Gink and Gasoline Holiday Gift Guide 2019

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By Justin Pickett and Alice Tesar

The holidays are upon us and, if you are anything like me, you are scrambling for some great gift ideas for the fly-fishing enthusiast in your life!

Here are some suggestions that may help. We get to play with a lot of cool toys and these are some of our favorites. I’m sure there is something on this list that will put a smile on the face of your angling Santa!

RODS

Scott Fly Rods Sector: New materials, new tapers, and a new level of badass. Jim Bartschi of Scott Fly Rods doesn’t just design a new fly rod because he can, but because he knows he can make that rod better than anything before it. The new Sector certainly delivers over its predecessor, the Meridian, in every aspect of the cast. It’s certainly one of the best saltwater rods we’ve had the pleasure of casting in any conditions. Check out the 8’4” offerings as well. They just might blow your mind!

https://www.scottflyrod.com/rod-series/view/5142 

Orvis Helios 3 Artist Series: If you’re looking for a fly rod with a custom touch, be sure to check out the new H3 Artist Series from Orvis. With the amazing H3 as his canvas, artist Tim Johnson has turned 500 of these rods into works of art by hand-burning fishy scenes onto the cork grips. This series is very limited with only 300 nine-foot five-weights, featuring a rising brown trout, and 200 nine-foot eight-weights, featuring a tailing bonefish. Each rod also has custom labels and subtle touches that further set this series apart from any other H3 on the water. Once these rods are gone, they are gone for good, so don’t miss out!

https://www.orvis.com/helios-3-fly-rods-artist-series 

Winston Alpha+: If you’re slinging flies at the baddest of the bad, then this is the rod for you. The Alpha’s ability to turnover large flies and heavy lines is impressive and boasts the heavy lifting power needed to pull any big nasty out of thick cover. Don’t confuse the Alpha’s power with broomstick, though. My first cast with the five-weight Alpha+ was at forty-feet and I landed it in the dead center of a dog bowl. One of the smoothest rods at IFTD this year! 

https://winstonrods.com/products/winston-alpha-plus/ 

Echo Prime 2: The newest generation of the Echo Prime has arrived. Now offered in 2pc and 4pc blanks. The Prime offers an easy load for a saltwater rod and makes casting on the flats easy for everyone.

 https://echoflyfishing.com/project/16637/ 

G. Loomis NRX+: The NRX+ is the new generation of rods painstakingly developed by G.Loomis and debuted at this year’s IFTD. Replacing a flagship rod, such as the heralded NRX, is a tall order, but Loomis did this one right. Lighter, stronger, and more responsive, the new NRX+ is a performer throughout this new family of rods.

http://www.gloomis.com/content/gloomis/northamerica/usfly/en/homepage/NRXPLUS.html 

Orvis Mission Spey: These two-hand beauties borrow build on the materials and technology of the Helios 3 to deliver maximum power to the cast. Available in a variety of lengths and actions, there are even some six piece models for the traveling angler.

https://www.orvis.com/mission-fly-rods 

Winston Air Spey: These elegant casting machines load deep and recover fast, making hero casts look effortless. Ranging in weights from 5-9, and lengths from 11’ 6” to 14’ 6” there is an Air TH for every angler.

https://winstonrods.com/products/winston-air-th/ 

REELS

Lamson Guru S: Lightweight and durable, the Guru S delivers large arbor performance with a smooth drag that has been proven time and again. Several sleek, new design features cut weight, add even more structural strength and stability, and increase the rate of retrieve. One of the best Made-in-the-USA values in fly fishing, this is a reel that will serve you or your fishy family member for years to come.

https://www.waterworks-lamson.com/product/guru-series-ii-fly-fishing-reel/ 

Orvis Mirage LT: With the same stylish design and silky smooth drag as the Mirage, the LT skips those holiday desserts and delivers all the performance with a lot less weight.

https://www.orvis.com/p/mirage-lt/2mts 

Able Vaya: This beautifully designed reel, with its artistic, hand anodized finish makes a statement everywhere you go. The ultimate combination of form and function, the Vaya will thrill any angler.

https://abelreels.com/main/vaya-series/ 

Orvis Battenkill Disc Spey: The perfect marriage. The classic Battenkill styling lends itself effortlessly to the function of a spey reel. Throw in a closed spool, mid-arbor and powerful disc drag and you have a whole lot of reel for under $200!

 https://www.orvis.com/p/battenkill-disc-reel/2jlr  

Bauer RX Spey: Manufactured to the highest standards in the industry, the RX Spey has proven time and again to be just what the doctor ordered. This is the reel you want on your side when you hook the fish of a lifetime.

https://www.bauerflyreel.com/fly-reels/rx-classic/ 

FLY LINES/LEADERS/TIPPET

Scientific Anglers Absolute: Scientific Anglers has developed new leaders and tippet for 2020 and the results are quite impressive. Stronger and more supple than the competition, these new products from SA are sure to help you catch more fish on the water. They even come in 100% biodegradable packaging! 

