Ok, so I just did a search for some fly fishing gift ideas, and almost every article I read was filled with a bunch of generic, not-cool crap that any true blue angler would be disappointed to receive. Not to be rude, but a few of the articles were clearly written by somebody that hadn’t ever touched a fly rod in their life.
Seriously, if I read another gift post including a coffee mug with a picture of a lure on it, I think I might throw up. In fly fishing, we don’t use lures, we use flies! Oh, and if you want to sell me on the best fly fishing gifts, I suggest you stop calling it a fishing pole. It’s a fly rod for goodness’ sake!
Sorry if I sound annoyed. It’s only because I’m annoyed.
Lucky for you, I’m about to put an end to all the coffee-mug-peddling, sunscreen-pushing, fish-shaped-lighter-loving fluff out there. Because in this article, I am going to lay out 25 actually cool gifts that just about any fly fishing fanatic will love.
And just so we get everything out in the open right off the bat, I have two goals for this article:
- For the fly fishermen and women out there, I want this to be the resource you send to your family and friends every time they ask you what you want for your birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday that warrants gift giving. Seriously, I have over 20 years of fly fishing experience, so I know exactly the kind of gifts you’ll be excited to receive.
- For the non-anglers out there, I want this to be your go-to resource every time you need to buy somebody a fly fishing gift. Fly fishing is a unique sport, and without experience, it can be difficult to buy a quality gift. So, don’t try to guess. Just stick to this list and I’ll make you look like a freaking gift-giving hero!
Ok, now that I’ve finished my rant about crappy fly fishing gifts, let’s actually get to the fun stuff.
Here are 25 of the best fly fishing gifts you can buy for the angler in your life.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.1. Gift Card
Ok, for those of you that think gift cards aren’t a very thoughtful gift, I need you to listen closely… when it comes to fly fishing, there is no better gift. You see, since just about every angler has their own gear, flies, waders, boots, pack, vest and so much more, it can be hard to know what they need.
Beyond that, since fly fishing gear necessities can vary from location to location, it is wonderful to have a little war-chest of fly fishing gift cards when you need a unique piece of equipment for a particular situation.
Put simply, gift cards allow an angler to get exactly what they need, when they need it. And seriously, I can’t think of an angler in my life that wouldn’t jump at the chance to spend a little more time perusing the local fly shop.
You know the saying, “you can’t buy happiness”?
Well, clearly they’ve never bought a 6-weight with a gift card. Can you say total exuberance?
Ok, so you’ve decided to purchase a gift card, but where to? Well, here are a few awesome options:
- TridentFlyFishing.com – This is a for-sure winner! Trident has a massive inventory of super-legit fly fishing equipment and apparel, so you can’t go wrong with this one. Plus, their customer service is great, and they have a low-price guarantee, which just adds to the awesomeness of your gift card.
- SimmsFishing.com – Put simply, Simms makes fly fishing look freakin’ cool. They are a fly fishing apparel company, and they know what they’re doing. Everything I have ever bought from Simms is unbelievably high quality, and their customer service is fantastic.
- Yeti.com – Give a man a cold beer, he’ll enjoy it for a moment. Give a man a yeti gift card, he’ll enjoy cold beer for the rest of his life. That’s how that saying goes, right?
2. Fly Rod
I have received a fly rod as a gift twice in my life, and I will never forget how it felt to open those beautiful, tubular presents. I think I might have actually shed a tear or two. So, if that’s the kind of reaction you’re hoping for, then this is the ticket.
Now, to be honest, there are all sorts of awesome fly rods out there, and you may just want to hit up your local fly shop and ask them which rod they think you should buy. But, if you’re trying to avoid any in-person interaction, and an awkward conversation about the proper weight and flex of the perfect rod, then here the options I recommend for the beginner, intermediate and advanced angler:
- For The Beginner Angler – I recommend a 9’ 5wt Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod. This rod is an excellent choice for somebody just getting started in fly fishing. And with a price right around $200, you won’t have to break the bank to give a killer gift.
- For The Intermediate Angler – I recommend a 9’ 5wt Orvis Recon Fly Rod. This rod competes with the more expensive rods on the market, and at the time of writing this article, it costs just under $500.
