The Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Christmas

Is it really that time of year already? I’ve only just put the rods away. While I’m keen to try some winter grayling and pike on the fly, it’s not going to be this year. So I won’t be doing any fishing in the coming months, but I will be thinking about it. Remembering a few of the special days and specific fish of the season, thinking ahead fondly to the next one (possibly with rose tinted polarised sunglasses?). And of course thinking about fishing related things I might need for Christmas.

Actually, after decades of buying kit, there’s nothing I can honestly justify as needing, but there’s always plenty of things that I want. And other than birthdays, there’s no better time than Christmas for new fishing stuff.

So we’ve put some handy Christmas fishing gift lists together for both the experienced and the beginner, split into 3 different budget ranges, so hopefully something for everyone. Plus a few little things that would make perfect stocking fillers.

Enthusiasts Gift Ideas £150 or Over

1. Sage R8 CORE Fly Rod
   You don’t need an expensive rod to fish well, but it can help. The R8 is simply top of the range. Perhaps best illustrated by a customer who reviewed it on our website, saying “Thought long and hard before laying out a lot of money on a 7wt version. Glad I did, this rod is awesome. The difference it's made to my casting is amazing. Would I buy another? 100% yes, a 5wt for dries is next on the list.” Enough said.
2. Sage ENFORCER Reel
   Fine-tuned for greater power, reliability, and durability, and designed with peak performance in mind, the ENFORCER offers everything the saltwater flats angler needs in a reel.
3. Simms G3 Guide Jacket
   The iconic G3 Guide Wading Jacket perfectly blends mobility and functionality. Built with lightweight 3-layer GORE-TEX® combined with the first-ever 3-layer stretchy GORE-TEX® Pro (located in areas which require movement for casting), the new upgraded version offers more comfort than ever before. With a fantastic pocket layout and a clever range of features to hold gadgets, this jacket allows you to keep all your essentials handy so you can focus on catching fish!
4. Costa Pro Series Blackfin Pro
   Along with their colour-intensifying, polarised 580® lens technology, Costa Pro Series have several fishing-performance enhancing features included in their bio-resin frames to help you stay out on the water even longer, such as fully adjustable and vented nose pads, secure rubber temples, sweat management channels and rubber side shields.
5. Hardy Classic Bag Canvas Troutfisher
   As the name says, a classic, from one of the most respected British fishing brands. Hardwearing canvas, real leather trim, with mesh panel and two pockets, made in the UK.
6. Simms Flyweight Pliers
   Tough and functional, featuring an anodized aluminium body with stainless steel textured jaws and built-in precision cutters, plus an unique ergonomic shape allowing a variety of grips for anglers with hands of all sizes.
7. Patagonia M's R2 TechFace Pants
   They deliver breathable, water-shedding warmth and angler-focused details. The perfect cold-weather/cold-water cross-layer, these tough, versatile pants excel at under-wader insulation or on their own.
8. YETI LoadOut GoBox 15 (Tan) One Size
   The stowable and transportable GoBox 15 protects the essential gear you can’t afford to risk to the elements or disorder. Designed to fit in tight spaces and equipped with a flip-up Grab and Go handle, it’s the cargo box you can take anywhere or throw in the back seat. Waterproof, dustproof, and practically indestructible. 

Enthusiasts Gift Ideas £50 - £150

1. Greys Lance Fly Rod
   The 7ft 6” #3, 8ft #4 and 8ft 6” #5 versions of this rod are all under £150. Built on an intermediate modulus carbon fibre blank, the Lance delivers performance well above its price. This family of performance fly rods offers both novice and experienced anglers alike quality features including high quality all-alloy reel seats, quality cork grips and alignment dots.

2. Greys Fin Cassette Reel
   Perfectly balanced with a well-proven disc drag system in a range of sizes to cover all species. Supplied with two spare spools and a carry case, they’re the perfect solution for the angler looking to cover multiple options with one reel.

