These are the best fly fishing gifts chosen by anglers for anglers! We’ve covered every type of fly fisher and every budget.
In this Fly Fisher Pro guide to the best fly fishing gifts for 2023, we recommend some of the most useful pieces of gear you can gift that special fly fisherman in your life.
If you’re a fly fisherman then you are able to use this list as a great way to help your friends and family find a great gift for you.
Likewise, if you know nothing about fishing then you can line up a gift in this list with your budget and get them something the angler in your life will love (and actually use!)
The Best Fly Fishing Gifts
Our team got together to run through the best fly fishing gifts that they would want as an angler. Combined we’ve got over 50 years of fly fishing experience.
First, you need to consider your budget or if they’ve mentioned something then use this list to hone down your selection. The best fly fishing gifts are:
1. Fly Fishing Gift Cards
If in doubt, gift cards are the way. Just about every fly fisherman will have a pretty good setup of gear, so trying to guess what they need without tipping them off can be a challenge. So be safe and pick up a gift card.
Fly fishing is a hobby that can sometimes get expensive, so having a little bit of money reserved for refreshing that fly collection or a new fly rod will be very welcome. Plus, nobody knows their gear and what’s missing better than the fisher him- or herself.
2. Dr. Slick Nippers w/Pin, File & Knot Tyer
High-end nippers can get insanely expensive, but in the end, they serve an important purpose – protecting your teeth and protecting your line!
We’ve got the full article on the best fly fishing nippers, but this one will do the job perfectly and will be a solid companion to the fly fishers in your life for years to come.
3. BUFF Filter Mask
A Buff is one of the best fly fishing gift ideas that we can think of today. In the age of masks, making yours as personal as possible while still staying safe is the best of both worlds.
A buff can be used all-day on the river to block the sun, and wind and increase your camouflage so you can blend in with the surroundings. This model is also engineered with 3-layer replaceable and interchangeable filters so you can wear it in town and comply with local regulations.
4. History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies – Ian Whitelaw
A beautifully illustrated book, like Ian Whitelaw’s History of Fly Fishing, is the perfect substitute for one of those days when your most prized angler can’t go out and conquer nature.
If a historical book isn’t what you think they’d go for, we have the insider angle (get it?) on some of the best fly fishing books ever written. Have a look!
5. Allen Gallatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest
It harbors all the necessary tools, widgets, gadgets, boxes, and everything in between. This one from Allen Company is extremely lightweight as well, allowing for the full range of motion and freedom for some of those more creative casts.
Having a fly fishing vest is essential and can be great to have an alternative lightweight one, for summer.
You can also take a look at our list of the best fishing life vest here.
6. Leatherman Free Multitool
Leatherman is one of those very few products that has moved from brand to noun. Every fly fisherman worth his salt either has a Leatherman or really really wants one, because they are just invaluable for any dedicated outdoorsman.
If you’re lost on a desert island, forget books and records, a Leatherman is what you’d want!
7. Avantik Large Fly Box
The Aventik is a famously practical fly box. It’s double-sided, so it keeps dry flies neatly separated from wet flies. It’s easy to open and close, and can be operated easily in the sometimes harsh conditions of the great outdoors, with wet, cold hands.
8. Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack
Recommended by a number of guides and a highly sought-after piece on the drive, the Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack does it all. In the wild and sometimes tacky world of gifts for fishermen, this is a class act and would be a delightful gift for any avid fan of the sport.
9. Rotary Fly Tying Vise
This is a breathtaking piece of equipment for the inveterate fly fisher, especially if they have a passion for fly-tying. The 360-degree rotation allows you to finish tying without having to remove the hook. Convenience, speed, and ease are the main benefits of this technology.
It allows a fly tier to finish tying fast and get on with the final purpose of it all: the thrill of the chase!
10. Dr Slick Fly Tying Tools Gift Set
Every angler needs a set of quality tools. If they’re just starting out, this is the essential gear they can’t do without. If you want to give them a hand, this set has it all, in a beautiful brown gold dip as well!
11. Costa del Mar Tuna Alley
Only the best – these fly fishing sunglasses are the darlings of ophthalmologists all around the world because no other brand goes such a long way to offer the highest levels of protection and clarity.
With world-class polarization, scratch-proof mirrored glass, and a thousand more tech credentials that we don’t even understand, these bad boys are the pinnacle of fishing sunglasses.