- For The Master Angler – At this point, I should probably just apply for a job at Orvis, because clearly, I love promoting their products. I thought about mixing things up, but I couldn’t let myself do it. Therefore, the final fly rod on my list is a 9’ 6wt Orvis Helios 3. Put simply, I dream of the day when I own one of these. They are the gold-standard in the fly rod community, and if you aren’t afraid to throw down about 1,000 big ones, this is the rod you should purchase. Orvis has yet to confirm this, but it is said that when you give the gift of a Helios, you are immediately endowed with magic powers. As for what kind of powers you’ll receive, we’re still unsure. But are you really willing to pass up on an opportunity like that?
Related Posts:
- 25 Best Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers (Under $50)
- How Much To Spend On A Fly Rod?
- Winter Fly Fishing Gear: 17 Items To Conquer The Cold
- What Is A Large-Arbor Fly Reel? Plus 7 Key Advantages
- Buying A Fly Rod: 5 Key Considerations
- What Is The Best All-Around Fly Rod Weight?
3. Fly Reel
If you really care about the angler in your life, then you will get them a new, large-arbor fly reel. I know what you’re thinking, “that doesn’t sound very fun”, but you’re dead wrong.
Giving a new reel to an angler is like giving an engagement ring to your girlfriend. They will probably let in a quiet gasp, pause, hold their hands to their face, start tearing up, and then look around to see if anybody is there to capture the moment with a perfectly-timed photograph. You know, for Instagram…
In all seriousness, a fly reel is a killer gift for any angler, and you should consider giving one as a gift.
But, what reel should you buy? For the freshwater angler, I recommend the Ross Evolution LTX. For a saltwater angler, I recommend the Ross Evolution R Salt.
4. Ty-Rite
Up to this point, we have only discussed higher-end, pricey items. But, if you’re looking for a much less expensive gift, the Ty-Rite is an absolute winner.
The purpose of this tool is simple… it makes tying a fly to your line significantly faster and easier. So essentially, you’ll be giving the gift of more time spent fishing, and less time spent fiddling with those difficult knots. Can I get a hallelujah?
Oh, and seeing how they cost less than $15, you could buy one of these for all your angler friends, and make their fly fishing dreams come true.
5. Any Apparel Made By Simms
Ok, this might seem a little broad, but if you want to make the day of every angler in your life, it’s hard to go wrong with any apparel made by Simms. Seriously, around here at Fly Fishing Fix, we are self-proclaimed Simms Freaks. (Seriously, in researching the best gifts for this article, I spent about 25 minutes drooling my way through the Simms website.)
Their stuff is of the highest quality, and I don’t know of an angler that couldn’t use a few more fly fishing shirts, coats, fishing hoodies, and any other clothing made by Simms.
6. Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack
Growing up, pretty much all fly fishing gear you could get your hands on, looked dorky. Between the ‘old-man vests’, bulky waders and heavy boots, it was hard to look cool on the water. Sure, fly fishing was just as fun, but there wasn’t any kind of ‘coolness factor’.
Luckily for all of us anglers, that has since changed.
Nowadays, you can buy slim-fitting waders, light-weight boots, and my personal favorite…really cool vests. And of all the cool vests out there, the Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack is the coolest. (That’s not just my opinion. According to a recent, double-blind study that surveyed three of my closest friends, this is the world’s coolest vest.)
Seriously, if you want to give the gift of not-looking-like-a-dorky-fly-fishing-idiot on Instagram, then buy this vest for your loved ones.
You’re welcome, every angler out there.
Check Out The Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack
7. Case Of Beer
Fishing + Beer = Good
I think that pretty much sums it up. Moving on.
8. Yeti Cooler
The only thing better than the gift of Beer, is an awesome cooler to keep all that beer cold. And if cold beer is the goal, then get your favorite angler a Yeti.
Whether camping, fishing, hunting, or just celebrating Independence Day –‘Merica–this is the gift that keeps on giving.
Now, just so we’re clear, this gift isn’t some $25 piece of crap you can get from Walmart. If that’s the kind of thing I was going to recommend, I would have named this article, ‘25 Crappy Fly Fishing Gifts You Can Get From Walmart’. (That post is for a later date.)
A good Yeti is going to run you a minimum of about $200, and that is for a small, soft-top cooler. Though, if you really want to impress an angler, I recommend the Yeti Tundra Series. They are big. They are beautiful. And they are beautiful. (Yep, I called them beautiful twice…that’s how great of a gift they are.)
