Reel in the holiday presents for the fishers in your life with this curated fishing gift guide.
The good news is we’ve scoured the interwebs for you and put together a list of our top 10 presents for the anglers among us. From sun-protective apparel to beautiful fly rods and a packable boat, the gamut is covered.
Engel Live Bait Coolers & Dry Boxes: $75-120
What’s cooler than being cool? Engel’s line of live bait coolers and dry boxes. Each of these coolers/boxes has a two-speed aerator pump that will keep live bait — you guessed it — alive. Ice fishing with live bait? Long days on the boat in the hot sun? It’s easy to keep going with this temperature-regulated option.
And there’s a wide variety of boxes to choose from. They start at 7.5 quarts and go all the way up to 30, and they plug into 12V cigarette lighters to keep bait alive all night long.
Shop NowSimms BugStopper Hoody — Men’s & Women’s: $70
My favorite piece of fishing wear is also an excellent gift. These Insect Shield-treated hoodies provide a badass layer of protection in those annoying bug-filled moments. I wore mine all summer, and my skin was overtly thankful.
Sun protection, bug protection, and full coverage lend themselves to a healthier, less irritating, more enjoyable time casting flies on the water. It’s worth every dollar.
Howler Brothers Waterman’s Work Pants: $99
These pants are one of our top picks from the recent IFTD showcase — a fly fishing trade show with tons of brands presenting their new gear. If you’re shopping for a guy, sneak in some cool factor to his wardrobe all while pleasing his technical sensibilities with this fishing pant.
The pants sport reinforced stress areas and extra pockets for fishing tools. Plus, they have a bungee cord closure at the bottom hems and a stretchy blend of spandex and nylon that’ll move with you and keep you dry.
Shop NowFishpond San Juan Vertical Chest Pack: $50
I’m a sucker for minimalist pieces, and this chest pack from Fishpond fits the bill. And at $50, it’s in the sweet spot of gifting prices. The easy-access fly pocket is the key for this piece, and the bigger pocket has a bunch of smaller compartments for stashing licenses, extra leaders, tippet, and the like.
It’s the perfect stick-in-the-truck-console pack for those moments where an angler is driving riverside, watching rises, and searching for a place to pull over and get on the water fast.
Shop NowAstral Ronny PFD — Men’s: $75 (25% Off)
This PFD is built for long days on the water. The Thin-Vent back is compatible with high-back seats and will keep you cool on hot summer days. And the three front pockets easily hold all the essentials. The 200-denier nylon outer is ultra-durable, and the zipper works smoothly even after several years of use.
Shop NowCosta Slack Tide 580G Polarized Sunglasses: $269
These shades work just as well off the water as on. The lightweight frames remain comfortable all day long. And the hydrolite nose pads prevent slippage. The glass lenses provide serious eye protection, and the green-tinted lens is ideal for scanning the flats on a sunny day.
These sunglasses are available in a variety of lens colors to suit the angler in your life.
Shop NowOrvis Clearwater 9′ 5-Weight Fly Rod Outfit: $309
Maybe your kiddo is finally outgrowing their kids’ gear. Or perhaps your significant other is intent on upping their angling game. This is the perfect starter kit for the beginning angler, both in quality and accessibility.
For around $300, you get the newly redesigned Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod and Reel, an Orvis Clearwater Fly Line, Dacron backing, a tapered leader, and a tube. It’s all backed by warranty, and it comes nearly ready for action. Just add knots and flies.
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‘Guide to Fly Fishing Knots‘: $5
This little $5 book is the perfect companion to any fishing pack. And it makes for an excellent stocking stuffer. There’s a ton of knot knowledge packed into this book, with 20 varieties covering fresh water to salt water.
It’s visual as well as simple to read, and I’ve used it more times than I can count. It’s pocket-sized, very light, and easily packable.
Shop NowLoon Outdoors Essentials Kit: $30
If those you love are anything like me, they’re always losing one or three of these essentials. Loon’s handy Essentials Kit holds forceps, nippers, and a zinger. And they’re all quality pieces. Perfect for a stocking stuffer or small gift, these three pieces will keep your favorite angler in easy motion on the water.