3. RIO Premier Midge Tip 3ft Clear Intermediate
   Since switching to RIO lines last season, I’ve never looked back. This particular version is a floating line with a 3ft clear intermediate tip that sinks at 1.5 inches per second, perfect for still water anglers. Each line is built with a supple coldwater core, SlickCast coating, and welded loops on the front and back for fast rigging.

4. Fishpond Summit Sling 2.0
   Keep all your must-have gear handy and accessible with this comfortable and convenient, quick access sling loaded with features. 7 interior and exterior pockets, 2 large main compartments for fly boxes, Hypalon® attachments for tools and accessories, built in net sleeve on back panel, external water bottle holder. Made from Cyclepond recycled fabric.

5. Guideline Foldable Carbon Wading Staff
   Practical and handy lightweight carbon 4-piece wading staff that extends automatically when taken out of the pouch. The replaceable, inner cord locks the staff in extended mode and secures the joints. Impact resistant aluminium bottom section and tungsten end point. 

6. Turrall English Classic Trout Flies Presentation Box
   A comprehensive collection featuring 48 of the most famous English trout flies presented in a hand-crafted bamboo fly box.  A perfect gift for anyone who fly fishes for trout.

7. Fortis Finseeker Polarised Sunglasses
   Featuring a lightweight durable recycled TR90 nylon frame that will withstand the toughest conditions, plus vents to minimise internal fogging, rubber nose pads and tips on the arms to provide comfort and spring loaded hinges to fit all head shapes and sizes.

8. Loon Trout Pliers - 7.5inch
   The perfect marriage of haemostats and pliers. They include a versatile cutter in the jaw with a unique design to make quick work of pinching heavy barbs, removing delicate dry flies, cutting braid, clipping light tippet and everything in between.

Enthusiasts Gift Ideas Under £50

1. RIO Mainstream Fly Line
   The ideal floating fly line for trout fishing from one of the top fly lines brands. Designed to optimize rod performance with slightly heavier and shorter head lengths. At under £50, no wonder it’s one of our best sellers.

2. Fishpond Ripple Reel Case
   The padded sides and moulded tops and bottoms offer great protection, and the 8 padded internal removable dividers help keep all your reels, spools, tools and other kit safe and organized. Featuring a waterproof and impact-resistant moulded bottom, an exterior coated mesh zippered pocket and 2 interior, coated mesh zippered pockets.

3. C&F Regular Waterproof Boxes
   Made from durable ABS plastic, these come in 3 different sizes (small, medium, large) and 3 different models for differing hook sizes.

4. Snowbee Ranger Folding Nets
   A range of folding landing nets with rubberised mesh. Solid aluminium hinges combine light weight with rugged, reliable simplicity. Easy to carry using the strong nylon belt clip on all 3 sizes.

5. Magnetic Fly Threader
   This durable Magnetic Fly Threader is the easiest and fastest gadget there is for threading flies onto your tippet, and works with all flies from size 6 to 24. An essential tool for low light conditions and for those with less than perfect eyesight.

6. Wychwood Competition Rod and Reel Cases
   Super-handy for anglers who want to carry their rods and reels together set-up and ready to go. Keeps 4pce rods of up to 10ft safe with their reels attached. Supplied with a comfortable, adjustable, shoulder strap.

7. Keeper Vest
   A comfortable and practical mesh-lined vest with 4 large zippered front pockets and 6 pockets with Velcro closure on front. Comfortable rib knit collar, large zippered rear pocket and D ring for a landing net on the back.

8. Fortis Wraps Polarised Sunglasses
   These have a wrap-around design for full peripheral vision and for eliminating unwanted light. Soft rubber insets on the frame arms reduce slippage, while a unique vent system helps prevent mist/fog buildup. The range has brown lenses for great all round use, amber high contrast ones for low light, photochromic ones that adapt to varying light levels and even a bifocal version with +2.00 magnified segment.

