Rooting around the Internet in a frantic search for awesome, reasonably-priced fly fishing stocking stuffers for that special angler in your life? Look no further, because this post will give you the no-lose, make-you-the-hero, best-fly-fishing-gift-giver-on-the-planet goods on the topic. And the good news is, as the title of this article clearly indicates, these stocking stuffers all come in under $50 (before taxes and shipping, of course).
Let’s jump right in!
In an attempt to edify my treasured readers, I suppose I could have looked up the historic origins of the gift-filled stocking, but since I’ve never lost my love of getting one — even after “the big lie about the big guy” reveal nearly crushed my soul — I decided to hold on to the last shred of mystery about the whole thing and leave that stone unturned.
Let’s just leave it at: even at my age, I love getting up on Christmas morning, finding a lumpy stocking with my name on it sitting by the fireplace, digging through it, and enjoying surprise after surprise specially selected for me. I mean, who wouldn’t? In fact, I don’t think stockings should be a once-a-year, Christmas-only thing. I think everyone should get one at least once a month. In fact, right after I finish this article, I’m going to start a big movement to make sure that happens.
But, since you came to this post to get an expert’s opinion on fly fishing stocking stuffers, let’s set aside my weird politics and get to it.
In no particular order, here are 25 of the best fly fishing stocking stuffers you can buy for less than $50.
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. Nippers
Let’s face it, for the uninitiated, nippers are a strangely-named object that can’t help but induce a juvenile titter. For the fly fisher, however, nippers are one of the most essential tools of the trade that, when on the water, get used almost more than anything else. Though we typically only employ them for cutting tiny pieces of nylon or fluorocarbon line, it sucks when one’s nippers are cheap and dull. In light of that, it’s weird that many anglers settle for exactly that.
My theory is that, when it comes to small tools, anglers tend to protect their wallets and, while longing for the upgrade, get by with the lower-quality option. That’s exactly why giving high-quality nippers (like these Orvis Flow Nippers) as a stocking stuffer is such a great thing!
Related Posts:
- 25 Best Fly Fishing Gifts: A Legit Gift Guide For Anglers
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- What To Wear Fly Fishing: The Angler’s Apparel Guide
- Winter Fly Fishing Gear: 17 Items To Conquer The Cold
- Buying A Fly Rod: 5 Key Considerations
#2. TyRite®
Speaking of small, essential fly fishing tools, it’s no secret that your trusty Fly Fishing Fix pontificators strongly believe in the TyRite® device. When it first came along, its simple brilliance was easy to see. Additionally, its price-to-utility ratio (PTUR) was nearly unbeatable.
Now, if you gave one of these inexpensive little wonders to a non-fly fisher, they’d look at you with a blank stare while asking you why you bought them half of a standard retractable pen with a hook where the ballpoint should be. But since you’re not going to do something so foolish, you can be assured that your fly fishing loved one will be thrilled to find a TyRite® in their stocking.
Click here to check out the TyRite® on Sportsmans.com
#3. Quick-Seine®
Speaking of reasonably-priced fly fishing tools with strong PTUR that we at Fly Fishing Fix swear by and that every angler would love to have, the Quick-Seine® is right up there.
Sparing you the lengthy explanation of why it’s one of the best fly fishing stocking stuffers we can recommend, let’s just say it’s like getting the key to the secrets of the aquatic underworld. And what angler wouldn’t want that? Answer: no angler wouldn’t want that.
Click here to check out the Quick-Seine® on AvidMax.com
#4. Drink Holster
We’ve arrived at the holster section of our Best Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers post.
Think “holster” and the immediate mental image might include Josey Wales with his pair of six-shooters holstered, handles forward, ready to take down the next bandit who done ‘im wrong. I don’t think such legendary gun fighters would be caught dead using their holsters to carry a water bottle, but most fly fishers would love to have such a thing.
Easily threaded on to a wading belt, the drink holster (like this one from Simms) helps keep hydration fluids handy while also keeping the angler’s hands free for more important duties, like casting, catching, playing and netting fish.
