Disclosure: None of these pieces feature affiliate links. If you purchase something, all proceeds go directly to supporting fly fishing artists and makers.
Fly fishing is fortunate enough to have countless talented artists and makers in the sport. Their work, from detailed art to handcrafted goods, captures every corner of the fly fishing world and just so happens to make excellent gifts. This holiday season, instead of guessing what fly fishing gear will make the perfect gift, choose a handmade gift any angler will be thankful for. To help you out, we compiled a list of some of our favorite artists and makers we’ve come across over the years. Just don’t wait until the last minute, as these gifts may be gone.
Artist Gifts:
Casey Underwood Prints
Casey Underwood is a Montana-based artist whose work has quickly risen to the top as one of the most recognizable illustrators in the space. Most notably, his species-inspired work covers over 100 fish and wildlife species that anglers and outdoor goers cherish. This holiday season, consider adding one of his prints to your collection. They’re available in several sizes and with or without a frame, so no matter your budget, there is an option for you.
Paul Puckett Prints and Tees
Charleston-based artist Paul Puckett is a true craftsman behind the brush. Growing up in Texas, he fell in love with fishing at a young age, and his artwork soon followed. These days, much of his work captures saltwater fly fishing’s favorite moments and makes a perfect gift for any angler and the salty obsessed. A few of our favorite options are his limited-edition saltwater prints and his Fishy Tees featuring a variety of artwork. For a truly personalized gift, Puckett also offers Catch and Release Paintings where he will recreate a memorable catch with a true-to-size artist rendition.
Alexandra Nicole Prints
Alexandra Nicole is a Georgia-based artist from the small island called St. Simon. From a young age, she drew inspiration from the natural world, even becoming a biologist before transitioning to full-time art. Today, her love of fly fishing and the outdoors inspires her incredible artwork. Her original artwork spans different species, fisheries, and landscapes. If you’re looking for a statement piece gift, we highly recommend checking out her artwork.
Steven Weinberg Books and Artwork
Few people love fly fishing, and its history runs as deep as Steven Weinberg. He’s built a life around fly fishing in the Catskills, the birthplace of American fly fishing. His unique style of art has graced the cover of Thomas McGuane’s The Longest Silence and has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And on top of all this, he’s a talented writer. His newest book, The Fly Fishing Book, features step-by-step instructions, advice from fly fishing legends like Tom Rosenbauer, and incredible illustrations done by Weinberg. If you’re looking for a great gift idea this fall, check out this book and his artwork.
Eric Estrada Artwork and Apparel
As a South Florida native, Eric Estrada grew up surrounded by local graffiti art, which served as a major inspiration for his unique style of artwork. Combined with bright, bold colors, his style and work are instantly recognizable. Estrada’s work covers practically every species from saltwater to freshwater—if you can think of it, there’s a good chance he’s painted it. This holiday season, check out some of his prints and apparel featuring his bold style, or consider signing up for his print club and get monthly prints for just $59.99 a month.
David Danforth
David Danforth, known as the “King of Color,” has a knack for utilizing bold colors and lines to bring the species we love to life in his art. From prints to graphic tees, he has a variety of pieces available that make excellent gifts, but one we can’t help but drool over is his neon art. His collection of neon signs blends his signature style of art with bright neon lines, making them a truly unique piece on your wall. If you’re looking for a gift that really pops, look no further.
Eric Hinkley
Eric Hinkley is a Philadelphia-based artist who spent his whole life in the Pennsylvania outdoors, and his art reflects that. Whether it’s an illustration of a PA brook trout or a detailed rendition of wood ducks flying by, Hinkley’s work somehow captures the spirit of the Northeast effortlessly. His illustrations and designs are available on a number of graphic tees, patches, and prints, so no matter what your budget is, there’s an artist-inspired gift for you.
Drew Wilson
Drew Wilson, known as “DrewLR,” draws inspiration for his artwork from his tattooing, creating an instantly recognizable style no matter what he is creating. Based in Arkansas, his artwork ranges from brown trout renditions to custom skateboard decks, all in his signature style. If you’re looking for an outside-the-box gift this holiday season, we highly recommend diving into Wilson’s current collection. He truly has something for every angler.
Makers Gifts:
Seth Patterson
Seth Patterson’s unique style blends art with taxidermy in a way we never thought possible. He does this by combining textiles from Pendleton Woolen Mills with replica fish mounts, making a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Whether you’re looking for a cool way to memorialize a memorable catch or a statement piece on the wall, it’s hard to go wrong with anything Patterson creates. For commissions, reach out to Patterson, as all his pieces are one-of-a-kind projects.
Ross Curington
Ross Curington takes fish art to another level with his detailed carvings of various species. Although his work may look like a replica fish mount, there are no molds used here. Everything he does is painstakingly carved and painted by hand, often from a piece of cypress wood. To see more of his artwork and commission your own piece, check him out on Instagram.
Martin Gerdin
If you know someone who loves fish art, then it may be time to think outside the box. That’s where glass artist Martin Gerdin comes into play. He has dedicated his life to glass art, creating realistic fish species art by hand. From trout to carp, and everything in between, Gerdin’s art brings these species to life with incredible detail. Check out his current glass pieces available in his store for a next-level gift.
Cory Routh (Ruthless Handmade)
Cory Routh, better known as Ruthless Handmade on Instagram, is making some of the coolest functional artwork we have ever seen. As a skilled leatherworker, he carves and dyes custom artwork for leather fishing pliers. Whether you’re looking for a fish-themed piece or something more personal, we highly recommend ditching the factory plier sheath for a custom piece you’ll be proud to wear.
Travis Luther
Travis Luther is a Florida native who’s made a name for himself painting custom bags. While he does a variety of other art, his bread and butter is bringing to life epic fish and wildlife scenes on YETI bags. For a fly fishing enthusiast, this means they can get a piece of truly epic art that also serves as functional fishing gear. What better gift to get someone who is always out fishing?
Tim Johnson
Tom Johnson is a talented fly fishing artist, and one of his pieces stands out for the fly fishing enthusiast. His Timmy Grips are custom cork handle grips for your favorite fly rods. Each one is hand-burned and colored to your specifications, wrapping around the length of the cork. Whether it’s a favorite rod or a piece that will become a family heirloom, we can’t recommend these grips enough.
Flylords Artist Reel Case
Our last piece of gear is actually the first-ever Flylords physical product, made in partnership with three of our favorite artists mentioned earlier (Eric Hinkley, Drew Wilson, and Eric Estrada). These cases are available in three sizes for a variety of reels and target species, each with accompanying artwork. For a stylish way to protect your reel, pick one up for the holidays.
