Holiday Gift Guide 2022: The Best Fly-Fishing Gear

It’s that time of year again…time to shop for your favorite fly angler (pssst…that favorite fly angler just might be you). I’ve put together a list of some of the best and most interesting fly-fishing-related gear below. You’ll notice that for this guide, I have decided to not include a rod or a reel. While there are plenty of great rods and reels out there, nothing really struck me as truly groundbreaking this season. So, instead, I’m going with a list of some of the other items that make up the greater whole of the fly-fishing experience.

Simms Flyweight Access Boot

A killer wading boot, lightweight and—thanks to the Vibram soles—very grippy. It’s the perfect boot for the angler who likes to walk a lot to get away from the crowds. $250

Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak

Old Town is pretty much the OG of the non-motorized, non-sail watercraft category. The Sportsman PDL 120 is a fishing machine, with pedals (so your hands and arms remain free to cast), rodholders and ample storage. Two colors. $2,500

Eddie Bauer Twin Fin Hybrid Fishing Shirt

I’m usually caught between two worlds when it comes to fishing shirts. I like the feel of the tight, more modern stretchy shirts. But I also like the pockets on the old-school collared ones. This shirt combines the two—pockets on the chest, stretchiness on the arms, in a polyester that’s UPF35+. $60

Bajio Piedra Sunglasses

Another excellent entry from a sunglasses company on the rise. Bajio lenses are always top notch. What I liked about these was the wide frame at the temples, which really help keep the sun totally out of your eyes on the flats. $200

Orvis PRO Insulated Hoodie

An excellent stylish, form-fitting jacket that works on its own in the fall and early spring, and also works as a layer on the coldest of winter days. It has a cool internal zippered pocket that becomes a stuff sack for packing the jacket while traveling. $250

Grundens Deck Boss Ankle Boot

You can keep your feet dry and protected with these boots, which work for warm-weather flats and raw of fall days. The Razor sipped gum rubber bottoms will keep you from slipping on even the wettest of decks. $75

Costa Del Mar Jose Sunglasses

Costa’s new sunglasses are named after Jose Wejebe. With durable frames, excellent visibility and hip looks, they are a fitting tribute to a man who was a true angling legend. $244

Lefty Kreh Statue

Here’s a chance to give back during the holidays. This project is raising money to erect a statue in the hometown of fly fishing’s greatest legend, Lefty Kreh. World-renowned sculptor, Toby Mendez, is in charge of the sculpture. Michael Keaton, Tom Brokaw and a cast of Lefty’s friends are in charge of the fundraising. Donation amount is up to you

Patagonia Provisions Seafood Sampler Gift Box

For the (responsibly harvested) seafood lover in you. Sockeye salmon, wild pink salmon, mackerel, mussels, white anchovies and a fish tumbler come in this package, from Patagonia Provisions, the food arm of the clothing maker. All of the seafood is procured in a sustainable manner. $120

Books

Tom Rosenbauer’s Trout, is a lyrical and visual treat that will leave you pining for the river. Seasons of the Striper, by William Sisson, is a must for any striped bass addict. The River You Touch is an excellent memoir about family, fatherhood and fishing from the wordsmith, Chris Dombrowski. For those who love the old-school outdoor writing that was once found in the pages of Sports Afield and Field & Stream, give Andrew J. Pegman’s book, Outdoor Tales of Northeast Ohio, a look. Lastly, it’s not about fishing, but Greg Melville’s Over My Dead Body is a fascinating book about graveyards. (Warning: Dad joke incoming!) You’ll dig it. Prices vary