9. Fully-Loaded Tippet Holder
If this was a normal, everyday fly fishing gift post, I would tell you to get a Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder. They are an awesome addition to any fly fishing vest or pack, and if you’re only looking to spend about $25, this is a good option.
However, this post is about fly fishing gifts that your favorite angler will actually love, so let’s take things up an extra notch, and load that Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder with 5 – 6 spools of Rio Fluoroflex Tippet. At minimum, you should get one spool of 3X, two spools of 4X and two spools of 5X.
All told, this gift should run you a little over $100. But, can you really put a price on the happiness of your favorite angler?
10. Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Sweet, we’ve reached the 10th item on our list of epic fly fishing gifts. And what better gift to give an angler than a guided day of fly fishing.
Now, depending on where you live, a guided day of fly fishing might mean a float trip down a gold-medal stretch of water, a saltwater fly fishing bonanza, or a walk n’ wade trip through some high-mountain streams. But regardless of the destination, there’s nothing quite like a day of fly fishing with a seasoned pro.
If you do decide to purchase a guided trip for your favorite angler, I recommend checking with a couple different fly shops for their recommendation.
A full-day guide trip can run anywhere between $300 and $1,000. Oh, and if you really want to be the best gift-giver ever, throw in a little extra cash to pay for the guide’s tip as well. Oh, and don’t forget a six-pack of beer, just because.
11. Rotary Fly Tying Vise
If you have an angler in your life that’s getting into the art of fly tying, then you should consider buying them a new fly tying vise. I actually received a vise as a Christmas gift about 10 years ago, and it was one of my all-time favorites/
When it comes to a good fly tying vise, you have quite a few options. But honestly, it really comes down to your budget. So, to make things easier on you, I have included a couple different, quality options to choose from:
- Best Budget Vise – Peak Rotary Vise With Pedestal Base (Approximately $175)
- Best High-End Vise – Regal Revolution Vise (Just Under $500)
12. Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders
A nice pair of waders is essential for any serious angler. And if I could pick one pair, I’d recommend the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders.
Simms nailed it with these bad boys.
These waders are made of sturdy, breathable fabric, that will stand up to just about any fly fishing adventure. Better than that, having tried these on at one of my favorite local fly shops, I can tell you that they look fan-freakin-tastic hugging the natural curves of a well-formed dad-bod.
Now, coming in at around $550, I might not have the Benjamins to pay for a pair of these, but I’m still holding out hope to get them as a gift one of these years.
Wishful Thinking Time: Simms, if you’re reading this, I’d be happy to model your next release of waders in exchange for a free pair of G3s (and maybe a six-pack of beer). Don’t let the dad-bod and receding hairline fool you, when I put on a pair of Simms waders, they sell themselves.
13. Orvis Pro Wading Boots
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why is it that my Michelin tires get great traction when I’m driving 75 miles per hour through a pouring rainstorm, yet my wading boots can barely handle me standing still on a slightly damp boulder!?!?”
Well, guess what…problem solved!
Orvis partnered with Michelin to develop a wading boot that gets the same kind of traction in the river that you would expect from an all-terrain tire. Umm… how awesome is that?
If you love the anglers in your life, and you don’t want them to suffer the embarrassing process of slipping, falling and filling their waders with ice-cold water, then go buy a pair of Orvis Pro Wading Boots right now.
14. Oakley PRIZM Polarized Sunglasses
I have been fly fishing with a pair of Polarized Oakleys for the last 5 years or so, and I don’t think I will ever buy another pair of sunglasses. Even if I were to lose or break my pair, I would just run back out and immediately buy another pair.
Put simply, these are the best fly fishing lenses I have ever worn. As far as frames go, I like the flak jackets, because they wrap around my head enough to block out peripheral light, yet they are light as a feather.
Plus, when I need to put them up on my hat, they stay in place without a problem.
I’m not sure what Oakley did to the polarization, but I can see through water like you can’t believe. It’s like having x-ray vision for fly fishing.
Shop Oakley PRIZM Polarized Sunglasses
15. GoPro
You know what we anglers like better than getting a photo of a big fish we caught? Getting the whole entire catch on video. And with a GoPro, that’s as easy as can be.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a great fly fishing gift, but you aren’t really confident buying fly fishing gear, then a GoPro is a great way to go.
