The Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide 2024

Buying gifts for anglers can be a tricky task. Whether you’re a participant or unfamiliar with the sport, picking the perfect gift is often an intimidating and sometimes stressful endeavor as each angler possesses a unique taste. That being said, we here at Flylords wanted to take the guesswork out of the process and deliver you the Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide for 2024.

For holiday gift ideas, check out our Holiday Gift Guide HERE.

How to choose (for non-anglers)

When it comes to finding a gift for the angler in your life, it feels like there are a million options. So, when trying to find the perfect gift, focus on the person you’re buying for, not an exact item or brand. If they are someone who always seems to be outside of an airport terminal, focus on a gift that embodies travel, such as a backpack or rain jacket. If they’re more of a weekend warrior, consider smaller gifts like a water bottle built to last or a cool hoodie. By matching the lifestyle of the person you’re buying for, as opposed to their estimated taste, you’re far more likely to find the perfect present they didn’t even know they needed. (But just in case, it never hurts to save the receipt)

Finally, remember that sometimes it’s better to think little! Whether it’s a holiday or just a token of gratitude, sometimes a hat, shirt, or replacement tool ends up being the gift that means the most. Not everyone needs something big and flashy. Plenty of times, just the simple reminder of knowing you care is more than enough. Below you’ll find our favorite gifts in our Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide. 

Contents

Quick and Easy gifts

Gifts Under $100

Gifts $100-300

Gifts $300 and Over

Handmade & Personalized Gifts

Gift Cards & Memberships

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Quick and Easy Gifts

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BUFF is known for its versatile headwear, which can be worn in various ways to provide protection and comfort during outdoor activities. The design is printed on high-quality CoolNet UV fabric, is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, and is made from recycled plastic water bottles, making it ideal for outdoor use. The Lazs Grey color is one of our favorites. It goes with everything, is cooling, and protects you from the sun.

 

Duck Camp has taken the hat game by storm with its Game Series hats. From fish, dogs, ducks, and more, each hat features a different critter. Our personal favorite at the moment is the tarpon. If your angler is a hat fanatic looking to up their game, a Game Series hat is a classy addition that lets others know, “I like to fish.”

 

The Shallow MagPad Fly Puck offers a compact and efficient storage solution for flies, featuring a magnetic bottom that keeps them securely in place. Its shallow design allows for easy access and retrieval, while inset channels on the top and bottom enable stacking and organizing multiple pucks. Constructed from durable TPU material, this reusable container can accommodate flies of various sizes along with other essentials like split shot, rigging accessories, and tippet. The MagPad Fly Puck ensures convenient, organized storage for all your on-river needs.

 

Yeti’s Yonder Bottles hit the scene last year and quickly became an angler’s best friend. The Yonder 1L is a lightweight option for staying hydrated on the water. Paired with the Screw Cap, it’s easy to open and drink from. If your angler is tired of lugging heavy insulated bottles around, consider the Yeti Yonder, and don’t forget to add a few stickers for customization.

 

Every angler relies on a pair of sunglasses on the water. They are a crucial tool and an investment. Protecting that investment with a Chums Retainer is a must. The Slim Silicone Retainer is a lightweight, soft, and durable retainer with adjustments. We wear them with every pair of shades, keeping our glasses from falling off our hats and into the water.

 

What better gift to get the fly fishing obsessed than apparel from the American Museum of Fly Fishing? The museum is responsible for preserving the history of fly fishing and supporting its future. The Logo Long Sleeve Tee is a comfortable and subtle tee with the AMFF logo placed on the chest. This is one piece of clothing we always pack in our travels to represent the fly fishing community.

 

Whether you’re taking a float trip down the river or going for a Friday evening wading session, the right beverage can make your day that much more enjoyable, especially if you’re not catching fish. Dale’s Pale Ale is among our favorite waterside beverages. The combination of caramel and piney hop flavors makes for a sweet, tangy, and refreshing beer. If you’re not quite sure what to get your angler, you can’t go wrong with a few beers.

 

Have you seen our merch line? Maybe you should take a look at it… Here at Flylords we take fashion to the next level. Introducing the new White Cord Embroidered Hat. Take a look at our full store by clicking HERE. 

