By Alice Tesar and Justin Pickett
If you are shopping for a fly fisher this year, G&G is your elf on the shelf.
Here is our list of hot holiday gifts for the fly angler on your list.
RiverSmith River Quiver
New to the scene, the award winning RiverSmith River Quiver is the piece of equipment that just about every angler would love to see mounted to the top of their adventure vehicle. Built in the USA by a group of passionate fly anglers, the River Quiver delivers the quality and protection you demand. Offered in “2 Banger” and “4 Banger” configurations (or double up for the Octo Banger!), you’ll have room for the rods you actually need, and also for the ones you don’t. Each system carries rods up to ten feet in length, has the space to accommodate most rigs up to an 11wt, and offers security features to keep your precious gear out of the hands of would be tackle terrorists!
Simms Midstream Vest/Jacket
I’ve been impressed with the Simms insulated gear as of late. The Fall Run and the Downstream jackets are favorites of mine. This year Simms stepped things up with the Midstream insulated vest and jacket, in both men’s and women’s sizes. These mid layers offer the high performance of Primaloft Gold which keeps you nice a toasty on those frosty mornings. Despite the big performance, the Midstream vest offer the angler all of the warmth and comfort that we demand, without the bulk that you might expect.
Simms River Camo
Simms teamed up with the gurus over at Veil Camo and entered into the world of camouflage with their new River Camo. Simms didn’t just pick a pattern out of a bunch of swatches because it looked cool though. There’s a ton of science behind this cutting edge camo pattern, which is specifically designed based on how fish are able to perceive shape and color. River Camo’s ability to distort the angler’s silhouette and obscure movement will help you get closer to your next big catch! Simms offers their new camo in their G3 Guide waders and Bulkley jacket, as well as several shirts, mid-layers, hats, and accessories, so you’ll be covered for all of your covert fishing needs!
Simms Riverbank Chukka Boot
The fully waterproof, fleece lined Simms Riverbank Chukka Boot will keep you dry around the yard or on the boat. Slip on style and non-marking soles make it ideal for good boat etiquette.
Patagonia Tuff Puff Hoody
Extremely durable, available in men and women cuts, and made for layering in the coldest months of the year, the Patagonia Tuff Puff Hoody is the perfect gift. Elastic cuffs that are DWR coated, tool attachment points, and 2-low profile pockets the size of fly boxes make any angler will feel at home in this layer.
Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders
For the minimalist in your family. High-tech meets low weight, at 26oz these waders pack down to the size of a water bottle. H2No® Performance Standard fabric with a waterproof/breathable barrier and a DWR finish makes icy high alpine lakes bearable for hours longer than your wool socks and hiking boots do.
Skida Salmon Sisters Red Fish | Blue Fish Neckwarmer
For the coolest days on the water, the Alpine Neckwarmer will keep any angler fishing longer. This mid-weight, fleece lined neckwarmer brings the cozy without the bulk. Made in Vermont and inspired by life on the water.
Helios 3 rod combo 20% off rod reel and line
This is the first time Orvis has offered a discount on the awesome H3 fly rods. Buy the combo with Helios 3, Mirage Reel and fly line (all made in America) and get a 20% discount. That’s going to makes any angler happy Available on line or at the Orvis Store.
G. Loomis IMX Pro 9ft 6wt
Loomis hit it just right with the IMX Pro. This family of rods has the looks and performance of higher end rods with a price tag suited for the guide life at just $495. The 9ft 6wt is one helluva do-it-all rod and is tough as nails. This rod chucks hoppers, poppers, and streamers of all sorts with ease. I’ve fished this stick in wind, rain, hell and high water around my home waters for the past six months and it’s become my favorite 6wt stick. This one is not to be missed! Also, check out the IMX Pro 1 Piece offerings from G. Loomis. The 7wt is as smooth as 20yr old Pappy!
G Loomis IMX Pro Spey
Whether it’s trout spey or steelhead, you can’t beat the smooth action and affordable price of the IMX Pro Spey rods. The quality and effortless casting of these short spey rods makes them an instant favorite.
Winston Pure
Round out any angler’s quiver with the Winston Pure. Voted Best New Freshwater Rod at the 2018 IFTD, the Pure delivers trout fishermen a moderately fast-action rod built with flawless dry fly presentations at heart.