Of course, on occasion, people who fish have been known to partake of other beverages while fishing too. The drink holster works for such containers just as well. But I’m guessing you figured that out on your own.
#5. Net Holster
As any experienced fly fisher would certainly attest, big fish have an uncanny ability to dart and escape right when they are just outside of netting range. (That’s one of the ways they become big!) This is usually because, when attempting to land larger fish, the net most fly fishers use is too small, too short, or too restricted by the length of their arm and/or the tether length of their net retractor. Enter the longer-handled net and net holster solution.
Like the drink holster, the net holster threads on to the angler’s wading belt to hold a larger, longer net, handle down, conveniently behind the angler’s back, where it’s out of the way but easily accessed. Equipped with an affordable net holster (like this one from Smith Creek) your fly fishing loved one will be eternally grateful for that high-PTUR gem they found in their stocking.
Oh, and by the way, if you really want to go above and beyond the gift-giving call of duty, follow this link to purchase a Fishpond Nomad El Jefe Net on Trident Fly Fishing.
#6. Tippet Spools
It’s weird. For us fly fishing cheapskates, a roll of critically important but angel hair-thin nylon or fluorocarbon tippet comes in oddly high on the perceived expense-to-value scale. Therefore, when purchasing spools of tippet (we recommend Rio Fluoroflex Tippet), anglers do it more because they have to, not because they want to.
On the other hand, as a highly appreciated stocking stuffer, tippet spools land in that perfect price range. And, as the giver, you can be assured that the secret thought every angling recipient will have upon pulling these little round nuggets of pure gold from their stocking is, “Sweet! Now I don’t have to buy tippet for a while!”
#7. Tippet Holder
If you can orchestrate it so that your fly fishing loved one pulls out a few spools of tippet before he or she digs out a sweet new tippet holder, you’ll not only tell them that you deeply care about their most important wants and needs, but that you also care about PRES-EN-TATION!
Again, say it with me: anglers tend to lean cheap when it comes to certain fly fishing accoutrement. So, while longing for that nicer tippet holder, they will often make do with the lower priced (lower quality) option.
Here’s where you come in as the best gift-giver ever, and where they come in as the proudly well-equipped angler they’ve always wanted to be.
If you’re looking for a great tippet holder, we highly recommend the Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder.
#8. Leaders
When it comes to buying leaders, ditto the earlier discussion about tippet spools. And since you are the now well-established, most awesomely thoughtful and generous gift-giver ever to grace the continent, go the extra mile and tuck a few leader 3-packs in their stocking. (And no, this article is not a series of holiday hints to my wife… Or is it?)
If you want to know what kind of leaders to buy your favorite angler, we recommend a 3-Pack of Rio Powerflex Leaders.
#9. Fly Box
Hi honey, if you’re still reading this, I don’t need any more fly boxes!
Since a growing fly collection needs a growing library of fly boxes to keep them in, most fly fishers are more than grateful to get a new one or two as a gift. At Fly Fishing Fix, our favorite fly boxes are well-designed, durable and affordable. They’ll also create a great mystery lump at the bottom of any gift stocking.
#10. Expertly-Picked Fly Selection
Did someone say growing fly collections? Here’s a magnificent stocking stuffer that’ll help that special angler in your life do just that!
While the expertly-picked fly selection gift may rise to the too-special-to-give-in-a-stocking level, it would still push an already outstanding stocking to a holy-crap!-you-didn’t-have-to-go-that-far-but-I’m-glad-that-you-did-anyway level. And who wouldn’t want to receive that kind of gift-giving accolade?
The only drawback to giving this incredible goodie in someone’s stocking, however, is that every gift given thereafter will have to be even better, and that just may not be doable.
If you’re looking for a list of expertly-picked flies, be sure to check out this list of patterns from Trouts Fly Shop.
#11. Forceps
One of the most functional and affordable stocking stuffers a fly fisher can receive is new forceps or clamps (we recommend this pair of Loon Classic Forceps). Over time, forceps have a tendency to wear out and, in so doing, lose their original bite.
