As the holiday season rolls around, it is that time of year to load up your favorite anglers stocking with some fun presents. Have a picky angler on your Christmas list this year? We can be tough to shop for but here are a few ideas of what to get them!
Rod and Reel Setups
Every angler will have a rod and reel on their Christmas list but depending on your budget, this can be a tricky area to navigate. You want to start out by figuring out what they already have. Are they just getting into fishing and you want to get them their first set up? Are they a seasoned vet that has more rods than they know what to do with? Here’s a quick guide to the perfect present for every angler that has a rod and reel on their list!
Beginners: So your lucky angler is just getting started in the sport? Maybe you are looking to buy them their first combo or maybe it’s their second or third set up! The most common rods every angler owns is a 5wt for trout and smaller fish as well as an 8wt for bass and saltwater. Here are some great starter kits to get them into the sport or add another rod to fuel this new addiction!
Redington Vice Combo – This combo from Redington won’t break the bank but will offer a rod that will last them a lifetime. This could be a good upgrade from what they currently have or a good addition to what they currently own. It comes with a rod, reel, fly line and backing all in a one piece case to hold and protect it all:
Redington Vice 590-4 Combo – This 5wt 9 foot rod is a great setup for trout and smaller species. You can even push the limits and fish for carp and bass with it. Every angler will eventually need a versatile 5wt in their quiver and this is a great package deal to get them started or upgrade them from their entry level rod.
Redington Vice 890-4 Combo – Wanting to add a little more back bone to your anglers quiver, look into getting them an 8wt set up so they can start targeting bigger fish or maybe try a saltwater trip!
Sage Foundation Combo – Looking to spend a little more and get them a high end fly rod combo that is still a great bang for your buck? Look no further than a Sage. The industry leader when it comes to fly rod manufacturing that is geared to lasting them a lifetime! This combo comes with the rod, reel, fly line and backing. The rod will come in a separate rod tube and the reel will have a neoprene pouch for storage and protection:
Sage Foundation 590-4 – The perfect trout set up and a great upgrade from any beginner rod on the market.
Sage Foundation 809-4 – A great streamer rod and light saltwater rod. This 8 wt is a great all purpose set up for anglers.
Filling the Gaps: They might have some experience and are well on their way to building a solid quiver full of fly rods. These anglers however will have some gaps in their arsenal and looking at getting them a rod in a weight or size they don’t have is the way to go. Say they are an avid trout angler and already have a 4, 5 and 6wt rod. Maybe look at getting them a short 3wt for small creeks or fishing tiny dries to brook trout. If they lean more towards the saltwater fishing and have the standard 8wt, look into building their heavy rod quiver with a 9 or even 10wt. They could be a die hard predator fishing finatic and have a 10 and 11wt, maybe a newer model or better streamer rod is what they are needing.
Trout Specific Rod: One of my favorite trout rods out there is the new Sage R8. It is extremely versatile and offered in many weight and length combinations. Start with getting them something they don’t already have in a 3-7wt or if they are wanting to upgrade from an older rod, this is the way to go. My favorite configuration is the 6wt in a 9’ with a fighting butt: Sage R8 Core 690-4FB
Bass and Saltwater Rod: If you have an avid angler looking to get into saltwater fishing, wanting to upgrade from a light weight rod for bass or looking for the perfect streamer rod, the Sage Igniter is hands down the way to go. This fast action rod will handle most any streamer you are looking to throw while also being an exceptional saltwater rod. Gifting this to an angler in a 7, 8 or 9wt will surely put a smile on their face! Sage Igniter 890-4
Budget Friendly Rods: There are still some great options if you are looking to get a good rod but not spend top dollar. A great trout specific rod in a 6wt is the TFO Blue Ribbon 691-4. Looking to get them that bass or saltwater rod? The TFO Mangrove Coast 890-4 is the way to go!
Trout Specific Reel: If you are wanting to get them a new reel, one of my favorite trout reels is from Ross reels. They are made in Colorado and are beautifully built. The Animas is an industry favorite that is sure to get your angler excited for the upcoming trout season: Ross Animas 5/6
Bass and Saltwater Reel: Wanting to upgrade their saltwater set up? The Redingon Grande is the way to go. This sealed drag reel system is a fish fighting machine and compared to other reels in its class, outperforms for half the cost: Redington Grande 7/8/9
Budget Friendly Reels: If you are on a budget but still want to get them a quality reel, the Redington Rise is a great alternative. It is not only offered in smaller sizes for trout(5/6) but you are able to get it in a heavier weight for bass and saltwater application(7/8): Redington Rise Reel
They already have everything: This one might be tough. Your angler already has a rod for every application or maybe they buy a few rods every year. How do you even know where to start? Easy, you will be looking for a specialty rod that maybe they bust out a few times a year or look to upgrade one of their older models to the latest and greatest.
Some awesome specialty and new rods on the market that your traveling angler might want:
Small Creek Trout Rod: Sage Dart 376-4
Big River Trout Rod: Sage R8 696-4
Trout Streamer Rod: Sage Igniter 790-4
Streamer Rod for Warm Water Species: Sage Payload 890-4
Saltwater Rod: Sage Salt R8
Fly Line, Leaders and Tippet
These may be one of the most slept on pieces of gear that most fly anglers don’t ever consider upgrading or replacing. However, a good fly line, new leaders and tippet make a huge difference in casting performance. The best part about it is they are the most inexpensive items to get!
