By Justin Pickett

Still looking for that great fly-fishing gift for the kids on your list?

There’s no greater gift you can give than teaching a child to fish. It’s a gift you will enjoy for years as well. If you are looking for some fly fishing gear for the kiddos on your list, here are some ideas to help.

Echo Gecko Kit – The Gecko is probably my favorite rod kit for the kiddos. Aside from its fun color scheme, it’s no limp noodle when it comes to casting characteristics, and there are thoughtful design aspects that make fishing with it fun for youngsters. Its shorter length, smaller grip diameter and an extended butt allow for a more comfortable grip for smaller hands, and the option for even the smallest of tikes to use two hands to launch their fly with ease. Each Gecko kit comes with a cordura rod case as well as an Echo reel spooled with fly line. https://echoflyfishing.com/project/echogecko/ 

Redington Minnow Combo – Redington also went with a more youthful theme when they updated the minnow a few years ago. With a comfortable foam grip, medium action, and its shorter, lighter blank, it’s really fun rod to cast. The Minnow combo comes with a cordura rod tube along with a Redington Crosswater Reel spooled with a Rio Mainstream fly line. https://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-combos/minnow-combo-new 

Orvis Encounter Combo – The Encounter combo is a great budget-minded setup for the angler looking to get into fly fishing. While not necessarily catered to the youngest of folks, this is a great starting point for the pre-teen and older angler looking for a setup that won’t break the bank. The Encounter lineup covers most fishing needs from 5-weight to 8-weight and each outfit comes with a cordura rod tube and a matching Encouter reel spooled with an Orvis floating line, leader, and tippet. https://www.orvis.com/encounter-fly-rods 

Lone Cone Kids Waders – Finding a pair of waders that will fit my six-year-old daughter has been crazy frustrating. Options are limited for kids younger than eight or so, and the provided size charts can be confusing. These same problems are what prompted the founder of Lone Cone to come up with her own line of outdoors clothing for kids 3-7 years old. Just three simple measurements are all you need for sizing. I just recently purchased a pair of their waders for my daughter and they fit perfect and look great! Better yet, she loves them. If you are in need for waders for your little one, these are perfect and won’t break the bank either!   https://www.lonecone.com/kids-fishing-waders 

Simms Tributary Youth Waders – Simms is known worldwide for their waders, so its only natural that they would also outfit young anglers with a quality wader that’s durable and affordable. The Tributary wader is Simms’s latest youth wader offering and offers many of the same features as their higher-end waders. With 3- and 4-layer breathable fabrics, these waders will be just as durable as they are comfortable to wear on the water! https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/womens-mens-waders/kids-tributary-stockingfoot-s19 

Orvis Encounter Youth Wader – Orvis also offers a great youth wader at an affordable price! The Encounter is built from a durable 4-layer breathable, waterproof nylon and sports features such as an integrated gravel guard and anatomic neoprene booties. Another quality, durable wader option that also won’t break the bank! https://www.orvis.com/p/encounter-kids-waders 

Redington Crosswater Youth Wading Boot – Surprisingly, there are not many options in the way of youth wading boots on the market right now. However, Redington has you covered with their Crosswater wading boot. Offered in sizes 2, 4, and 6, these boots will have your kiddo wading in a lightweight, supportive shoe sporting a sticky, rubber outsole that will help keep them vertical.  https://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-waders/crosswater-youth-boot 

Suncloud Youth Polarized Sunglasses – Just like we adults benefit from wearing quality sunglasses, our little ones deserve the same. While polarizes sunglasses can cost the adult angler hundreds of dollars, Suncloud has a line of youth polarized specs at very affordable prices and offer and handful of youthful styles.  https://www.rei.com/b/suncloud/c/kids-sunglasses 

Fishpond Tenderfoot Vest – Pack and slings can be cumbersome and awkward for the young angler, and there aren’t many options on the market, but Fishpond had the little ones in mind when they designed the Tenderfoot Vest. With all the features of the “grown up” vests and packs, this vest is lightweight and has more than enough room to carry plenty of flies and snacks for a day on the water! https://fishpondusa.com/lodgepole-fishing-satchel-1 

Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack – Need a pack for your pre-teen? Or maybe for your Older teenager? The Orvis Safe Passage Sling is one of the most comfortable sling packs on the market, and comes at a fair price. The ergonomic strap makes for easy, all-day wear and this pack sports plenty of storage space and places to hold fly boxes and dock tools, tippet spools, and accessories. https://www.orvis.com/p/safe-passage-sling-pack 

Osprey POCO Plus Kid Carrier – When I became a new dad, this was by far the best piece of gear that I could’ve purchased! Getting outside and on the water with my kiddos is non-negotiable, and with the Osprey POCO it’s so much easier! Lightweight and super comfortable, you can rest assured your little sidekick will be even more comfortable on your shoulders throughout the day. The POCO has tons of storage for ALL of your youngster’s needs and then some. I’m now on kiddo #2 with my POCO and I still love using it just as much as with my first kiddo. I’ll actually be kind of sad when it’s time to hang this pack up for good. Definitely worth the investment! https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/poco-ag-plus-POCOPLUS_708.html 

Smartwool for Kids – Cold feet can be a killer for anyone. Cold feet on a hangry three-year-old that’s overdue for their nap is a certain day-killer! Just like us adults, we need to keep our feet warm when wading in cold waters, or enjoying the outdoors on those cooler days. Smartwool has been my go-to for wool socks for many years and I’d recommend picking up youyou’re your kiddos a few pair for the winter months! https://www.smartwool.com/shop/kids-casual-socks?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8svrntXx5QIVNB-tBh0trgTcEAAYASAAEgKPhvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

Clothing for Kids and Babes – You gotta keep the little ones appropriately dressed when playing outdoors. Jackets, pants, boots, and rain gear are all essentials for those weekend journeys, and while clothing isn’t cheap and those kiddos grow fast, there are still deals to be found if you look around. Websites such as REI, Patagonia, and Sierra often have great deals on clothing and footwear for kids and baby so give them a looksee. Keeping your youngsters comfy will only keep you enjoying the outdoors longer!

REI – https://www.rei.com/h/kids

Patagonia – https://www.patagonia.com/shop/kids-baby?start=0&sz=36#tile-22 

Sierra – https://www.sierra.com/kids~d~5363/