Father’s Day Guide: Fishing Gifts for Dad

Marmot Bantamweight Jacket

Weighing in at a scant 5 ounces, the Bantamweight Jacket is the lightest fully featured rain jacket in Marmot’s lineup. This athletic-fitting, lightweight, and fully waterproof jacket is easily packed down and stowed away when you don’t need it.

When the weather changes quickly while you’re out chasing fish, you can count on the Pertex Shield fabric to protect you from wind, rain, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you.

ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxers

Made for long, hot days, ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxers are breathable, moisture-wicking, and anti-odor. Available in boxers or briefs, the Give-N-Go 2.0 has a synthetic fabric with improved anti-odor treatment along with flatlock seams for reduced chafing.

The four-way stretch fabric adds to the total range of motion, making it easier to move outside. Plus, these boxers are an adventurer’s best friend and are easy to pack and wash, and they dry quickly.

Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoody

Fishing hoodies have become a staple piece of gear for anglers around the world. Like all good fishing hoodies, this one offers sun protection (UPF 20) and elastic thumb holes to keep hands from getting burned.

This take from Free Fly mixes bamboo viscose and polyester fabric to help wick moisture on hot days and to help sleeves dry after handling fish. It comes in nine colors, so you’re sure to find something that’ll work.

One of our testers has been using this lightweight hoody for spring fly fishing and loves the color and feel. The fabric is incredibly soft and it feels great all day. He can attest to the lightweight fabric keeping him cool and dry hiking stream banks and fishing from a kayak. Plus, the crossover hood design fits tightly around the neck to keep the sun and bugs at bay.

Tacky Fly Boxes

If you’re shopping for someone who likes to fly fish, you won’t find better fly boxes than these. The difference is that the fly pad is made of silicone and doesn’t get torn up by hooks, so it should last a long time. They come in a variety of sizes.

If you’re unsure what to get, the Tacky Original Fly Box ($25) is a sure favorite.

Sea to Summit Folding Bucket

Be prepared for any situation with this little folding bucket. It folds down into a pocket-size package. And it expands into a 10L or 20L bucket able to hold water, tools, fish, or whatever you else you need.

TroutRoutes Fishing App

If someone you love loves fishing for trout, this is a unique gift that’ll help them find new water. The folks at TroutRoutes have put in countless hours designing an app that maps rivers, streams, and creeks in 14 states across the U.S., with more added all the time.

Simply search and click a river to get info about parking, public access, a stream rating, and even the nearest fly shop. The app even allows users to add notes and photos about the rivers they’ve visited. The annual subscription is just $40.

One GearJunkie staffer has been using TroutRoutes for a few years to discover new places to fish both locally and while he travels. He’s noticed it keeps getting better as more states are added.

The amount of info you can get with the app is invaluable and makes fishing more efficient, as you can plan more ahead of time. He appreciates the details regarding the public, private, and easement land. A final bonus is being able to download maps for use when you’re out of cell service.

Orvis Waterproof Hip Pack

They say it is all in the hips, and Orvis agrees. This lightweight and waterproof pack is perfect for a day on the river. This hip pack leaves your upper body completely free to cast unencumbered by traditional sling packs.

Internal zippered stash pockets, adjustable waist belt, YKK waterproof zippers, and a gear station on the front of the bag round out a plethora of quality design elements we’ve come to expect from Orvis.

Fenix HM61R Headlamp

The Fenix HM61R rechargeable headlamp is a perfect multifunctional gift. The high-performance headlamp shines up to 300 hours in Eco mode and has eight lighting modes (including a red light).

When removed from the headband, the light can be used as a right-angle flashlight, and the magnetic base allows you to stick it to a vehicle when getting ready. Plus, it has a waterproof and dustproof design rated to IP68. This do-all headlamp is a perfect gift for any adventurer.

Hydro Flask Lightweight Water Bottle

Hydro Flask makes ultra-popular insulated bottles for all kinds of adventures. Like others in the brand’s lineup, this lightweight bottle from the Trail Series keeps drinks warm or cold for hours. Anyone would be stoked to have one.

One of our staff, an avid fly fisherman, has started carrying the 21-ounce version in his sling pack. He opted for the smaller size due to the slim profile and lighter weight. It’s become the perfect way to have coffee or tea on cold mornings on the water.

Another one of our staff uses this lightweight water bottle for hiking and climbing trips when her heavier, 40-ounce Hydro Flask isn’t necessary.

Swiftwick Socks

If you’re going to go with a classic gift like socks, make sure they are awesome. Swiftwick makes a variety of options that work for any adventure. The Pursuit Hike collection offers solid light cushion and medium cushion options.

One of the GearJunkie editors has been testing these socks for a few months now on spring fishing trips and hikes. After several miles, they remain comfortable while tromping up and down the river banks. They have also proven warm as he’s stood in cold water casting to hungry trout.

Nite Ize Hitch Phone Anchor + Tether

Whether you spend time on the water or in the mountains, losing your phone ruins the adventure. Enter the Nite Ize Phone Anchor + Tether to save the day.