Newcomers & Outdoor Lovers Gift Ideas £150 or Over

1. Sage Foundation Outfit
   This ready-to-fish outfit features a fast-action rod designed for a wide range of fishing conditions. Built on a high-performance blank which provides excellent casting power and effortless control and accuracy. It's the very foundation of what defines a Sage rod - performance – helping to take your casting to another level. The rod is matched with a Sage Spectrum C series fly reel, RIO gold fly line, RIO backing and a RIO Powerflex tapered leader. Comes in a convenient rugged cordura case with a built in reel pouch.

2. Fishpond Green River Tackle Bag (Granite)
   Convenient sized tackle bag with a moulded waterproof bottom to keep all your gear organised and protected. The main compartment is fully customizable with adjustable, removable, padded dividers.

3. Fishpond Nomad Carbon Fibre Net
   Made from carbon fibre and fibreglass composite and very light for its size. They are waterproof, UV protected, and float like a cork. Quality landing nets that will serve you for a long time.

4. Patagonia M's Torrentshell 3L Jacket  
   Simple and unpretentious, the trusted Torrentshell 3L Jacket uses 3-layer H2No™ Performance Standard technology for exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability.

5. Hardy Ultradisc 5000 Gunmetal Reel
   A lightweight, large arbor, disc drag reel in its purest form - the lightest disc drag reel ever produced by Hardy. The innovative frame design features a full frame line guard and the scaled multi-pad drag system ensures strong smooth stopping power whatever your quarry.

Newcomers & Outdoor Lovers Gift Ideas £50 to £150

1. Greys K4ST+ Combo Kit - Rod Reel Line
   This bestselling outfit is an upgraded version of the K4ST one, with a slightly faster actioned Greys rod and an aluminium reel fitted with Greys weight forward floating fly line, backing and leader, all supplied together in a handy travel case.

2. Abu Garcia Smoker
   A generously sized hot smoker / cooker constructed in stainless steel for easy cleaning & long life. Will take 4 or 5 small trout, or 2 large fish, headed & tailed. Complete with stand, 2 fuel pans with heat adjustment, cooking pan, lid with adjustable smoke vent, drip tray and grill. Packs away neatly inside its own stand, for convenient storage. Quick & efficient hot smoking of fish, meats, poultry etc. Cooks and smokes in one process, so smoked fish is ready in as little as 15 minutes.

3. Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 
   This water-resistant lightweight hip pack won’t hinder your casting stroke. Featuring a large main compartment with dividers, removable waterproof pocket and removable shoulder sling. Includes integrated magnets for tools, zipped pockets on belt straps and a lower sleeve to hold a water bottle or jacket.

4. Wychwood Bankman Bag
   A tackle bag for the bankside angler, with a fully waterproof, protective EVA base, full rain shower protector, unique tippet discard pocket, neoprene lower-back comfort panel, full EVA handle, dual rod tube holders, unhookable rubber-mesh pockets, soft Velcro external fly patches, non-slip shoulder pad and external & internal tackle pockets.

5. YETI Rambler Jug
   Designed to be near indestructible and made with kitchen-grade stainless steel, so they're puncture and rust-resistant. They have a rugged construction, FatLid™ insulation, and double-wall vacuum insulation which keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip. Stainless Steel Handle with rubber grip makes for sturdy, easy transport. Dishwasher safe.

6. YETI Rambler Bottle
   As above, these YETI bottles are virtually indestructible. They have durable stainless steel bodies and double-wall vacuum insulation. Built to go wherever there’s a need for ice cold or piping hot beverages. Comes with a Chug Cap. With a quick twist, the TripleHaul™ handle comes off, exposing our shatter-resistant, dishwasher safe spout that allows for controlled gulps on the go.