 

If you want the ultimate in stealth, strength, and notability, look no further than the Airflo Premium Fluorocarbon Tippet. Manufactured in Japan to precise specifications, this low-visibility, 100% fluorocarbon tippet not only exhibits incredible tensile strength and superior abrasion resistance but also knots easily for consistent, reliable performance. If you or a loved one needs new tippet, be sure to check out the Airflo Premium Fluorocarbon tippet.

 

You can never have enough of strike indicators when you’re trout fishing. Introducing the Oros Strike Indicators, this design allows a clean setup for rigging your indicator on your leader without kinking. So, if you get into rising fish, you won’t have to worry about straightening your leader, nor will you have to experience a damaged leader before rigging up dry flies. The reason why we love the Oros indicators is because you can adjust them to the appropriate water depth without fully taking them off. Simply loosen the two halves and slide them up or down your leader for the appropriate water depth. We also love these indicators because you can mix and match the different colors if there is bad glare. Take a look at the Oros indicators, unless you prefer throwing meat or claim to be a dry fly purist.

 

 

The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is a durable, versatile, and high-performing blanket that is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities and environments. Its puffy design, synthetic insulation, and water-repellent coating make it an excellent choice for staying warm and comfortable in cold and damp conditions, while its stylish design and snap loops make it easy to use and transport. This is a great piece to give a non-angler to keep in your car or truck for the next campfire you and your friends have after a day of fishing.

 

Don’t use a hunting app to go fishing… The onWater App gives you exclusive access to different fishing locations, public fishing spots, and the best part: when you don’t have service, you can download maps directly to your phone so you know exactly where you are. You’re floating? No sweat. Don’t come across a hefty rapid without proper direction; the onWater App will notify you, giving you time to prepare and read your line before entering big waves, trains, and technical rapids. The onWater App offers an annual subscription of $39.99, giving you great access to accurate and interactive fishing maps, local fly shops, real-time weather data, and all the tools you need to get out on the water. If you’re interested in the onWater App, be sure to check out our “behind the brand” article by clicking HERE.

 

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Gifts under $100

Western wear is in style and the Schaefer RangeTek Western Guide Shirt is a looker. Available in seven colors, these shirts blend classic styling with modern materials. Breathable and moisture-wicking wicking, they are just at home on the water as they are in town.

 

Earlier this year, Umpqua released their all-new pack line. Offering three different variations, the Northfork collection of bags is available in a sling, waist, and chest pack. A Flylords favorite for when we head out on the water to wade fish, the sling pack has been an excellent bag for organizing all our needs, whether that’s tippet, leaders, large and small fly boxes, and even specific compartments for floatant and forceps. If you’re looking into a wade bag that you can trust, take a look at what Umpqua has to offer and check out our in-depth ‘First Look’ and ‘Gear Lab’ video!

 

Anglers love the nostalgic feel of fishing in a button-down. The Simms Big Sky Fishing Shirt delivers just that but with the added benefits of modern technical apparel. Available in four colors, there are options for anyone. Each shirt features moisture-wicking technology, UPF 50, vented back panels, and classic western styling.

 

Grundens, relatively new to the fly fishing space, has released some awesome apparel, outerwear, waders, and gear for the avid angler. A Flylords fan favorite from Grundens is their Fish Finder Sandals; not to get too specific, since they are just flip-flops, but these flops have been an excellent edition for float fishing, and once you take off your waders from a day wade fishing. Made with SeaDek, these flip-flops are comfortable and provide great support for days of finding fish. 

 

It’s no secret that Free Fly makes the comfiest sun hoodies on the market. The Shade series is no different. Featuring a mix of bamboo and polyester, these hoodies are ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, and UPF 50 rated. Free Fly offers this hoodie in a plethora of colors–lately, we’ve been leaning towards vintage camo. Added thumbholes in the sleeves double as hand protection when the sun is high and you need extra protection. 

 

Marsh Wear is a fishing and lifestyle brand for salt-obsessed anglers. Available in two old-school camo patterns, we couldn’t help but add these to our wardrobe. After a summer of fishing, these shorts check all the boxes for quality fishing shorts. They are lightweight, breathable, and wick moisture like no other. Whether wade fishing, standing on the bow of the boat, or hanging out after a day on the water, these shorts do it all. 

