The holidays are approaching fast. Sometimes it’s difficult coming up with good gift ideas, and buying for fly fishermen is particularly challenging. Fly fishermen are extremely detailed and particular about their gear. So let us suggest some fly fishing gift ideas for 2023.
Even if you know their absolute favorite fly, for example a mop fly, what color should you buy? What size? What weight? It really isn’t easy to gift flies. So we will focus on gifts that are not so specific but will still bring a smile to their face!
PERFECT FLY FISHING GIFT IDEAS
So how do we choose the perfect gift for fly anglers? I suggest staying away from individual components like flies, rods, reels and lines unless you happen to know them extremely well. For example, if someone were to buy me a floating, weight forward fly line in size 8, it wouldn’t be too useful to me because I don’t have any 8 weight fly rods. Although it could give me an excuse to buy one!
But there are so many other categories from which to choose. Keep in mind fly fishermen have to be comfortable and organized while in the stream. Knowing this makes it easy to pick the perfect gift that won’t end up lost or forgotten. A great gift would be one that helps them stay comfortable, organized and efficient. Below are some fly fishing gift ideas.
FLY ROD AND REEL COMBOS
Pre packaged rod and reel combos are a great fly fishing gift idea because they come with everything you need to hit the stream.
Orvis Encounter is a fantastic setup widely recognized as one of the best beginner fly-fishing combos. It is available in 5 different sizes/weights. The great thing about the Encounter is that it comes ready to fish. The storage case protects the outfit while stored and traveling. It’s a perfect gift for any fly fisherman at $198.00.
Redington Crosswater Combo Kit is another solid option for beginners. The combo comes in a protective carry case. So, in this case, the rod is a 5-weight, 9 feet 0 inches, 4-piece rod. Perfect setup for new trout anglers. Crosswater is a medium-fast action meaning the rod flexes more at the tip than in the middle. Another great gift for fly fishermen for $199.99.
Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black TFO is a “new” company in the world of fly-fishing (only a little over 20 years old), but do not overlook them. Designers Gary Loomis (formerly of G. Loomis) and Lefty Kreh are icons in the fishing world and help design world-class products. And at about $174.99 it is priced for gifting.
White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Fly Outfit all-around combo is a great introductory rod and reel built to help beginners learn to cast. This 4-piece fly rod is graphite for a great feel, especially when the fish are biting softly. The outfit comes with backing and a weight-forward floating flyline. All you need is a leader and tippet, and you are ready to go! Santa really likes this combo!
Echo Carbon XL 590 touted to be the perfect trout rod for any fly-fishing method. Whether floating a dry-fly, stripping streamers, or drifting nymphs this outfit will do the job and make it look easy. It punches above its weight class. One of my fishing buddies uses his Echo Carbon XL exclusively while chasing trout around southern Missouri. He likes the versatility of being able to change flies and always feels confident in his fly-rod. $395.00 will get your angler on the water with a great set up.
FLY BOXES
Every angler has plenty of fly boxes but if you ask them, they always want more. We always need a place to store the latest and greatest flies. My personal favorite is the Orvis Large Super Slim FLy Box for $15.95. It holds 168 flies! And it fits easily into a pack or fishing vest making it a great fly fishing gift idea.
Some other fine choices are Fish Pond Tacky Original 2X Fly Box for $29.95, White River Fly Shop Riseform Triangle Slit Foam Fly Box from $4.99 to $7.99 and Perfect Hatch Fly Box Clear Ripple Foam Small for $7.99 on Amazon.
Another cool option would be to choose a custom painted fly box from Etsy. Fly fishermen love custom gear. I suggest a box painted in the colors of a rainbow or brown trout.
NIPPERS
This one sounds almost too simple but the variations of nippers is remarkable. And hey, fit nicely in stockings!
Orvis Comfy Grip Nippers for $9.95. Made of stainless steel with a cushioned grip makes cutting lines easy. Plus, included is a hook eye cleaning needle.
Simms Guide Nipper at $59.95 is a high end nipper with aluminum arms. The hinge rivet and blades are replaceable so these nippers should last forever.
Orvis Nippers for $98.00 is another great option. These are the Cadillac of nippers. Aluminum construction and smooth performance are the highlights of this model. A rotating stainless steel hook eye cleaning needed is packed into the handle of this model. It also has replaceable parts so it too will last forever.