Echo EPR
The EPR is the best bargain in saltwater fly rods. This little gem out performs rods at twice the price. If there’s an angler on your list who’s a little salty, this is a gift that’s sure to please.
Echo BAG Quikshot
This is the year to give glass and, in the heavier weights, there’s no better performance fiberglass fly rod on the market. Perfect for the streamer junkie, the bass chaser, or the redfish hound on your list.
Echo Gecko
The rod that starts them all. if you have a young on your list who wants to fly fish, the Echo Gecko is the perfect starter rod for little hands.
Scott G Series
The finest small stream trout rod on the market, the Scott G series is a permission tool for the technical fly angler. These beautiful little rods make accurate presentations, protect light tippet and manage line with ease.
Stickman P5
For the angler who appreciates something different, the Stickman P5 is an exquisite, European made 5 weight fly rod that is as beautiful as it is functional. An elegant and precise tool that performed in a class of it’s own.
Lamson Cobalt Reel
A reel for the angler who isn’t satisfied with the small things, the Cobalt is a big game reel that performa like a heavy weight. When you’re in for the fight of your life, you want the Cobalt on your side.
Redington Zero
A match made under mistletoe, the Redington Zero and your creek rod. Zero prides itself on lightweight durability with a die-cast construction. Did we mention it comes in teal and creamsicle? At $99 you’re getting a lifetime warranty and simple construction click-and-pawl.
Rising Nets and Tools
Does the angler in your life need a new net? Maybe some tools? The awesome folks at Rising keep producing thoughtful, Made In USA gear out of their Utah shop and I can’t get enough of it! Their Lunker Net is a staple for any serious angler, and their line of tools can’t be beat! And don’t forget the best valued nippers in fly fishing! Check out their new Lumbar Pack for those looking for a bigger pack to stuff a day’s worth of gear. Have a minimalist in your life? Lucky you! They will enjoy the thoughtfulness of the Shot Pack and Flask Pack.
Scientific Angler’s Sonar Titan Sink Tip
Scientific Angler’s patented SONAR technology is a tungsten formulation matched with a unique taper which helps your fly get to where the fish are eating. The Titan Sink Tip comes with Advanced Shooting Technology and it has a short, strong head, essentially – this line hucks.
Finn Utility Fly Visor Patch
Is the headliner of your car full of flies waiting to be fished? Is it full of holes and snags form the flies that have? Here’s the answer. This handy wool drying patch straps to you sun visor and holds a fly box full of flies. Like every Finn product, it’s made to be handed down.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling
The Thunderhead Submersible Sling pack fits your lunch (including the beer), rain jacket, and all your flies for the day. With plenty of room within the TIZIP waterproof main compartment you’ll keep the important stuff dry and maintain ease of access. Recommended for any angler prepared to be fully submersed in the sport.
Orvis ultralight fly box
This high floating hard foam fly box delivers fly storage that’s safe from damage or water. These great little boxes weigh next to nothing, hold flies securely and are gentle on Santa’s wallet.
Simms Guide Nipper
As close to finding gold at the bottom of your Christmas stocking as it gets. Made in the USA, machined aluminum nipper, and stainless steel blades.
Simms Guide Plier
For the serious angler who wants a heavy duty do-it-all fishing tool that will last a lifetime.
Loon Outdoors Rogue Quickdraw Forceps
Strong, durable, and a smart design make the Rogue Quickdraw Forceps top notch. Tired of clipping the jaw of your hemostats to your lanyard or pack? These forceps’ have a carabiner built in to the handle to accommodate any storage. The forceps also conceal a compact cutter for leader and tippet if you leave your nippers at home.
Pro Bands
Pro Bands were designed to be a simple, re-usable, and problem-solving tippet band alternative for the angler. Our one-piece design fits the spool accurately and snug, and will not spin or lose memory. This ensures a secure fit for the tag end eliminating annoying tangles and loss of tippet. Pro Bands are molded from a single piece of silicone designed to be formed to fit most industry standard tippet spools on the market. The bands also offer resistance from water and sun shielding the tippet from the elements.
