Trying to buy gifts for a fly angler is tough. Most just buy whatever it is they want or need when they want or need it! Unless you know a lot about how they fish or what gear they have buying a rod, reel, or even flies can be really tough. Worse still you can be misguided to buy something expensive! There are a lot of things that fly anglers will always want or need that they may not buy themselves. Things that maybe they wouldn’t normally treat themselves too or didn’t know they even needed yet! I teamed up with Tania and Scott from Grand River Outfitting and Fly Shop in Fergus Ontario to put together some great last minute gift ideas for fly anglers!
The Gift Every Fly Angler Needs – Fly Box
Buying flies for an angler is a tall task to take on! You have to know what species they target. Where and when they target them. If they like to fish dries, nymphs, or streamer flies. Knowing all that you might be able to narrow it down to a couple hundred fly options. But what is one thing all fly anglers need? A place to put all of those flies they use! A fly box is something every fly angler carries with them no matter where they fish.
The Tacky Original Fly Box is a workhorse bug holder. They boast a signature silicone anchoring pad that holds flies tighter, won’t absorb water, will withstands extreme temperature swings, and won’t get torn up by sharp hook points. The durable, shatter-resistant constructions they are known for got an upgrade to recycled polycarbonate, so you can feel good about reducing your waste footprint while you are at it. So many reasons this is a great last minute gift idea for fly anglers.
Something To Remind Them Of You – A Net
They may already have a net, they may not. But a nice net is a work of art. They are also essential to a safe and fast landing. Plus there is the added bonus that every time they go to land a fish they will be reminded of you. Check out these beautiful nets from Fishpond. The best accessory to go along with a net is a magnetic holder/release like this Dr. Slick model.
A Gift They Didn’t Know They Wanted – Combo Pliers
Once you land your fish the next step is unhooking that fish. A good set of pliers is an essential tool on the water. Locking hemostats are one of the best options for delicate fly hooks. That is why these made our list as a great last minute gift idea for fly anglers.
These locking combo hemostats from Dr. Slick combine two things anglers always need on the water. Plus one feature most anglers don’t realize they need until they need it! Locking pliers at the tip, cutters in the back, and behind the hinge an eye buster to open the eyes on over lacquered flies. The colours also add a little flair so when people ask where they got the pliers they can say “it was a gift!”
Something Small – Nippers and a Retractable Leash
Having nippers handy to cut line is a life saver on the water. Unlike hemostats, these Dr. Slick XBC Nippers are small and can be used with a pinch. They are much faster than cutters or hemostats with thumb and finger holes.
A retractable lanyard, like the Simms Retractor, is a great little stocking stuffer for that fly angler on your list. It can attach to their vest with the built in pin or get tucked into a pocket. The clip end attaches to things like nippers, pliers, a fly box or anything you want to keep close at hand. It is an easy last minute gift idea for a fly angler, and something any angler would use!
Protection in Style with these Gifts for Fly Anglers
We might be biased here, but a Live 2 Fish flat bill cap not only keeps the sun outta their eyes and off their head…but it looks cool on ’em too! The Splash Series T’s show off their love of fish and the Simms Neck Gaiter will keep them from getting sunburnt during the dog days of summer.
Keep ’em Warm On and Off The Water
Fishing doesn’t always happen in the summer and for Canadians and anglers in the Northern States, that means keeping warm is just part of the game. Keeping your hands, feet, head and core warm is the trick and we have you covered!
The Simms Merino Lightweight sock is perfect for early spring and late fall when it is cold but not freezing yet. It will keep you warm without getting you sweaty. We all know getting sweaty when it is cold out is the beginning of the end!
The Simms GORE-TEX lnfinium™ flex gloves offer a trap door to get your fingers out so you can retie without having to take your gloves entirely off! The GORE-TEX material base will wick away moisture and keep moisture out for a long day of warm hands!
Be it on the water or just wanting to stay warm every day, the Live 2 Fish Pom-Pom Touque is perfectly accompanied by the Rainbow Trout Splash Hoodie for that fly angler on your shopping list.