12. Orvis Men’s Pro Wading Jacket
This is the best gear money can buy, with no compromises, and no cut corners. With 20K Waterproofness and 15K Breathability rating, this jacket can almost double as a diving suit and will keep you toasty and dry in the middle of a tsunami. If you have the money, it’s worth it just to see the recipient’s tears of joy as they receive this awesome fly fishing wading jacket.
13. Dry Bag
If the fly fisher in your life is the adventurous type, they’ll appreciate a world-class dry bag. This one has been tested all the way from the hot springs of Oregon to simply dropping it in the pool to see what happens.
This thing is impenetrable! It’s excellent for any type of camping or wilderness trip and will keep their belongings nice and toasty while looking pretty darn good for functional outdoor gear.
14. Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent Lightweight
A tent is an adventurer’s essential, and the Featherstone is where you’d want to be when some tough weather looms on the horizon or you’re simply miles away from home.
Comfortable, spacious, and dry in all weather, this tent is a no-frills but highly functional option for the angler in your life who wants to get away from it all and spend a weekend alongside his favorite waters.
15. Korkers BuckSkin Wading Boot
River bottoms can be treacherous. Slippery rocks, muddy terrain, changing landscapes. A fly fisher needs the footwear to brave them all. This excellent pair of boots combines utility with looks.
Korkers buckskin wading boot features the OmniTrax 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System which allows you to simply add another layer of sticker sole material if the going gets tough (or slippery!)
Here are some of the korkers shoes you might want to look at too.
16. Sage X Fly Fishing Rods
Having a Sage rod is a rite of passage for many a fly fisherman. The Sage X series is among the best fly rods on the market. The rod is lightweight, cosmetically flawless, and will last forever, due to some serious build quality.
Sage’s KonneticHD Technology makes casting almost effortless and the new X series is chock full of the kind of deep knowledge and technology only a legacy company like Sage could accumulate.
With all of these factors combined this makes the Sage X Fly Rod by far one of the greatest fly fishing gift ideas out there!
17. O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder
Lock down your fly rod using O’Pros new 3rd hand rod holder to keep your hands free when you poke the skiff. The O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder easily attaches to your wading belt, waist bag, and just about anywhere else, too.
18. The Yeti 26 oz Reusable Chug Cap water bottle
Featuring an all-new shatter-resistant drinking spout, the Yeti 26 oz Reusable Chug Cap water bottle is another gift available in a variety of colors.
Made with 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, this rust- and puncture-resistant gem also features a “No Sweat” dry hands outer wrap, is safe for use in dishwashers, and tested 100% leak-proof.
19. GoPro Zeus Mini Light
Early mornings and little light are two things the angler in your life will happily tell you all about. The GoPro Zeus Mini Light is hands-free and waterproof, illuminating even the darkest corner of your boat, and a critical tool in any backpack. A gopro fishing setup is also a great gift for any angler.
20. Lampelc Camping Keychain
With everything virtual these days, a keychain isn’t exactly the most exciting of gifts. However, the Lampelc Camping Keychain is not your average keychain. Ultra-lightweight, this handy keychain is fitted with a bottle opener, flint/metal fire starter, and a carabiner for ease and efficiency.
21. YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
The YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler is the latest Roadie 24 model to make this gift guide. The smallest of the hard coolers, the Roadie 24 keeps cans and wine bottles cold.
Boasting a new, quick-latch lock for one-handed, easy access, an easy-carry handle for those who need more than two hands at the end of a long day, and is slimmer and taller than other models.
The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter, 20% larger, and 30% more efficient at insulating than previous models. Making it one of the best fishing coolers on the market.
22. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack offers maximum freedom of movement and is perfect for hands-free angling. Guaranteed waterproof and fully submersible, this essential accessory is built from a recycled, bombproof nylon base.
Designed for comfort and all-day wear, the Fishpond Backpack keeps technology and clothes dry and safe.
23. Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch
With a battery life of anywhere between 16 hours and 14 days (depending on usage), the Garmin Instinct watch is a must-have for those off-the-grid trips and is equipped with trackback data, smartphone compatibility, and GPS.
The Garmin Instinct’s built-in explore app also lets you plan your routes ahead of time, and is military-rated to 100 meters for thermal, shock, and water resistance.
