Best Fly Fishing Gifts | Outdoor living

The holidays are here and your job is to buy a gift for someone who loves fly fishing. Fly fishing gifts are easy, right? While someone with an obvious passion like fly fishing may seem like a blessing when choosing a gift, it can quickly devolve into a messy pile of embarrassing assumptions and friendly nods, followed by the hasty use of a gift card.

Buying the perfect fly fishing gift is a challenge because the simple things can quickly become complex. A new fishing rod is always good, right? But wait, should it be a 5 or 6 weight? Fresh or salt water? When you start delving into the specifics of fishing gear, the difficulties in choosing the right option quickly become apparent.

The goal of this fly fishing gift guide is to avoid that headache by avoiding anything technical or gear specific. I've chosen the items in this guide to be general: things that any fly fisherman would appreciate, regardless of fishing style, region, or technique. It's also important to think about things that someone might never buy for themselves, but would still greatly appreciate.

With these factors in mind, here is a list of things that will make your favorite fly fisherman cheat with joy.

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This one falls squarely into the category of “things all anglers should have, but probably don't.” Proper fly line maintenance is a crucial part of extending the life and usefulness of any fly line, but most fly fishermen rarely (if ever) take the time to clean their line. It's not a flashy or fun part of the sport and can therefore be easily forgotten in favor of other, more aesthetically pleasing things. Make no mistake, though: anyone who fishes regularly will appreciate a fly line cleaning kit as a fly fishing gift. Having a good cleaning kit makes it easier to accomplish the task of cleaning those expensive fly lines that we all love to abuse.

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I know, I know. A new pair of socks is basically the universal metaphor for “bad gift.” However, if the person receiving them is a fly fisherman who walks miles in waders and stands in icy water for hours, a quality pair of socks is something to cherish. My two favorite pairs of wool-blend socks are over a decade old and have seen some unspeakably cold and wet conditions, but they are prized possessions because they provide warmth and comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. There are many good options when it comes to the best socks, but I prefer the Simms Merino Midweight OTC Sock. They're a good combination of warming insulation and lightweight moisture-wicking material, and ideal for a long day in waders.

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The Nomad landing net has become ubiquitous in the fly fishing world, and for good reason. They are available in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit virtually any technique or species an angler may target. They are buoyant and incredibly light, but also durable and resistant to abuse. These nets are strung with high-quality rubber mesh and are the gold standard for most fly fishermen. Unfortunately, they can also be quite expensive, averaging around $200. For a fly fisherman on a budget, it can be a tough purchase to justify, but most fishermen would be ecstatic to receive one as a fly fishing gift.

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If you're looking for your child's first fly rod, look no further than the White River Fly Shop Cricket Fly Rod. This 8-foot, 5-weight rod costs about $50 and can be split into two pieces. The graphite construction keeps the weight down so young anglers can concentrate on casting.

It was recently tested by Outdoor Life employee Christine Peterson with the help of her daughter. You can learn more about the rod by reading Peterson's full review.

Peterson's 8-year-old daughter tests the White River Fly Shop Cricket Fly Rod.

Best for New Anglers: Fly Rod Combo

If you want to get a new angler started in fly fishing, make life easy for them and get them a combination rod and reel. It contains just about everything they need to learn to fly cast and catch their first fish. All they need is a few flies and they are ready to go fishing. If you're feeling extra generous, it's a good idea to consider gifting flying lessons at a local fly shop along with the combo.

Below you will find great combos in different price ranges. The main differences between an expensive fishing rod and a cheap fishing rod are the materials, which translates into appearance and performance. There are real benefits to giving someone a rod that they will use for years to come, versus one that they will use just to get their feet wet. So determine the person's interest and buy a fishing rod that matches his or her dedication. Another important thing to know is which rod to get: the best for trout is a 5 weight, bass fishermen typically use a 6 weight, and the usual saltwater weights are 8 or 9.

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Everyone will burst out laughing when these fishing slippers are unpacked. They are available in colors to match common fish species, but you can't go wrong with brown trout or green trout (largemouth bass).

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One thing all fly fishermen have in common is the need for good fly storage. Although any old fly box will work, it's nice to have something of quality. The Tacky Pescador is a silicone box that comes in a variety of sizes, but the main factor that sets it apart from other options is its waterproof design with no closure. Other non-latch fly boxes are great, but tend to leak and have a poor seal if the box remains submerged for long periods of time. On the other hand, most waterproof fly boxes have an awkward locking system that can be bulky and annoying to mess with on the water. The Tacky Pescador solves both of these problems by having a sleek, latch-less design that is also impressively waterproof.

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Every fly fisherman is familiar with the ever-present hassle of dealing with trash on the water. Even the most responsible anglers can still find it difficult to figure out where to secure the loose bits of leader or tackle that are constantly present during a day on the water. The Fishpond Piopod (PIO stands for “Pack It Out”) helps solve some of that problem by providing a convenient, portable container in which to put those pesky bits of waste. It is a small container that can be conveniently attached to a belt or backpack, with an innovative lid that allows waste to be disposed of easily and quickly. Not only does it allow the fisherman to pack out their own waste, it also provides a way to clean up other waste they find on the water.

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It's an incredibly simple concept, but it's also one of the most practical fly fishing accessories available. As someone who regularly catches flies on hats, pockets, rearview mirrors, or any other soft material within reach, this product speaks directly to anglers like me. The Fly Caddy is essentially an EVA foam patch on a small plastic platform with a buckle on the back. This makes it easy to attach to a hat, belt or pocket and is a perfect solution for storing flies on the go. It also comes with a small adhesive-backed stand that can be placed on any surface (think cooler, dashboard, or kayak) that the angler might want to use for quick access to fly storage. This makes it extremely portable and will help an angler avoid ruining his favorite hat or the expensive marine mat on a kayak or boat.

Not only is the Fly Caddy an innovative and useful product, Atollas donates proceeds from their sales to support 1% for the planet. So your purchase helps an angler stay organized and helps the planet.

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If you are looking for the best fly fishing vest, consider purchasing a sling pack. Fly fishermen use these bags more often because it is a convenient way to carry their gear. Given their popularity, no fly fishing gift list would be complete without at least one package.

The Simms Freestone slingpack is the ultimate all-in-one backpack for a day on the water. With several levels of storage for every conceivable tool or item an angler might need to carry, this pack is the most comprehensive on the market that still provides a degree of comfort when walking, wading or casting. In addition to multiple water-resistant storage areas, the Freestone Sling Pack also includes a built-in tippet caddy and net sleeve, which are nice additions and make this pack the ultimate on-water carry bag for any fly fisherman.

Last but not least: a gift certificate to a local fly shop

You may not know the technical specifications or the exact details of what your angler needs, but you know who does? Probably the people at the local fly shop. Nowadays it's more important than ever to support the small local shops that make fly fishing as special as it is. There's no better way to do that than through their business, and a gift certificate is a great way to support the store without having to dig through every fly box or fishing rod rack in search of the perfect gift. Fly fishermen can be incredibly picky and specific about what equipment they need and giving a fishing gift that allows the angler to explore and choose their own equipment is a solid option. Whether you go with a gift card or one of the items above, it's a good idea to stop by your local store and see what they have on the shelves.