket from Redington accomplishes just that. First of all, it looks good. The cut and design aren’t going to make you look like you are wearing a fishing vest when you wear it to the grocery store. But when you get on the water it has what you need: large chest pockets, adjustable hood, lock-down cuffs, and more. This is a jacket that outperforms it’s price.
$200, Perfect for the person who wants form and function or enjoys being outside all 12 months.
This backpack is awesome. But it is also a bit of paradox. In one sense, it is simple, basic, and a throwback to the way gear used to be. There aren’t bells and whistles and integrated gadgets, but it is incredibly versatile and functional. On the other hand, the way it was designed features some of the most forward-thinking engineering in a pack. The shoulder and chest stress points are adjustable. This means you can have the weight on your shoulders while hiking and chest while fishing. There is a sleeve for stashing a wet jacket, the cinch straps also hold rod tubes, and there are countless lash points. Paradox or not, this backpack is awesome.
$200, Perfect for the hiker, the minimalist, or someone who enjoys custom and handmade.
Target Species Kits, Risen Fly Fishing
One of the questions I get asked often is this: “I want to get someone started in fly fishing… what all do I need?” The answer isn’t hard. But for the non-angler or new angler who is trying to navigate the shopping it can be challenging. Risen Fly has a great solution. Pick a few options, a price range, and done. There are kits targeting trout, bass, salmon, and more. There are beginner, intermediate, and expert tiers. And, it is important to note, the Target Species Kits are great values.
$280-$610, Perfect for the new angler or the fly fisher who wants to branch out.
A Trip, from you
This might require a bit of commitment. It might take some effort. It will entail some costs. But it is a gift that transcends things. Consider planning a trip for him or her (and potentially coming along). Even a day away can be special.
$???, Perfect for everyone.
Want some more gift ideas? Check out the large (and growing) list of reviews, interviews, and features on Casting Across.
That daypack looks cool and durable. It should be a good use for my fishing and mobile boat detailing gigs.
Absolutely.