The Instinct range features a display that is chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant, high contrast, and sunlight readable. Truly one of the best fishing watch on the market.
24. SIMMS Dry Creek Z Hip Pack
The SIMMS Dry Creek Z Hip pack is everything you’d expect from a fly fishing fanny pack and more. Used for technical targets and deep-end wading, this compact hip pack is completely waterproof and big enough to hold your fly tin and all your essentials.
The SIMMS Dry Creek Z Hip Pack is loaded with features, fully submersible, can be converted to a sling pack fly fishing, and comes fitted with a waterproof and self-healing zip for ultimate peace of mind on the water.
25. Orvis PRO Mens’ Underwader Pants
For added warmth against icy conditions, the Orvis PRO Men’s Underwater Pants are designed with an athletic fit and tapered legs. The high-pile fleece inner provides maximum comfort and warmth, and the lightweight stretch panel on the cuff-hem reduces bulk.
The rear zip boasts a security pocket, and the Orvis PRO Men’s Underwater Pants also include two hand-warming front pockets, two mesh side-zip vents, a full elastic waistband with belt loops, and a durable and water-repellent finish.
26. YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair
When you’ve got to sit all day, the chair you choose could make the world of difference. The new YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair is rated to be one of the most comfortable and durable camp chairs on the market.
This sturdy and roomy outdoor chair is backed by a three-year guarantee against defects. And for those wondering where to put their coffee, it also comes with a cup holder that makes it a great gift idea for avid fly fishermen and adventurers everywhere.
27. Simms Neoprene Wading Socks with Gravel Guard
When you still want the protection and grip of wading boots, but don’t feel like wearing them, the Simms Neoprene Socks with Gravel Guard offers a secure and comfortable fit that keeps out gravel and other debris found in water.
The fold-down gravel guards can also be attached to wading boot laces with hooks. Made with dense neoprene to minimize compression and foot ache on the footbed and softer neoprene uppers for comfort, great fit, and stretch when you need it.
28. Flyvines Recycled Fly Line Dog Accessories
For the pooch that just can’t stay out of the water, the Flyvines range of accessories for man’s best friend includes collars and leashes made from recycled fly lines, making them sustainable, and waterproof.
The Flyvines dog collar range is available in a wide selection of colors and sizes and can be custom-made to fit your pooch’s larger-than-average neck in a standard 5-day turnaround time. The Flyvines dog leash perfectly accessorizes the Flyvines dog collar and is available in either 3- or 6-ft lengths and ½- or ¼-in widths which are lightweight and suitable for all breeds and sizes.
29. Dr. Slick Tungsten Carbide Scissors Gift Set
Designed for modern, synthetic fly tying materials, the Dr. Slick Tungsten Carbide Scissors guarantee a clean cut every time to increase your fly-tying skills.
Tungsten carbide is seven times harder than stainless steel, can handle all types of tying materials, and holds an edge longer than conventional scissors.
The gift set consists of three Dr. Slick Tungsten Carbide Scissors for every fly-tying task and includes a transparent fly box. They also have curved fly-tying scissors so this would be a perfect gift for any angler.
30. The Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff
You’re never too young to start using a wading staff, and the Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff is the perfect excuse to spoil yourself.
A critical addition to your toolbox, this piece of equipment is specifically designed for fishing in fast-water streams with boulders and slick bottoms. Sporting a bungee-corded and collapsible design that folds to just 12-in and opens up with one hand, if necessary.
The Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff features a contoured EVA grip and wrist strap, ¾-in aluminum alloy tubing, and a carbide steel tip.
31. Loon Outdoors’ UV Fly Tying Kit
Moving from traditional cement to UV cures, finishes, and resins, the Loon UV Fly Tying Kit features a set of three thicknesses of UV resin for thick, thin, or ultra-thin flow that instantly cures with sunlight or UV light.
The Loon Kit is one of the best fly tying kit options in the market today. It includes a UV bench curing lamp, and of course, one of the best uv resin today, and various needle tips for precision-tying. Build fly heads and bodies with confidence.
32. The Yookee Home Neoprene Insulated Lunch Bag
Reusable, machine-washable, and waterproof, the Yookee Home Neoprene Insulated Lunch Bag is ideal for keeping your snacks and meals fresh all day.