 

The Orvis Sun Defense UPF Hoodie provides exceptional sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating and anti-NIR yarn that reflects heat to keep you cool. Its quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric promotes evaporative cooling and features OutSmart® Fresh odor control for multiple wears between washes. The hoodie is designed with integrated thumb loops and stretch binding around the hood to ensure secure sun protection for your hands and head. Its ultralight, breathable material and active fit make it perfect for enduring scorching, sun-filled days comfortably.

If you’ve never fished with a wading staff, it might be time to give it a try. A quality wading staff opens up access to other wade fishing spots and keeps your feet planted so you stay dry. Our favorite is the Hareline Folding Wading Staff. Its intuitive design folds up and out of the way for when you don’t need it. When you do, simply pull it out and watch it unfold. The comfortable cork grip balances out the package and makes for an excellent addition to any angler’s kit. 

 

Do you know an obsessed striped bass angler who is always looking to learn more? Then there is no better book than Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass. This all-encompassing book is an extensive collection of tips, tricks, and gear needed to consistently fool large striped bass. 

 

Riversmith’s newest line, The Convoy Collection, offers just about anything an angler may need in terms of bags. Want to know more? Check out our deep dive HERE. One of our favorite bags is the PackOut Bag. This small bag is the perfect companion for a quick fishing trip with minimal gear. You can store fly boxes, tippet spools, floatant, and more in the main compartment. Designated tool attachment points keep you organized and prepared for the day ahead. Our favorite feature is the expandable and removable trash bag, hence the name. This little bag gives you a dedicated space to store trash and leave the water cleaner than you found it.

 

Whistlepig has a knack for making exceptional whiskey, and the Piggyback 100% Rye Whiskey is no exception. Notes of cinnamon, peppercorn, tangerine, and grapefruit make this a well-balanced Rye bursting with flavor. Mix it in cocktails or serve it on the rocks for a bold flavor worthy of any whiskey lover. What better way to wind down after a long day on the water?

 

Is your furry friend always by your side? Then, a Gunner Dog Bowl may be the perfect gift. This bowl is overbuilt and over-engineered for days on the water. The Punchseal™ lid makes an airtight seal, keeping food or water in place even when upside down. Best of all, each dog bowl can be personalized with the name of your dog. Next time you’re on the water, be prepared with the Gunner Dog Bowl. And if you want to know the best fly fishing dog breeds, we’ve got you covered.

 

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Gifts $100-300

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The Wrangler Kit is your ultimate partner for fly fishing adventures, whether you’re targeting local trout, backyard pan fish, or wild Alaskan salmon. This versatile kit comes in six sizes—Pond (4wt), Trout (5wt), Trout XL (6wt), Bass (7wt), Salmon (8wt), and Saltwater (8wt)—and includes a durable Crosswater reel, dacron backing, RIO Mainstream fly line, and RIO tapered leader. Each 4-piece rod offers flexibility and portability, making it easy to tackle various fishing environments. With the Wrangler Kit, you’re equipped to chase the thrill of open water freedom and achieve fly fishing success.

 

VSSL Gear is a Vancouver-based company whose goal is to make your time in the outdoors more enjoyable. Their newest launch, the Nest Pour Over Kit, is a modular coffee system that allows you to have a quality cup of joe wherever you are. It features two mugs, a V60 pour-over, a grinder, and a reusable mesh filter in one package. Pair it with your favorite beans and hot water for coffee on the go. As self-proclaimed coffee aficionados, this is one piece of gear we won’t leave home without.

 

Voormi has crafted one of the lightest, full-cover merino hoodies that isn’t your ordinary base layer or sun shirt. Made with precision-blended wool, this lightweight shirt wicks away sweat while keeping you protected from UV, wind, or that morning chill. Built-in hidden thumbholes and a buttoned, full-cover hood add extra comfort and adaptability to transform this from a fishing shirt into a fashionable exception, allowing for an all-day, casual everyday shirt.