Add to that that there have been many innovative additions to the fly fishing forcep/clamp market, and it’s a good bet that your angling giftee is coveting a new pair. So, since we know that you’re working to establish yourself as one of the world’s best gift-givers, this one would help solidify that reputation.
#12. Amadou Patch
After reading this gift’s headline, you might feel the urge to blurt out, “gesundheit”. If it makes you feel good, go ahead and say it. Then buy one for your favorite angler’s stocking. (If you need a little extra guidance, here’s a link to the Amadou patch we recommend.)
If you’re not a fly fishing aficionado yourself, you may never really get what an amadou patch does, nor will you understand how it does what it ama-does. Who cares? Your recipient will, and that should be enough.
Furthermore, he or she will be very grateful that you knew to give them one, because it’s another good bet that, although they’ve always wanted one, they won’t have bought an amadou patch for themselves. Win-win.
In the words of Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”
#13. Lanyard
Talk about function! A fly fishing lanyard is basically an odd-looking, inexpensive necklace with as much potential functionality as a carpenter’s tool belt. For the minimalist, the lanyard takes the place of a full vest and, if properly equipped with all the critical angler’s tools and gadgets, can serve that substitute role rather nicely, thank you very much.
Assuming you want to truly cement your World’s Best Gift-Giver status, a good idea would be to pack your fly fisher’s stocking so that the lanyard comes out first, while all the best lanyard-enhancing tools follow.
You’re welcome.
#14. Fishing Boot Laces
Fishing boot laces?!! What?!! That’s a really boring stocking stuffer, don’t you think?
Well, at first blush, maybe it is. But we all know that shoelaces only pop when one is headed out to do something or go somewhere important. And, right now, while working on this post and, by extension, daydreaming about my next day on the water, I can’t think of anything more important than gearing up for such an outing.
Having a good pair of extra boot laces on hand has a strange way of settling the angler’s soul. That may sound weird, but, in all honesty, replacing a tattered boot lace with a brand new one produces a strange wave of confidence for a great fly fishing day ahead.
Lace me up Scotty!
#15. Rod Holder
A vexing problem every angler experiences regularly is what to do with one’s rod when both hands are needed for another task. For example: anything other than casting, hooking and reeling in fish!
Truth be known, the fly rod, essential as it is, can sometimes get in the way. So, in the absence of a brilliant, inexpensive, innovative and easy-to-fit-in-a-stocking solution, what are we anglers to do besides lay our precious wand on the ground, lean it up against a tree, willow or scratchy, snap-hazardy boat gunwale? Enter the rod holder…a.k.a. the aforementioned brilliant solution.
Available in a few different forms, the rod holder (like this one from Trident Fly Fishing) solves these problems while providing assurance against a clumsy rod break.
Depending upon the kind of rod holder purchased, it can even make it easy and convenient for the fly fisher to carry an extra rod around for changing situations or conditions. Hello doublé vé!
#16. Leader Straightener
Nobody likes a crooked leader.
This adage is as true for humans as it is for fish — at least that’s what all my fish friends tell me when my kinked-up leader floats by them amid a cacophony of bubbly, ridiculing, subsurface fish laughter.
A dry fly, wet fly, nymph or streamer will never look as good as it should when drifted at the end of a bent or twisty leader, so, to shoot straight, a stocking stuffed with a leader straightener (like this one from Trident Fly Fishing) is a good stocking.
#17. Coffee Mug
In other Fly Fishing Fix gift posts, we’ve pilloried the basic ceramic coffee mug that is usually adorned with the unimaginative fish, fly or lure graphic. Even worse is that same kind of mug sporting the “Gone Fishin’” or “Leave a Message – I’m On My Other Line” tripe.
That’s not what we’re talking about here. No, when we say “coffee mug” we mean “badass, handheld, thermodynamically-enhanced containment and hot liquid distribution system.” In other words, a coffee mug you’d be proud to dig out of your pack upon summiting Everest.