Compact and durable, this lunch bag is insulated with a neoprene outer layer, and a double inner layer that is leak-proof, BPA-free, and PVC-free. The sturdy design with its easy-to-clean and dirt-resistant exterior is available in black, sized 11.5″ x 6″ x 11″ (LxWxH).
33. The Purpose-Designed Orvis Fly Fishing Lanyard
The modern angler demands tools within his reach and at his fingertips. The new purpose-designed Orvis Fly Fishing Lanyard features Molle-style webbing that lays flat against your body without twisting. Six paracord loops easy access to attach your tools.
This item ships basic, and allows for expansion by adding great fishing tools such as the Comfy Grip Forceps, Comfy Grip Nippers, and a Floatant Holder. The loaded lanyard also includes three spools of 30m SuperStrong Plus Tippet.
The Orvis Fly Fishing Lanyard is imported and comes with a built-in shirt clip to keep the lanyard out of your hands’ way.
34. Fire-Fast Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter Rod
This military-grade magnesium Fire-Fast Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter Rod can kick-start a fire even in the worst of weather conditions. The magnesium is easily scraped off with the striker and is ignited by sparks from the flint.
The hardwood handle is made of strong wood and has a very strong grip. The handle can be scraped for dry tinders in an emergency situation. The striker/scraper is made of hardened steel and is used to scrape the magnesium rod and hardwood handle with ease.
35. Smith Creek UV-Resistant Rig Keeper – Dropper Rig System
The Smith Creek Rig Keeper is an easy-to-use and practical fly leader storage system. It has exposed ribs that protect flies. This device keeps the rigs from hanging up in your pocket, tackle box, or clothing.
The device holds flies, fly hooks, and leaders securely, featuring cut-outs and slits for the hook and retention.
36.Thule Rodvault Fly Fishing Rod Carrier
This convenient Thule Rodvault Fly Fishing Rod Carrier can be mounted on top of any car roof rack. This kit includes anodized aluminum rod tubes and heavy duty glass-reinforced, nylon reel case for maximum reel protection.
The device holds 4 rods and can fit on virtually any roof rack. It has a lockable reel box that keeps your rods secure and the padding keeps the reels from being damaged. The elastic retention cord keeps the rods secure inside the carrier.
You can also make a DIY fly rod vault as a gift.
37. Fly and Field Rod, Reel & Tackle Travel Case
This Fly and Field Rod Travel Case is made from a durable synthetic material to resist adverse weather conditions. The case has different compartments which make it easy to store your rod, reel, and tackle.
The travel case has zippers to ensure your contents do not fall out. This travel case allows you to carry up to four rods and multiple reels along with you when getting to your next fishing destination. This is a perfect accessory for any fisherman’s expeditions.
38. Heegon Waterproof Underwater Digital Video Camera
The Heegon Waterproof Underwater Digital Video Camera for snorkeling is waterproof to a depth of 10ft and has no housing. The waterproof camera is a budget-friendly camera for taking pictures of fish underwater.
The camera takes high-quality photos and shoots in 12MP and can take videos at 1080p. The camera features a long battery life and can last up to 2.5 hours, is sturdy and water-resistant, and has a shockproof iron frame making it resistant to minor falls. This is considered as one of the best underwater cameras for fishing.
To wrap up… (get it?)
Whatever your budget or tastes, there is no shortage of great fly fishing gifts that will bring a smile to the angler in your life, and put a spring in their step and a twinkle in their eye. We hope this little guide was helpful. To be very honest, we’ve filled it with everything we’d personally like to find under the Christmas Tree, so you can rest assured that they’ve been hand-selected by a few excited anglers.
Insider Tip
A good start in researching awesome gifts for your loved one would be to snoop around in the Reddit fly fishing corners for the newest, most desirable gear. That’s where the pulse of the market is usually most accurate and up to date, and asking for advice there is never a bad idea. The fly fisher community on Reddit is full of incredibly knowledgeable and helpful people, so go ahead and ask away!
I really wanted to construct a comment to be able to say thanks to you for all of the awesome guides you are sharing at this website!
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I as well as my buddies were found to be taking note of the nice recommendations from your web blog and so suddenly got an awful feeling I had not thanked you for them.
Great product recommendations for fishing gifts. I particularly love the multitool, light, and tackle case. Should definitely be handy on long fishing and boating trips.