SA Tippet
Hands down the most reliable stocking stuffer for anyone who fly fishes. We all need tippet and we all need quality. No one does tippet better than Scientific Anglers.
Hammock Mount
This is my new favorite toy. Swing your hammock anywhere you can park your vehicle in just seconds. Perfect for the hammock camper or 4X4 enthusiast, this rugged hammock stand mounts easily into your trailer hitch receiver for instant fun.
SLP Thin Line Bracelet
The newest offering from Sight Line Provisions is the Thin Line Bracelet. These solid silver pieces are perfect for someone that prefers a smaller profile piece, but wants to retain a custom, rustic feel. The Thin Line Bracelet comes in Small and Large sizes to accommodate both men and women. Currently offered in several popular designs, such as Trout 2.0 and Tectonic Rush, but keep an eye out for collaboration pieces and for the “1 of 1” Artist Edition offerings that owner, Edgar Diaz, is known for throwing up on the site to keep things interesting!
Williams Knife Co. Expedition
Since I was a wee lad, I’ve always carried a pocket knife. I feel naked and unprepared without one. If you, or a loved one, is in the market for a new EDC blade, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than one of these Chris Williams designed folders. Each blade is composed of 440C stainless, giving you great edge retention and rugged durability to boot. The grips are finished with a textured G10 and offered in a variety of colors. I purchased a couple of them several months ago and I have used them Every Single Day that I’ve owned them. From cleaning fish and cutting rope, to opening Amazon boxes, they are indispensable tools. Offering folders, filet knives, gut hooks, and an array of limited editions, the Williams Expedition series lives up to the rough and tumble demands of the great outdoors.
Whiskey Leatherworks/Casey Underwood Leather Belts
Looking for a gift that can be appreciated on a daily basis? Artist Casey Underwood and Daniel Earnest of Whiskey Leatherworks got together and have produced some truly stunning leather belts that each flaunt one of seven fish skins that are sure to please any angler. Each belt is handmade, hand-stitched, and assembled in Missoula, MT from the highest quality full-grain, natural brown Chromexcel leather from the Horween Tannery, then finished with an antiqued, brass buckle. It’s sure to become your favorite off-the-water accessory!
Yeti Stackable Tumblers
Someone in your life not yet committed to the Yeti lifestyle? We’ve found the gateway. The Yeti Stackable Tumblers come in six classic Yeti shades, are easy to store and clean, and help everyone kick-plastic. They come in packs of two, one for me and one for you.
Modern Nymphing Video
In this instructional video, Devin Olsen and Lance Egan share their knowledge of these modern “European” nymphing techniques. After more than 20 collective years of representing Fly Fishing Team USA. Their techniques will give you the edge on the water.
George Daniel Educational Books
Are you, or the one you’re shopping for, one of those folks that have everything when it comes to gear? What else could they possibly need?! Well, how about more fish catching knowledge? George Daniel is a talented angler, guide, and instructor that has written some outstanding books on how to better your approach and add skillsets that will make you a more effective angler. His latest book, Nymph Fishing: New Angles, Tactics, and Techniques, focuses on the many nymphing techniques that can be applied while fishing for trout. It’s an amazing learning tool for anyone, beginner or experienced, that fly fishes for trout. Want more? Check out George’s books Strip Set: Fly-Fishing Techniques, Tactics, & Patterns for Streamers and Dynamic Nymphing: Tactics, Techniques, and Flies from Around the World!
Post Fly Monthly Subscription
The only box subscription a fly angler could ever desire… With a monthly installment of flies and other useful goodies, it’s bound to put a smile on any fly angler’s mug. They offer plans ranging from $20-$40 per month, and cover everything from trout, saltwater, warm water, steelhead/salmon, and even fly tying. Pay monthly, or pay for either 3 months or a year up front and save a little coin. Want more flies? You can double up! Postfly makes beefing up your box a breeze! I love getting my Guide Box every month! Also, check out their sister companies Wade Rod Co. and Pelican Reels for some of the best deals on rods and reels in the biz!
Warriors and Quiet Waters
Truly the best gift for the angler who has everything. Your donation to Warriors and Quiet Waters can make real and positive change for post 9/11 Combat Veterans and their families. This holiday season, please consider a gift for those who have given their all.
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