Shove one of these deep into your giftee’s stocking, and the only regret you’ll have is that you didn’t take advantage of the BOGO offer when you had the chance.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a great coffee mug, we highly recommend a Yeti Rambler.
#18. Half Finger Gloves
When you think about gloves, it seems rather silly to buy gloves with no, or only half fingers, doesn’t it? I mean, unless you’re some kind of 19th Century grifter from Dickinsian folklore who wants to, “pick a pocket or two,” half-finger gloves feel about as functional as a saw with no teeth.
That said, to the fly fishing angler who seeks hand warmth and/or sun protection while keeping the digits clear of all dexterity-limiting hindrances, half-finger gloves are a home run stocking stuffer!
#19. Taco Bag
Although many (myself included) might enjoy a Christmas morning foray into the gastrointestinal Magical Mystery Tour, when we recommend this gift, we don’t mean stuffing someone’s stocking with Taco Bell’s holiday ten-pack.
In our opinion, a fly fishing taco bag (like this one from Simms) is one of the simplest, yet most ingeniously functional items any angler would love to have. And though, even folded tight, it may take up some extra stocking space, the taco bag will be absolutely well-received by your recipient.
What’s more, they will — while standing on their new taco bag — think of you the next time they’re taking off their pants at the fishing site. Just something to keep in mind…
#20. Waterproof Wader Pouch
Since our mobile phones have become just as vital to our daily existence as, say, our hearts, we certainly can’t afford to let them get wet.
The horror!!!
Consider also that we need those very devices to be handy for great fly fishing photos, and you can easily see why a touchscreen compatible waterproof wader pouch would be a gift stocking winner.
Our favorite wader pouch (from Simms, of course) is even compatible with their slick wader zip-in system, so, if you plan to give your fly fishing loved one a pair of sweet Simms waders later in the gift-giving day, it would be a good idea to foreshadow it with a waterproof wader pouch in the stocking.
#21. Pocket Knife
Who is the most popular family member in any gift-giving situation? You guessed it! The one with the handy pocket knife! How do I know this for sure? We took a poll and “person with pocket knife” inched out “person who brought doughnuts.” Granted, it won by only one vote, and now the election is being contested in the Supreme Court. But I digress.
So, with that in mind, the person who gets a brand new pocket knife (like this one from Buck Knives) in his or her stocking will not only instantly become the most popular person in the room, they’ll be able to start using their brand new gift right away! And that’s to say nothing of the pocket knife’s lifelong utility as an outdoor adventure and survival essential.
Want to add an awesome touch? (Well of course you do. You’re the world’s most amazing gift-giver, remember?) Consider having the pocket knife meaningfully engraved for the occasion.
Cue your recipient’s tears.
#22. Fly Tying Kit
Coming in at a penny below the $50 (as of this writing) a Colorado Angler Beginner Fly Tying Kit will undoubtedly open your angler’s heart to the fly fishing parallel hobby of fly-tying. Equipped with all the essentials, including vise, tools and materials, this super-cool gift can only be made better by subscribing to Fly Fishing Fix (or doing so on your loved one’s behalf) and downloading our FREE “How to Tie Flies – A Beginner’s Guide to Fly Tying” eBook, and they’ll be off and running on yet another soul-satisfying undertaking in the world of fly fishing. Kaboom!
#23. Bench Light
I chose to list this stocking stuffer right after the fly-tying kit because, while the fly-tying kit does include everything needed to start fly-tying, it does not include everything your new fly-tyer will want once they get into the hobby.
A good UV light (like this Loon UV Bench Light) will be among their next priorities, so why not just bridge that gap with another incredibly thoughtful and high-utility stocking stuffer?
#24. Travel Humidor
Aside from sparking an occasional plastic-tipped Swisher Sweet to keep the mosquitos at bay, I’m clearly not much of a cigar connoisseur.
On the other hand, when I’m on the water, hardly a day goes by when I don’t, at some point, smell the wafting aroma of one being smoked nearby. There’s just something about fly fishing that tends to invite the enjoyment of a good cigar now and then.