 

The Benchmade Intersect is part of the new Water Collection, designed specifically for anglers. It is a small fixed blade with a versatile sheath and the perfect addition for adventurous anglers. It’s paired with a CPM Magnacut blade to prevent corrosion and hold an edge better than anything we’ve used in the past. Best of all, it is made in Oregon and comes with a lifetime warranty.

 

Getting into fly tying? Check out this fly tying kit Loon Outdoors put together. If you’re just starting off on the vice, this is a great kit to get you tying in seconds. In this kit, you’ll find ten different tools, all you need, and more. One thing we like about this kit is that it comes in a hard case. Once you’re down twisting some flies up, put them away neatly and take them onto your next adventure.

 

Costa’s newest frame, the Grand Catalina, is actually a redesign of the original Grand Cats worn by fly fishing legends Stu Apte, Flip Pallot, and more. These stylish and technical glasses come with removable side shields, added ventilation, and sweat drain grooves to maximize performance. Our favorite lens, the Gold Mirror, is just as at home on a small trout stream as it is on the tarpon flats.

 

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Gifts $300 and Over

Dry fly fishing for selective risers on technical rivers, spring creeks, and stillwaters requires a specialized rod, tuned for sophisticated trout. Your tool of choice demands a smooth-loading action capable of delivering precise casts with ninja stealth, while maintaining enough authority to turn over long leaders in the wind, mend with total control, and produce positive hooksets at distance. The new St. Croix Technica series answers the call of PhD-level trout fishing. With lengths and line, sizes dialed for hunting heads everywhere from wide, windswept rivers to intimate limestones, Technica is a must-have stick for the trickiest of trout fishing situations.

 

If your angler loves to tie flies, chances are they’ve dreamed of a Dyna-King Vise. Known for making the best American-made tying vises, these are truly a generational gift. The Barracuda Deluxe features full rotary capabilities, a bobbin holder, six adjustment points, and can hold hooks from size 32 to 8/0. This is one gift you can be sure your angler will be thrilled to open.

 

If you’re looking to spice up your photography on the water, look no further than the GoPro HERO 12 Black. This camera is a perfect addition to your fishing pack; it is completely waterproof up to 33 feet and shoots 5.3K60 + 2.7K240 video with megapixel stills from video. The best thing about this camera is how tough it is. Don’t drop your expensive DSLR, mirrorless camera, or phone into the water ever again with the GoPro HERO 12 Black camera.

 

Hardy is synonymous with fly fishing, and the Marquis is a timeless classic. It is part of Hardy’s Heritage line of reels–revamping classics into functional works of art. With updated styling, improved drag, and additional porting, this reel looks like the original, with modern features anglers expect in their reels. Retro is in style, and the Marquis is the perfect way to pay homage to fly fishing’s roots. 

 

The Turtlebox Audio Gen 2 Speaker is a high-performance, portable speaker designed for outdoor use. The speaker is housed in a durable, waterproof case that can withstand exposure to water, dust, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, the speaker is shock-resistant and can withstand impacts and drops. The Turtlebox Audio Gen 2 Speaker is also designed to deliver powerful, high-quality sound. Not only does the speaker have great sound, but the battery life is incredible. This speaker is fully rechargeable and provides up to 50 hours of continuous playback time, so users can enjoy music all day without worrying about running out of power. We love this speaker for evening campfires, enjoying tunes floating down the river (quietly), and for its durability.

 

The Ross Animas is a go-to at Flylords. Its blend of styling and functionality is simply too good to pass up. It is available in sizes ranging from 4 to 8-weight and three colors. Our personal favorite is the Matte Olive. The large arbor design, improved drag system, and canvas phenolic handle round out this package. If you really want to go all out, check out the limited edition Coors x Ross Reels Animas.

 

The Sea Run Riffle Gear Case is a high-quality storage case designed for anglers to keep their gear organized and protected while traveling or even on the water. The case is made from a tough, water-resistant, patented double-wall composite that will protect gear from moisture and rain, ensuring that it stays dry in wet conditions and safe from impact. One component we love about the Sea Run Riffle Gear Case is that it is TSA-compliant for travel, having three combination locks to keep your gear safe and secure. The case is designed to hold a variety of fishing gear, up to three fly rods (4 piece – 11 foot), including fly boxes, leaders, tippet spools, and other accessories. For the angler that has it all, this one is the perfect travel companion.