https://www.scientificanglers.com/product-category/tippet/ 

https://www.scientificanglers.com/product-category/leader/ 

Rio Technical Trout and Direct Core: Looking for a specific tool to add to your bag of tricks? Rio has you covered with a multitude of purpose built fly lines that will keep you in touch with your fly, and more fish. This year, Rio has added the new In Touch Technical Trout, and has also expanded their Direct Core offerings to cover the most technical of fisheries, whether fresh or salt.

https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-technical-trout 

https://www.rioproducts.com/products/directcore-flats-pro  

Airflo Superflo Elite: For anglers who need a line to perform in the widest range of freshwater conditions, this is your line. The Superflo Elite’s moderate taper can change from dry fly fishing to nymphing to light streamers and fish effectively. This taper style also lends itself to easy casting for the widest range of casting styles. It’s as close to a “one size fits all” as you can get in a freshwater line.

https://airflousa.com/project/super-dri-elite/ 

Cortland Tropic Redfish: With a Short, Aggressive Taper and a hard Tropic Coating, the Tropic Plus Redfish Line is built to load rods quick and turn over large or heavy fly patterns. The Tropic Plus coating keeps the line hard and slick in hot weather for maximum shoot-ability. Chucking flies at summer time redfish has never been easier!

https://www.cortlandline.com/products/tropicplusredfish 

ON THE WATER GEAR

Simms G4 Gear: Serious gear for serious anglers. Plain and simple. The family of Simms G4 waders, boots and jackets are the benchmark, and designed for the angler who isn’t interested in compromise. The Simms newly re-engineered G4 lineup raises the bar even higher, boasting increased durability and breathability while maintaining the waterproof performance hardcore anglers demand.

https://www.simmsfishing.com/g4 

Orvis Pro Gear- The Orvis PRO Collection is stacked with waders, jackets, and boots engineered and tested to outfit industry professionals and serious anglers. Technologically advanced design, smart materials, and modern construction techniques ensure the gear in this fly-fishing collection can withstand the harshest environments. One of our favorite pieces is the new Pro Insulated Hoodie. Super warm and comfy! 

https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing-pro-collection?adv=584372&cm_mmc=Orvisbrand-_-Tm-x-fishing-us-exact-_-Tm-x-ProSeries-x-x-x-x-_-orvis%20pro&gclid=CjwKCAiA8ejuBRAaEiwAn-iJ3gQyqM-cJHqIdQ8TLcweelrz9G2p04wY9n_pZKYk-fHBu1gdrt17FhoCus8QAvD_BwE 

Patagonia Packable Waders- Their lightest and most packable waders feature Patagonia’s seamless bootie technology, which is made with lightweight yet durable waterproof/breathable fabric. These features allow them to fold into a compact stuffsack for go-anywhere convenience and capability.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/middle-fork-packable-waders-regular/82330.html 

Simms Gulper tube: While winter isn’t necessarily a time to try and keep beers cold on the river, think of this gift as one for the future. Long river days require a few beers and the Simms Gulper Tube is the perfect place to stash them. It’s the same size as a rod tube so keep it with you easily without adjusting your rig. Not saying I’ve tried it but I’m guessing it could hold a full 12-pack of White Claw®. 

https://www.simmsfishing.com/gulper-tube-f18

Rep Your Water Socks: Stuffing stockings with stockings just doesn’t seem right, but it will when your loved one finds these stockings. For any angler in your life, there is a fish sock. Rep Your Water and Point6 have teamed up to create merino wool socks with unique freshwater and saltwater angling themed patterns on them.  They are perfect for under your waders, in your snow boots, or around the house this holiday season. 

https://www.repyourwater.com/collections/socks

Patagonia Tough Puff Hoody Men’s and Women’s:  A layer that does it all. With the Durable Water Repellent finish, it does more than just repel a light rain, this jacket is a must have for winter fishing. The DWR keeps the insulating layers of 60-g FullRange™ 100% polyester stretch insulation dry so you can keep fishing no matter the around-zero temps. My favorite part? It is made from recycled polyester and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. 

https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-tough-puff-hoody-for-fly-fishing/81766.html. 

OTHER MUST HAVES

Yeti M30: The carry-the-day, tough-as-nails Hopper soft cooler has been updated. Yeti has re-engineered the opening to offer a wide mouth for easy loading and unloading. It closes almost on its own with HydroShield™ Technology – a strip of ultra-strong magnets – then is secured with two Quick-Release Buckles to ensure it can withstand being tossed around. And, of course, it keeps cold stuff cold for a long time.

https://www.yeti.com/en_US/soft-coolers/hopper-m30/YHOPM30.html?dwvar_YHOPM30_color=navy&cgid=hopper-soft-coolers#start=1 

Whiskey Leatherworks Fish Print Leather Belt: 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 an artistic fish skin that is sure to please any angler. Each belt is handmade, hand-stitched, and assembled in Missoula, MT from the highest quality full-grain, natural Horween leather, then finished with an antiqued, brass buckle. Be sure to check out the rest of their many elegant, handmade accessories as well!

 https://whiskeyleatherworks.com/collections/fish-print-belts 

Gerber Tools: Not just knives. Gerber makes a dedicated line of badass fly fishing tools with thoughtful features that are built to last.