If I smoked a real cigar myself, I’d be too dizzy to fish, however, I know that, for those who do so partake, a handy travel humidor is a luxury that would be a highly welcomed stocking stuffer.
#25. Gift Card
I’m admittedly torn about the gift card as a stocking stuffer.
You see, as I’ve noted in previous posts, whenever a gift-giving occasion rolls around, I encourage my wife, kids, friends, business associates, and anyone else within earshot, to give me a gift card to one of my favorite fly shops. In doing so, I make it easy on them to cross me off their list. Meanwhile, I accumulate dollars to spend as my needs and wants, and the timing thereof, so dictate. Another win, win, right?
Well, maybe not. And here’s where the conflict comes in.
I’ve come to understand that, for people like you — the Universe’s Most Magnificently Generous and Thoughtful Gift Lavisher Person — a gift card just doesn’t scratch your itch, let alone take up any significant room or produce any curiosity bulges in the weekly gift stocking. Therefore, in requesting a gift card as a stocking stuffer, my self-centeredness is satisfied, but, at the same time, I realize that I’ve squelched one of the primary motivations in the gift-giver’s heart.
Since that feels very Scrooge-like, I have the perfect solution. Put the gift card in first so that it lands at the very bottom of the stocking! Simple. Elegant. Brilliant!
That way, the generous and thoughtful giver can add the gift card as icing on top of (or, at the bottom of, as it were) an already amazing goodie-filled cake; as if to say, “This last little surprise will help you cover anything I might not have thought of with all of the other stupendous stuff I put in your stocking.”
If that doesn’t ensure the immediate installation of your bronze bust in the World’s Greatest Gift-Giver’s Hall of Fame, I don’t know what will.
By the way, if you’re going to purchase a gift card, here are a few of the retailers we recommend: Simms Fly Fishing, Trident Fly Fishing, Trouts Fly Shop, Avid Max, and Yeti.
Final Stuff
Kid spoiler alert… When I was a little dude, my mother was in charge of stocking stuffers (another heart-crushing bombshell I found out later). As my siblings and I got older, I think she got in a rut brought on by routine and the sheer desire to be done with the duty as soon as she possibly could.
The result? Stockings full of sugar-free gum, oranges, Cracker Jack®, Matchbox® cars, brain-teaser puzzles and shrink-wrapped bags of little green plastic army men. Great stuff for a seven-year-old boy, but, at age sixteen, not so much. (Oh, sure, I know you’re thinking that no self-respecting sixteen year-old would still expect a Christmas morning stocking, but, since I know you all still want, and probably get one regardless of your age, you’re just being judgy.)
Anyway, around that sixteenth year, my dad took over and, well, did he ever up the stocking game! No apologies for my many blessings, but one of them was my father’s generosity, which was only enhanced by his understanding of the teenage boy’s mindset.
That memorable year, our stockings featured Buck fishing knives (complete with a sweet black leather sheath, both of which I still use today), sleeves of Titleist® golf balls, golf gloves, leaders, fly wallets (with a great selection of flies in them), and an assortment of other cool teenage guy stuff.
What’s my point? When it comes to holiday gift-giving, the stocking just may be the best, most exciting part of the season and, therefore, isn’t to be taken lightly. I’m confident there’s not a fly fishing giftee (or any other kind of giftee for that matter) who wouldn’t echo this sentiment.
In conclusion, while you may not be in a position to fill an angler’s stocking with all of the gifts described herein, a few of the thoughtful trinkets from the list above will certainly be appreciated, memorable and thoroughly used. As a person with a thoughtful and generous heart, that’s all you really want to know, right?
Lastly, as an important note to my fellow anglers. Even if you aren’t the best gift-giver, use this article to inspire you to be just as thoughtful and generous as that special person in your life is to you. My promise is to accompany you in this self-improvement, relationship-enhancing endeavor. Thoughtfulness and generosity will never come back empty. And couldn’t this world use a little more of that?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to start strategizing on my campaign to make monthly gift stockings a constitutional mandate.
Tight lines!