 

Gloomis has a reputation for building some of the most technically advanced rods. This stems from Gary Loomis, the legendary rod designer who started it all. The IMX-Pro V2 is the middle price point rod from Gloomis. But, make no mistake this rod’s performance and quality components translate to any fishery. We have fished both the 9ft 5-wt and 9ft 8-wt from everything from trout to redfish. The rods are accurate, lightweight, and powerful, delivering flies on demand. For an exceptional rod at a budget-friendly price, look no further than the IMX V2. 

 

While relatively new to US markets, Guideline has a cult-like following in Canada and beyond, especially amongst Spey anglers. They build premium rods and reels are designed to tame big water and powerful fish. The ULS 2.0 Switch is available in 5 to 8-wt configurations for everything from trout to steelhead. It’s an easy rod to learn the art of spey casting, delivering consistent and crisp casts. Whether new to spey fishing or a seasoned veteran, the Guideline ULS 2.0 Switch will serve you well.

 

If you are an angler looking to tackle new challenges, interested in float fishing, and don’t want to go through the hassle of building a fly fishing raft on your own, check out the new NRS Approach 120 Raft. This packaged deal includes everything you need to get out on the water and float. The NRS Approach, 120 in the 12′ foot model, is offered in either a standard or deluxe package. One thing we specifically love about the Approach series from NRS is the design. One of the most annoying parts of float fishing is catching your line on D-Rings, valves, and other snag points. NRS has eliminated many of these components with their Approach and Slipstream series of fishing rafts, and have deliberately placed these points so you don’t end up catching your line in the fishiest water. Not only has the Approach 120 been a workhorse for our team, but this boat was made to access waters others wouldn’t think, and you don’t need a trailer. If you’re interested in getting into float fishing, check out the latest and greatest HERE from NRS and keep the Approach in mind. 

 

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Handmade & Personalized Gifts

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Are you looking at spicing up your jewelry box or want to give someone a thoughtful handmade gift? Sight Line Provisions offers a lot of different pieces to keep you in fashion. One of our favorites here at Flylords is the Sight Line Provisions bracelets. In this model, we introduce the Sight Line Provisions Dry Fly to you. This piece is made from the best quality leather and stainless steel. One thing we love about Sight Line Provisions is the attention to detail. Each product is thoughtfully made and comes out looking great. This is always a crowd favorite of our fly fishing gift guide.

 

Spice up your fly tying room, or give Amanda Willshire a ring with one of her custom fish or logo sculptures. These jaw-dropping displays are completely custom-made out of steel and are made in the front range of Colorado. Whether you just caught your best brown trout or returned from the flats and caught a grand slam, be sure to share your story with Amanda; she can create something special for you! Check out our ‘Artist Spotlight’ with Amanda HERE!

 

One reel to rule them all. Hit the water with an all-new, customized Rove reel from Abel Reels. Abel enables any of their reels to be customized with a hand-painted finish that can be modified to incorporate over 89 different designs! Show someone you truly know them with the unique gift that will distinguish them from anyone on the water. The Abel Rove Reel is available in light 4-6 weight models and up to 12+ weight models for the saltwater angler.

 

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Gift Cards & Memberships

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Not all gifts have to come in boxes with ribbons. If you’re struggling to find the right gift for the guy who has it all, consider giving the gift of giving back. With over 300,000 members across the country, Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization responsible for preserving some of the most important trout waters in the US. Coming in at only $35, this is one of the most affordable gifts you can give, but one of the most meaningful.

 

Still can’t decide what to get the angler in your life? With the complexity of the fly-fishing market, we can’t blame you. Instead of losing sleep over it, just google your local fly shop’s website and look for a gift card option. This will save you the hassle of pondering over our fly fishing gift guide and be sure they hit the water prepared. Check out Blue Quill Angler for all your guide trips, fly tying materials, or just for a simple dozen flies. 

 

Final Thoughts:

Our Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide is designed to take the guess work out of gift giving. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a gift for someone you love this guide will set you up for success. Remember its not about giving the most expensive gift, but rather a gift that is meaningful to your angler. 

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