Welcome to the ultimate guide on the best fly fishing gifts for anglers! Whether you’re a seasoned angler yourself or a clueless friend hunting for a gift, this guide is for you. 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 practical and appreciated gear you can gift to the special fly fisherman in your life.
If you’re a fly fisherman, you can use this list as a great way to guide your friends and family to find the perfect gift for you. Conversely, if you know nothing about fishing, you can easily find a gift in this list that aligns with your budget and will be cherished by the angler in your life.
The Best Fly Fishing Gifts
Our team, boasting over 50 years of collective fly fishing experience, has curated the best fly fishing gifts that any angler would appreciate. First, consider your budget and if the recipient has hinted at anything specific, then use this list to narrow down your selection. Here are the best fly fishing gifts:
1. Fly Fishing Gift Cards
Gift cards are a safe bet. Most fly fishermen maintain a well-stocked gear setup, so guessing what they need without giving the game away can be tricky. Fly fishing is a hobby that can sometimes get expensive, so a gift card to replenish their fly collection or invest in a new fly rod will certainly be appreciated.
2. Dr. Slick Nippers w/Pin, File & Knot Tyer
High-end nippers are invaluable for protecting teeth and lines! Our article on the best fly fishing nippers has more options, but this one will do the job perfectly and make a reliable companion for years to come.
3. BUFF Filter Mask
A BUFF Mask is one of the best fly fishing gift ideas in today’s health-conscious world. This mask, which can be worn all day to block the sun and wind, also features 3-layer replaceable and interchangeable filters to comply with local regulations.
4. History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies – Ian Whitelaw
Ian Whitelaw’s beautifully illustrated book, History of Fly Fishing, is the perfect gift for days when the angler can’t go out. We have other brilliant fly fishing books to choose from if a historical book isn’t quite their style.
5. Allen Gallatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest
This lightweight fishing vest from Allen Company is essential for carrying all the necessary tools and trinkets. It allows for a full range of motion, making it perfect for summer fishing trips.
Check out our list of the best fishing life vests here.
6. Leatherman Free Multitool
A Leatherman Multitool is a staple for any outdoorsman. It’s invaluable for any dedicated outdoorsman and a must-have in any survival scenario.
7. Avantik Large Fly Box
The Aventik fly box is famous for its practicality. With double-sided compartments for dry and wet flies, it’s easy to open and close even with wet, cold hands.
8. Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack
The Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack is a highly sought-after item. In the 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
For the avid fly fisher, especially one passionate about fly-tying, this is a breathtaking piece of equipment. Its 360-degree rotation allows quick tying without having to remove the hook, leading to more time for what matters most: 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 essential gear set, featuring a beautiful brown gold dip, has it all.
11. Costa del Mar Tuna Alley
These world-class sunglasses offer the highest levels of protection and clarity. Featuring world-class polarization, scratch-proof mirrored glass, and numerous other tech credentials, these are the pinnacle of fishing sunglasses.
12. Orvis Men’s Pro Wading Jacket
This is top-tier gear with no compromises. With a 20K Waterproofness and 15K Breathability rating, this jacket will keep you dry and warm even in the harshest weather. The recipient will surely be overjoyed with this outstanding fly fishing wading jacket.
13. Dry Bag
For the adventurous fly fisher, a world-class dry bag is an excellent gift. It’s been tested in various conditions and has proven to be impenetrable. It’s excellent for any camping or wilderness trip and will keep their belongings safe and dry.
14. Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent Lightweight
The Featherstone tent is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Comfortable, spacious, and weather-resistant, it’s a functional option for the angler who enjoys a weekend by their favorite waters.
15. Korkers BuckSkin Wading Boot
These boots are designed to brave treacherous river bottoms. They feature the OmniTrax 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System, which allows the addition of another layer of sole material for tough or slippery terrains.
Here are some other Korkers shoes you might want to consider.
16. Sage X Fly Fishing Rods
Owning a Sage rod is a rite of passage for many fly fishermen. The Sage X series is among the best fly rods on the market. It’s lightweight, flawlessly designed, and built to last. Sage’s KonneticHD Technology makes casting almost effortless, making the Sage X Fly Rod one of the best fly fishing gift ideas out there!
17. O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder
The O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder is a handy tool that frees up your hands when you’re fly fishing. It easily attaches to your wading belt or waist bag, and just about anywhere else.
18. The Yeti 26 oz Reusable Chug Cap water bottle
The Yeti 26 oz Reusable Chug Cap water bottle, made with 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, is rust- and puncture-resistant. It features a “No Sweat” dry hands outer wrap and is safe to use in dishwashers. Plus, it’s 100% leak-proof!
19. GoPro Zeus Mini Light
The GoPro Zeus Mini Light is a must-have for early mornings and low-light situations. It’s hands-free and waterproof, making it a critical tool for any angler.
20. Lampelc Camping Keychain
In our virtual world, a keychain might not seem like the most thrilling gift. However, the Lampelc Camping Keychain is far from ordinary. This lightweight gadget comes equipped with a bottle opener, a flint/metal fire starter, and a carabiner for convenience and efficiency.
21. YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
The YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler is the latest Roadie 24 model to make our gift guide. The smallest of the hard coolers, the Roadie 24 is perfect for keeping cans and wine bottles chilled. It boasts a quick-latch lock for easy, one-handed access, an easy-carry handle for those tiring days, and is slimmer and taller than other models. This cooler is 10% lighter, 20% larger, and 30% more efficient at insulating than its predecessors.
22. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack offers the ultimate freedom of movement, making it perfect for hands-free angling. Waterproof and fully submersible, this essential accessory is constructed from a recycled, robust nylon base. Designed for comfort and extended wear, it keeps your tech and clothing dry and safe.
23. Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch
The Garmin Instinct watch, with a battery life ranging from 16 hours to 14 days depending on usage, is a must-have for off-grid trips. It boasts trackback data, smartphone compatibility, and GPS. You can plan your routes ahead of time using the Garmin Instinct’s built-in explore app.
Plus, it’s military-rated to 100 meters for thermal, shock, and water resistance. The Instinct range has a chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant, high contrast, and sunlight readable display. It’s truly one of the best fishing watches on the market.
24. SIMMS Dry Creek Z Hip Pack
The SIMMS Dry Creek Z Hip pack is much more than your average fly fishing fanny pack. Ideal for technical targets and deep-end wading, this compact hip pack is completely waterproof and spacious enough to hold your fly tin and all other essentials. Packed with features, fully submersible, and convertible into a sling pack for fly fishing, it comes fitted with a waterproof and self-healing zip for ultimate peace of mind while on the water.
25. Orvis PRO Mens’ Underwader Pants
For extra warmth against icy conditions, the Orvis PRO Men’s Underwader Pants are designed with an athletic fit and tapered legs. The high-pile fleece interior provides maximum comfort and warmth, and the lightweight stretch panel on the cuff-hem reduces bulk. The pants also feature a rear zip security pocket, two hand-warming front pockets, two mesh side-zip vents, a full elastic waistband with belt loops, and a durable, water-repellent finish.
26. YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair
When you’re going to be sitting all day, the chair you choose can make all the difference. The new YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair is considered one of the most comfortable and durable camp chairs on the market. This sturdy and roomy outdoor chair comes with a three-year guarantee against defects. Plus, it includes a cup holder, which is a great addition for avid fly fishermen and adventurers everywhere.
27. Simms Neoprene Wading Socks with Gravel Guard
When you want the protection and grip of wading boots but don’t feel like wearing them, the Simms Neoprene Socks with Gravel Guard offer a secure and comfortable fit that keeps out gravel and other debris found in the 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 dog 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 dog’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, making it 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 enhance 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 includes three Dr. Slick Tungsten Carbide Scissors for every fly-tying task, along with a transparent fly box. It’s a perfect gift for any angler.
30. The Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff
No matter your age, using a wading staff can be a great help, and the Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. An essential addition to your toolbox, this piece of equipment is specifically designed for fishing in fast-water streams with boulders and slick bottoms. It features a bungee-corded, collapsible design that folds to just 12 inches and can be opened with one hand if necessary. The Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff features a contoured EVA grip and wrist strap, ¾-inch aluminum alloy tubing, and a carbide steel tip.
31. Loon Outdoors’ UV Fly Tying Kit
Transitioning 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 on the market today.
It includes a UV bench curing lamp, and one of the best UV resins available today, along with 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 throughout the 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 features an easy-to-clean, dirt-resistant exterior and is available in black, sized 11.5″ x 6″ x 11″ (LxWxH).
33. The Purpose-Designed Orvis Fly Fishing Lanyard
The modern angler needs tools within reach and at their fingertips. The new purpose-designed Orvis Fly Fishing Lanyard features Molle-style webbing that lays flat against your body without twisting. Six paracord loops provide easy access for attaching your tools. This item ships basic and allows for expansion by adding useful 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 way.
34. Fire-Fast Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter Rod
This military-grade magnesium Fire-Fast Emergency Waterproof Survival Fire Starter Rod can start a fire even in the toughest 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 solid wood and provides a strong grip. In an emergency, the handle can be scraped for dry tinders. 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 a simple-to-use, 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 securely holds flies, fly hooks, and leaders, 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 a heavy-duty glass-reinforced, nylon reel case for maximum reel protection. It holds four rods and can fit virtually any roof rack. It features a lockable reel box that keeps your rods secure and padding that prevents damage to the reels. 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 features different compartments, making it easy to store your rod, reel, and tackle. The travel case has zippers to ensure your contents do not fall out. It 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 does not require a housing. This budget-friendly camera is perfect 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 one of the best underwater cameras for fishing.
Wrapping Up…
There is a plethora of fantastic fly fishing gifts that will delight the angler in your life. We hope this guide was helpful. In all honesty, we’ve filled it with everything we’d personally like to find under the Christmas Tree. So, you can be sure 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 desired gear. That’s where you’ll find the most accurate and up-to-date pulse of the market. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice there; the fly fisher community on Reddit is full of incredibly knowledgeable and helpful people.
Final Note
Feel free to download our series of fly fishing books below. They’ll provide you with a wealth of knowledge and skills in fly fishing. Happy Fishing!
4 thoughts on “The 38 Best Fly Fishing Gifts – Anglers Gift Guide”
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!
Thank you for your own efforts on this site. You’re the one performing a fantastic job.
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.