I recommend either the Hero 7 Black, or the Hero 8 Black, because their image stabilization is incredible. But honestly, any GoPro will send an avid angler out to the nearest river to catch their first fish (on video that is).
16. Olympus Tough TG-6 (Waterproof Camera)
I have one of the previous versions of the Olympus Tough TG-6, and when it comes to outdoor adventure, it is my go-to camera. You can take this thing in water, through a driving blizzard, or even drop it from a small cliff (I don’t advise this), and it will still take amazing photos.
Sure, these days you can snap a pretty great pic with your smartphone, but if you think the angler in your life could benefit from some higher-quality photos, then throw down for an Olympus Tough TG-6.
Learn More About The Olympus Tough TG-6
17. EGO Kryptek S2 Slider Tactical Landing Net
First of all, I’d like to congratulate EGO for coming up with one of the coolest product names I have ever heard. I mean, seriously, the Kryptek S2 Slider? Even if I didn’t know what it was I would buy one. Well done, EGO.
What’s more, this net lives up to the name. First of all, it is an extendable net, which means it packs easily into the car, without sacrificing any reach from the boat. Second of all, it has interchangeable net heads and accessories, which means you can customize it for nearly every fishing situation. Thirdly, it’s camouflage, so it looks freakin’ cool!
To put it simply, if the angler for which you’re shopping spends a good amount of time fishing from a boat, then I can almost guarantee they’ll love an Ego Kryptek S2 Slider Tactical Landing Net.
Learn More About The EGO Kryptek S2 Slider
18. Buck Knives – 659 Pursuit Pro Folding Knife
As any outdoor adventurer will tell you, one of the most important things you can carry on your person at all times is a good knife. Though, what they’re really telling you is that they want you to buy one for them as a gift.
Now, there are all sorts of great knives out there, but for the angler, I recommend the Buck Knives 659 Pursuit Pro. This is a folding knife, which means it will make a great addition to just about any fly fishing vest or pack. And, with the Buck Knives name, you know you are getting a super high-quality knife.
Check Out The Buck Knives 659 Pursuit Pro
19. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
I can tell you from personal experience that having a great dry bag when you’re on the water (especially on a float trip) is essential. And while you could just get a roll-top dry bag like the rest of the fly fishing gift-givers out there, I recommend stepping things up a notch and getting the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack.
Not only does this backpack do an awesome job of keeping your essentials dry (i.e. wallet, phone, clean pair of underwear), but it looks really cool. Plus, it has a net loop and places to hook some fly fishing accessories and tools.
Seriously, I’ve been wanting one of these for a while, so if you’re reading this, and feel like sending a little love my way, I will gladly accept.
Check Out Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
20. Fully-Loaded Fly Box
You might think that after writing about 19 of the greatest fly fishing gifts known to anglers I’d be scraping the bottom of the barrel, but nay, I’m just getting started. In fact, I’m about to hit you with one of the coolest gifts on this list. Are you ready?
A fully-loaded fly box!
At this point, I should probably just drop the mic and walk off-stage. However, since I’m representing the interests of all anglers out there, I’m going to take it a step further and lay out a few of the flies you should consider adding to this glorious little gift.
Seriously, whether you’ve dabbled in fly fishing, or don’t know a single thing about it, if you fill a fly box with a nice assortment of the following patterns, I can almost guarantee your gift will be a success.
Though, I almost forgot one of the most important parts–the fly box itself. After all, you’re going to need a place to put all those flies, and for that, I recommend a BassDash Waterproof Fly Box. I actually discovered this fly box when buying this very gift for a friend, and it is one of the best fly boxes I have ever seen. Plus, it comes at a great price!
Ok, back to the flies. After purchasing your BassDash Waterproof Fly Box, you should fill it with an assortment of these patterns:
- RS2s (in Black, Grey and Olive)
- Copper Johns (in Red, Copper, and Chartreuse)
- Rainbow Warriors
- Beadhead Prince Nymphs
- Elk Hair Caddis (Olive Body, Orange Body, Yellow Body, and Dark Grey Body)
- Parachute Adams
- BWOs
- Zebra Midges
- Juju Baetis
- Two-Bit Hookers
- San Juan Worms
- Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail
That is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you fill a fly box with these patterns, you will blow any true angler’s mind!