CHEST PACKS
Chest packs are a trend in fly fishing replacing vests for some anglers. They stow gear and keep it handy. The ergonomic designs hug your body and stay out of the way when casting while keeping flies, leaders, and more conveniently right in front of you. These are great fly fishing gift ideas.
Fish Pond Canyon Creek Chest Pack list for $79.95 and is filled with features like a low profile, vertical design. It opens up and creates a small work bench for on stream tackle work. You can attach up to 7 tools with separate attach points. It also has a slot to keep your net close! It fits over the shoulders and has a nylon belt as well to keep it in position. It easily carries enough gear for the whole day.
Orvis Chest Pack for $129.00 is another great option that will hold all the gear you need for a day on the stream. The harness positions it perfectly on your chest high enough to be out of the way. A tippet bar is included for all the tippet sizes you want. It also flips open and provides a working area. A plus for this pack is it can be attached to the Orvis Bug Out Backpack to really increase the amount of gear you can carry.
STRIKE INDICATORS
There are dozens of variations of strike indicators. And they come in different sizes and colors. But how do you know what your angler wants? And please don’t call them “bobbers”–fly fishermen hate that. These could also be great stocking stuffers.
One of the most popular strike indicators lately is the Oros Strike Indicator available on Amazon for $19.75 for a six pack. Their soft foam construction enables it to last despite hitting rocks and trees. It sounds high for “bobbers” but since they last forever, it’s more of an investment. Oros Strike Indicators are infinitely adjustable by unscrewing one half and sliding it up or down your leader.
Corqs Strike Indicators for $6.95 through Orvis are another option. We like the cork construction and the rubber loop that also allows for infinite adjustment. Corqs Strike Indicators are durable as well and ride high on the water. In fact, the only time we have ever lost one is when the leader broke and the Corq just floated away. I’m sure someone downstream grabbed it and is still using it today.
WOOL SOCKS
A good pair of quality socks will keep your feet warm for fishing all Winter. The best socks will be a wool or wool blend. The key is to keep your feet dry and warm. Could be a stocking stuffer!
L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks are $39.95 and they are machine washable and dryer safe. At 77% Merino Wool, these will keep you warm and dry all day.
Carhartt Arctic Heavyweight Merino Wool Blend Boot Socks come in at $27.99 and will do the job well. These are 65% Merino Wool and keep you comfortable on the stream all day as well.
WATERPROOF CAMERAS
GoPro cameras are a lot of fun and they are waterproof (up to 33+ feet). Fly fishermen can wear cameras in different ways and then they can share their experiences with family and friends. A GoPro Hero 10 can be purchased for $249.99 and will provide hours of entertainment.
Insta360 One RS is an option at $239.99 and offers interchangeable lenses, great stabilization, and a powerful editing suite. This waterproof camera will meet the needs of any fly fishermen.
NETS
While there are different kinds of nets, there are a few key components necessary for the perfect net. Fly fishermen generally use a dip net with a short handle and rubber or silicon net material. These net materials are the most important feature because they do not harm the outer slime layer of the fish.
White River Fly Shop Hobbs Creek Rubber Bag Trout Net is a good choice at $29.99 – $59.99 from Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s depending on size.
Measure Net With Rubber Netting-Medium is a cool choice because you can measure your catch with a minimal amount of handling the fish! For a net to measure up to 24 inches it costs $44.95. This is a perfect gift for those catch and release fly fishermen.
Orvis Wide-mouth Hand Net has a larger hoop opening which makes landing your catch easier. And with the larger opening it is easier to remove hooks. The fish appreciate that! An awesome gift for $149.00.
GIFT CARDS
Gift cards always fit, right? Absolutely. And every angler loves them. We suggest Orvis, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas and LL Bean. But don’t forget your local fly shops! Local fly shops are great places for that angler on your list to spend their gift card. One of our local fly shops, Weaver’s Tackle Store, in Lebanon, Missouri, sells gift cards online and in the store.
THE BEST FLY FISHING GIFT IDEAS
Any of the suggestions above will make a great fly fishing gift ideas for the fly angler on your shopping list this Holiday! The fly fishermen will love them and you will feel satisfied because you know they will use your gift. Everybody wins! We hope you enjoy the Holidays in 2023 and look forward to 2024!
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