If you’re like my fiancée, the holidays might feel a little intimidating. Well, it’s your lucky day! I’m breaking down some of my favorite pieces of gear at varying price points to help guide you in the right direction. Just make sure to buy from your local fly shop and support the folks who keep our communities running. From stocking stuffers to gifts that might make them cry tears of joy, here’s the list:
Stocking Stuffers (Under $20)
Loon Classic Nippers – Fly fishermen are cursed with losing nippers, so it’s never worth buying expensive ones in my opinion. They also tend to wear out quickly. It’s always smart to have an extra pair on deck. While I’m on the subject: the most foolproof way to secure your nippers to your pack or lanyard is with 30 lb Maxima and a couple of solid knots.
Loon Rogue Forceps – I love the clamping power and nonslip grip on these pliers. They attach securely to my pack and haven’t failed me yet.
Fishpond Swiftcurrent Thermometer – Every angler—especially steelheaders—should have a thermometer within arm’s reach. Use it to make sure water temps are under 65 degrees when trout fishing, and as a guide to predict daily bug hatches.
30 Rainier Beers – Yep, you can absolutely stuff their stocking with 30 Rainier beers, retailing for $20 at any participating Costco in the PNW. They will be consumed.
Gifts Under $100
Dr. Slick Prism Scissors Gift Set – My mom gifted me this one year and it’s been indispensable at my fly-tying desk. The set comes with three scissors in varying sizes plus a fly box that’s perfect for streamers or larger bugs. The scissors are sharp and they look rad.
Fishpond Ripple Reel Case – Any serious fly fisher (including myself) has too many reels scattered everywhere. Even in their neoprene cases, they get buried and misplaced. My advice: get them a reel case that holds like six reels. Even if they don’t own six yet, they’ll fill it eventually. It also leaves room for extra spools, sink tips, leader packs—you name it.
$100 Gift Card to the Local Fly Shop – If you’re still feeling intimidated, just get a gift card—maybe paired with a sweet hat repping the shop. It never fails, and serious anglers are constantly prowling the fly-tying section anyway. It might even help fund their next rod purchase.
Baller Gifts
Permission to Buy a Drift Boat (Priceless) – The gift that truly keeps on giving. Just give them the green light.
Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boots ($230) – I’ve already written a full post praising these boots. I love the BOA system, the support, and the ability to swap soles in seconds. My fiancée gifted me a pair, and they were the wading boots I didn’t know I needed. I’m never going back to laces.
A Guided Fishing Trip (Prices Vary) – Head to your local fly shop and grab a voucher for a guided trip on your home water. In Central Oregon, I highly recommend the crew at Fin & Fire in Redmond. The guys are cool, knowledgeable, and know the Deschutes better than their own kitchen cabinets. Most trips are priced for two anglers, so they can bring you or a buddy along.
This Is By No Means an Exhaustive List
Gifting for the fly fisher in your life doesn’t need to be stressful. There are a few key items—especially at lower price points—that will always be useful and appreciated. I’m actually planning a separate post just for gifts under $20 for the budget-conscious or anyone just looking for solid stocking stuffers. Whatever you get them, they’ll appreciate it.
Happy Black Friday Weekend!
– T
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