P.S. If you’re looking for a great place to buy flies, I recommend DiscountFlies.com. Their prices are super reasonable, and their flies hold up really well.
21. Quick-Seine
You know what makes catching fish significantly easier? If you know exactly what the fish are eating. And the fastest way to do that is by seining the water with a Quick-Seine.
I purchased one of these a few years ago, and I have never looked back.
Gone are the days when I would switch from fly to fly, taking my best guess at what the fish were eating. Now, I just dip this little gem into the water for a few seconds, and go on my merry way.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m fishing, I would much rather spend my time actually catching fish than jumping from fly pattern to fly pattern trying to guess my way to success. Put simply, the Quick-Seine makes fly fishing significantly more productive. And at $25, this thing makes for a great birthday gift or stocking stuffer.
Learn More About The Quick-Sein
22. Yakima Double Haul Rod Carrier
I have yet to meet an angler that doesn’t like the idea of having their fly rod at the ready when the mood to go fishing strikes. And the best way to accomplish this is with a Yakima Double Haul Rod Carrier.
My dad purchased one of these a few months back, and in the words of Ferris Bueller, “it is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”
The reason I recommend this rod carrier over others is the fact that it is so versatile. First of all, it can hold 4 rods, which makes it a great addition for any fishing trip with the buddies.
Second of all, at 10 feet long, it is longer than most other rod racks. So, if the mood hits to do a little spey fishing, you don’t have to worry about lugging around that 10-footer you’re sportin’.
Third of all, you don’t have to lock it every time you want to move up, or down river. It has a really nice latching mechanism that makes short drives from one fishing spot to the next incredibly convenient.
This rod carrier has it all. And if you want to win the gift-giving game, this is your ticket to the top of the podium.
Check Out The Yakima Doublehaul Fly Rod Carrier
23. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill
If the angler for which you are shopping likes to spend time floating down rivers in a drift boat, or sleeping in tents, and they don’t have a good portable grill, then they are missing out on one of life’s great pleasures.
For that reason, if you are looking for a great fly fishing gift, I recommend the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill. This grill is the best of both worlds. It has enough cooking real estate to fire-up plenty of food, yet its compact, folding legs allow it to fit into tight spaces (like the back of a drift boat.)
There’s just nothing quite like anchoring up your drift boat on the side of the river, whipping out a few burgers and brats, and cooking up a small feast at sunset.
This grill really cooks!
Check Out The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill
24. Bubba Multi-Flex Interchangeable Fillet Knife Set
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it was Sun Tzu that originally said, “if you love a fisherman, you should buy them a really nice set of interchangeable fillet knives.”
Never heard that one? Hmm… weird. That must have been from his lesser known novel, “The Art Of Buying Great Fly Fishing Gifts”.
Seriously though, if the angler in your life likes to cook fish as much as he or she likes to catch fish, then I know exactly what you should buy them: a Bubba Multi-Flex Interchangeable Fillet Knife Set. If you need any convincing, just head over to their website and watch their videos.
Seriously, these knives speak for themselves.
Check Out The Bubba Multi-Flex Fillet Knife Set
25. NRS STAR Outlaw Fishing Raft
Ok, I saved this one for last, because, of all the items on this long list of awesome fly fishing gifts, this is definitely the coolest. If you want to blow every other fly fishing gift out of the water, then go ahead and buy an NRS STAR Outlaw 140 Self-Bailing Raft with a fully-outfitted fishing frame.
To be honest, I can’t imagine what it would be like to receive a gift like this. So, if you have the financial capability to do this for somebody, please, please, please do it! Oh, and be sure to capture the moment on video and send it to us. Gifts like this only come once in a blue moon.
Check Out The NRS STAR Outlaw 140
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, 25 of the best fly fishing gifts you can buy for the angler you love most.
No fish-shaped lighters.
No license plate covers that say, I’d rather be fishin’.
No freaking coffee mugs with photos of lures on them!!!
Just straight-up awesome fly fishing gifts that are likely to make an angler soil themselves from excitement. If that isn’t a great way to end this post, I don’t know what is.
Mic drop.