https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/activity/fish/fly 

Postfly: Want to buy the gift that keeps on giving? Give someone (or yourself) a Postfly subscription! These boxes of flies and other goodies are sent out on a monthly basis and plans range from $20-$40 per month. It’s like having Christmas twelve times a year!

https://subscribe.postflybox.com/ 

Fishpond/Tacky Fly Boxes: Recently purchased by Fishpond, Tacky fly boxes are some of the best in the business. Durable, smart designs, and their ability to hold your flies forever are some reasons why I almost exclusively use them. They won’t wear out like foam fly boxes and are offered in a large array of configurations and sizes to accommodate every angler. The new Fishpond-esque colors are awesome, too!

https://fishpondusa.com/product/core-fishing/fly-storage 

Fishpond Submersible Gear: It’s no secret that Fishpond makes some amazing gear and their submersible line of Thunderhead packs and bags are no exception. Made from recycled materials, these rugged packs and bags will carry your gear in the harshest of environments without flinching. Check out this year’s new color, Riverbed Camo. It’s wicked!

https://fishpondusa.com/core-fishing/submersible 

Epic Ready To Wrap Kit: Still one of my favorite things to do is sit down and put an Epic fiberglass fly rod together. Swift Fly Fishing has done a wonderful job creating these Ready To Wrap kits for anyone that might want to have a go at building a rod, but found the task intimidating. With easy to follow instructions, quality components, and everything you need to complete your rod in one box, it just got incredibly simple to DIY your first fly rod!

https://swiftflyfishing.com/collections/fly-rod-building-kits 

Demer Box: One of the coolest things I’ve run into recently is the Demer Box. The name may sound funny, but the sound these things put out is nothing to laugh at. Built for the outdoors, each of these stereo boxes is waterproof and can also store your phone, wallet, or anything else that you need to keep dry. With a built-in rechargeable battery and a 40hr charge, you’ve got your favorite tunes for the entire weekend! Check it out!

https://demerbox.com/ 

Sight Line Provisions: With items such as wrist cuffs, necklaces, and other collaborative projects, SLP provides anglers and outdoorsmen and women with products that convey their passion for fly fishing and the outdoors with style. These great looking, leather accessories are the perfect gift for the angler who has everything.

https://sightlineprovisions.com/ 

Rising Travel Net- This solid, USA-made aluminum net is the best of both worlds. A big scoop for when you need to land a lunker that breaks down for easy packing whether you’re on a plane or on the trail. 

https://risingfish.net/product/travel-net/ 

Umpqua UPG Foam Fly Boxes: Foam is back! These super durable boxes, with their see-through lids, make organizing flies, and finding the perfect pattern a breeze. The new foam offerings provide the angler with a lighter overall package while still providing the durability of the UPG line. Offered in LT and HD versions, you’re covered from trout to tarpon. From the folks who know flies. 

https://www.umpqua.com/boxes-and-tools/fly-boxes/ 

Tandem Fly Box: For the technical angler with no time to waist, these fly boxes store tandem teams pre-rigged. The Tandem is made in the USA from strong polycarbonate material, and offers a removable dropper page that makes swapping out rigs and storage a breeze. When time rigging could be time fishing, go Tandem!

https://www.tandemflyco.com/ 

RiverSmith River Quiver: Designed and built in Boulder CO, these sharp looking and durable roof-top rod lockers are the choice of fly fishing guides. Every detail of these rod lockers has been refined to get your rods on the water safely and with no hassle. Free FedEx shipping makes them great for you last minute shoppers. Also, new for this year is the awesome looking blacked-out River Quiver. Check ’em out!

https://riversmith.com/products/river-quiver/fly-rod-roof-rack 

ARTWORK

Mike Williams: Mike’s beautiful, hand painted hats, fly boxes and accessories are unique keepsakes that inspire anglers and spread smiles. And he’s a pretty awesome human, too. https://www.greenbusdesigns.com/ 

Cody’s Fish: These one of a kind works of art honor your favorite fishing destinations with license plates forged into your favorite species. https://codysfish.com/ 

David Danforth: Stunning prints, shirts and accessories featuring David’s unique style are as eye-catching as it gets. https://www.relogear.com/art 

Derek Deyoung: Original paintings, psychedelic mounts, home and lifestyle accessories. Derek has the widest variety of artistic products you’ll find.  https://www.derekdeyoung.com/ 

CHARITIES

Sometimes the best gifts don’t go under the tree. If someone on your list would rather make a difference than have another piece of gear, here are some great organizations to consider for a holiday donation.

The Trust For Public Land: https://www.tpl.org/ 

American Rivers: https://www.americanrivers.org/ 

Save Bristol Bay: http://www.savebristolbay.org/

Captains For Clean Water: https://captainsforcleanwater.org/ 

All of us at Gink and Gasoline wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday!

Justin Pickett

Alice Tesar
Alice guides for Steamboat Flyfisher in Steamboat Springs CO.
Gink & Gasoline
www.ginkandgasoline.com
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
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