This simple little contraption can save your phone and your day. Universal for any phone with a case, this is the perfect gift to give peace of mind to hikers, climbers, skiers, and people who spend time on the water.

The ultrathin Hitch Phone Anchor inserts between your phone and case, allowing the small ring anchor point to feed through the phone case’s charging port. Its removable, coiled tether extends up to 24 inches, and the twist-to-lock function features two MicroLock double-gated locking carabiners.

Detachable MicroLocks let you attach it to belt loops, backpack straps, or to the coiled tether to create a cinching wrist strap.

A New Fly Rod

Let’s be honest, anyone who loves fishing would be stoked to get a new rod. Whether it’s their first rod or their adding to the collection, it’s a great gift. Many excel in a certain style of fishing or are used the match the size of fish. Sage, Scott,  Orvis, and Winston are all well-respected brands.

If you need a little more guidance, take a look at our review of the best fly rods of 2020. We also outlined some excellent starter/budget options here.

Loon Essentials Kit

The name says it all. These are the essentials when you’re out on the water throwing flies and swapping stories.

This kit includes forceps, nippers, and a zinger in an affordable package with the quality you expect from Loon. We’ve used this kit on several fishing trips this year and highly recommend it.

Patagonia Tough Puff Fly Fishing Jacket

Warm, comfortable, and sustainably made, the Tough Puff is built for long days in cold water. It combines a stretchy and durable face fabric with highly breathable stretch insulation to keep you focused on hooking into your next fish.

Our team essentially lived in this jacket for several cold days fishing in northern Minnesota this spring.

Custom Fishing Net

Give the one-of-a-kind fishing gift that will put a smile on their face. One GearJunkie editor noted, “I received a PrestonMade Vermillion net as a gift a few years back, and I love it. The fact that it is handmade and that my wife took the time to pick it out something unique for me was really cool. Plus, it’s gorgeous.”

Another Minneapolis net-maker, Dead Drift Nets, has a few standard net options and also takes custom orders to match your style and fishing needs. Any custom net is a truly unique fishing gift that will last a lifetime.

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Zip-Front Waders

It’s OK to splurge every now and again, as long as it’s for something worthwhile. Sitting at the intersection of comfort and performance, the Swiftcurrent Zip-Front waders are Patagonia’s heaviest and most feature-rich wader offering.

Engineered for fit, mobility, and durability, these waders are sure to stand up to any task you put them through.

Fishpond Thunderhead Chest Pack

The Thunderhead Chest Pack is a fully waterproof carry system that allows you to bring everything necessary for a successful (and efficient!) day on the water. The pack integrates a net-holder so you’ll be ready when the bite is on. This pack was a favorite during a recent steelhead trip.

Simms Freestone Wading Boots

A good pair of wading boots make a big difference. They should be durable, have a sticky sole to grip rocks and be comfortable. Standing on the stream all day can take a toll on anyone’s legs and back, but a good boot will ease some of that pain.

We’ve used the Freestone boots from Simms for a few seasons and like them a lot. Simms has several other quality options as well.

Fishpond Burrito Wader Bag

For those who like to stay organized, this cool little burrito bag is both affordable and helpful. It opens up into a mat you can use to change in and out of waders, then wraps up neatly to protect your rig from mud and water. Gone are the days of shoving waders into a plastic bag or messing up a nice duffel.

Garmin Instinct Adventure Watch

A GPS watch makes a great gift for any adventurer. In our recent tests, the Instinct watch has proven to be rugged and easy to use.

We’ve used it to track GPS, heart rate, fitness, steps, stress, altitude, weather, and more during a host of activities ranging from fly fishing to hiking.

Plus, this smartwatch pairs with a phone and has 14-day battery life.

RIO Fly Fishing Line

Looking for gifts for people who love to fish? RIO has several great fly line options. If the gift is a surprise, you can narrow down what line to get by the fish they like to catch (trout, bass, steelhead, bonefish, tarpon, etc.) and what weight his rod is. If you don’t know, the weight (1#-12#) should be printed on the rod.

Orvis PRO Underwader Pants

The Orvis PRO Underwater Pants have a premium feel, with a high-pile fleece interior for warmth, stirrup straps to prevent legs from riding up, side zip vents for increased ventilation, and an athletic fit for style when worn outside of the waders in non-fishing environments.

Our team has fished, hiked, worked, and enjoyed campfires in these pants over the last year. The adventurers in your life will love their versatility as much as we do.

Redington RUN Reel

This durable, die-cast aluminum reel is designed for the angler looking for a lightweight reel with the stopping capabilities of a carbon fiber drag system. The large arbor makes for quick line retrieval, and it has a push-button spool release. This is a reel with plenty of bang for the buck.

A Gift Card: Any Amount

Sometimes finding the perfect gift is hard. That’s where a gift card works wonders. Click below to get a gift card for one of these great fishing shops.