Fly Lines: When it comes to fly lines, having a good one can take a mediocre rod and make it cast exceptionally well. Replacing your fly line every couple of years might not be needed but will make a huge difference in overall performance. Just make sure the fly line weight is matching up to the rod it will be thrown on. Some of my favorite lines to cast are below:
Trout specific lines that cast well on 4wt to 7wt rods:
Scientific Angler Amplitude Trout
Streamer fly lines that turn over big flies, typically ranging in 6wt to 9wt:
Scientific Angler Amplitude Infinity
Saltwater fly lines that are great for flats fishing and chasing inshore fish best used in a 8wt to 12wt:
Rio Elite Tropical Outbound Short
Leaders and Tippet: Here are a few awesome stocking stuffers that every angler needs but never thinks about buying for themselves. For tippet size, make sure to buy the same line size or one line size down from the leader size:
Trout: Rio Superflex Trout Leader
Trout: Umpqua Perform X Trout Leader
Trout Tippet:Rio Fluoroflex Tippet
Streamer: Rio Big Nasty Fluoroflex Plus
Streamer: Umpqua Perform X HD Streamer Leader
Streamer Tippet: Seaguar Fluoro Line
Saltwater: Rio Saltwater Leader
Saltwater: Umpqua Perform X HD Saltwater Leader
Saltwater Tippet: Umpqua Deceiver Tippet
Fly Boxes: We have some great fly boxes on the website offering ample storage for streamers and trout flies. These are a great option to support a small business and gift a unique box to your angler. Load it with some custom flies from us and it will make an excellent present. If you aren’t finding what you want, here are a few other options:
Max out your streamer storage with a boat box:
Gift them a versatile trout fly box:
Prepare for an upcoming saltwater trip:
Umpqua UPG Foam Salt Flats Box
Fishpond Tacky Pescador Fly Box
Fly Fishing Accessories
Some awesome options to look into gifting your angler for the holidays are in the fly fishing accessories. There are hundreds of options to choose from and depending on what they currently have or need, you can piece a few items together to make a killer present! Here are a list of some of my favorite fly fishing accessories that I use on every trip:
Net: Fishpond Nomad Mid-length Net
If they already have a net and need to replace the netting itself, make sure you are buying the right size for the net they currently have: Fishpond Nomad Replacement Net
Fishing packs come in all shapes and sizes but Fishpond offers one that will fit every angler. A lot of their packs are interchangeable and modular so if you get them a backpack this year, you can get them a chest pack for their birthday that will clip right in and be used with the backpack.
Lumbar Pack: Fish Pond Elkhorn Lumbar Pack
Chest Pack: Fishpond Canyon Creek Chest Pack
Backpack: Fishpond Ridgeline Backpack
Fly Rod Travel Case: Fishpond Dakota Rod and Reel Case
Wader Storage: Fishpond Burrito Wader Bag
Tools and accessories are always needed. I can’t tell you the number of times I have lost a pair of nippers or pliers on the water and find myself without a back up set.
Loon Outdoors Black Split Shot Pack
Fly Tying and Flies
The last item every angler loves to get are new flies. We have a few pre-tied assortments for Bass, Perch, Redfish, Striper and Sandbass on the website if you would like to check them out. They make great presents for any angler that lives in Texas or chases these species. We have a few offerings of individual flies as well and different fly boxes that we can fill a custom order for you just in time for the Holidays! Reach out to us a cowtownflyco@gmail.com if you would like to get a custom order placed.
If the angler you are buying for has ever mentioned starting to tie his own flies but you have no idea what that means, check out this recent article – Getting Started – Fly Tying – it has some great starter sets and all the info you need to make an educated decision on what to get them. Should they already be into whipping up their own bugs, here are a few vises and some tool sets that would make great presents!
Renzetti Apprentise Vise with Pedestal Base – Want to start off with something quality that will last you a lifetime but not break the bank? The Renzetti offers all the features of a rotary vise in a light compact starter vise that will allow you to tie everything from size 22 flies to big 4/0 streamers.
Renzetti Traveler 2200 – If you are looking for a great true rotary vise and still want to be budget friendly, this is the way to go. I use these vises to tie all of my flies and have never had issues with them. They are one step up from the apprentice, have a true rotary feature and give you a thread holder for when you use the rotary feature.
Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Essentials Tool Kit – If you are looking to start with some good quality tools for a great price, the Umpqua Dream Stream tools are some of the best on the market for the price. This gets you all the essentials pls all of the add on tools you will need to progress as a tyer. If the 7 piece doesn’t fit exactly what you need, take a look at their 12 piece set that offers even more tools!
Loon Outdoors Complete Fly Tying Kit – This was my first tying kit that I purchased when I finally upgraded from the starter tool kit. It offers everything you will need and more. Loon makes high quality tools and most of these I still use to this day.
Fishpond Tailwater Fly tying Storage – This storage kit offers a great way to keep all your tools and materials organized at the fly tying desk or when you are on the move.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to gift giving, fly fishing anglers can be tough to buy for. I hope this has helped at least spark some ideas and get you on the right track. If you have any questions on the perfect piece of gear to get you angler for the holidays, feel free to reach out to me on Curated and I will get you set up. Wanting to give them a unique fly assortment? Reach out to us at cowtownflyco@gmail.com and we will be happy to assist you in selecting the perfect fly box with the best selection of flies!
This is very well-organized.