Newcomers & Outdoor Lovers Gift Ideas Under £50

1. Semperfli Flask with Thermometer 500ml
   This battery powered LED flask is made of food grade stainless steel and provides thermal insulation for 6 to 12 hours. Features a non-slip plastic base and built in tea strainer, with temperature display on the top.

2. Fortis Essentials Polarised Sunglasses
   Minimal design with no compromise on quality, these feature their signature lenses in either brown or amber.

3. YETI Rambler Bottle
   A slightly smaller version than the one featured earlier, these YETI bottles are virtually indestructible. They have durable stainless steel bodies and double-wall vacuum insulation. Built to go wherever there’s a need for ice cold or piping hot beverages. Comes with a Chug Cap. With a quick twist, the TripleHaul™ handle comes off, exposing our shatter-resistant, dishwasher safe spout that allows for controlled gulps on the go.

4. HotRox Double Sided Hand Warmer
   Its comfortable rounded palm design gives up to 6 hours of two-sided heat, with two heat settings. The built-in power bank will give two full charges to your smartphone. Recharged from a standard USB.

5. Wychwood Rover Bag
   A lightweight compact shoulder-style fishing bag made from durable water-resistant materials, featuring two front pockets with elasticated mesh fronts to ensure plenty of storage space for your essential items. Adjustable, padded shoulder strap, four mesh inner pockets and hidden buckle fastening.

6. Buff Wear Derek De Young 
   The most versatile headwear you will ever use. Works as a hat, mask, scarf, balaclava, headband or bandana. 95% recycled polyester microfiber featuring ultimate moisture management properties, cooling effect, UV UPF+50 protection. Light, breathable and comfortable, this tubular is a must have for flats fishing, but also an ideal companion for running, cycling, walking, climbing, trekking or motorbiking.

Stocking Filler Ideas Under £16

1. Fulling Mill Must Have & Grab A Pack Selections
   As the name suggests, these Must Have selection packs from world famous Fulling Mill are flies you shouldn’t be without, while the Grab A Pack selections will keep you stocked up on favourites.

2. Flyvines Bracelets
   Made from hand-braided recycled fly lines, this eye-catching bracelet is fully adjustable once on your wrist. Each one is unique and available in assorted bright or muted colours.

3. Magnet-ique MagMicro Fly Patch
   A multi-purpose, 32mm magnetic fly patch that magnetically attaches to your jacket, vest, pack or waders. Safely store and dry your flies on the water or at your vice. Made in the UK.

4. Lifesystems Head Net Hat
   A useful accessory in areas where there are large numbers of midges, mosquitoes and other flying insects. The ultra-fine mesh is stitched directly onto a wide-rimmed, pop-up hat meaning that the Head Net Hat is ready for use straight from its case. Manufactured from tough, multi-filament polyester material, and with a toggled draw cord around the rim, the Head Net Hat weighs just 95 grams. Pops up from a small storage sack.

5. Leeda Profil Fly Box
   Designed to offer maximum visibility to anglers with quick access to their flies. Double sided clear lids, unique fast access clip, slotted foam fly retainers, these tough & durable boxes hold up to 250 flies. 

6. Lifesystems Pocket First Aid Kit
   Equipped to treat most minor injuries and includes a loop on the back of the pack allowing easy attachment to either to a belt or rucksack.

7. Trout Peg
   A fish retainer that allows you to keep your catch fresh by pegging it out in the margins. Designed by top fly angler Peter Cockwill, fish can be transported effortlessly without the smell associated with fish bags.

8. Reuben Heaton Little Gem Scales
   A very compact tough little scale, making it perfect for the roving angler. Great to have stored in your tackle bag ready for use, available in 15lb/6.5kg & 33lb/13kg sizes.

9. Sportfish Clip & Zinger Kit
   Top quality stainless steel clipper with perfect super sharp cutting edge and a recessed needle, fixed to a high quality 20" stainless steel retractor, with rot-proof cord. Attaches to clothing with a locking pin.

10. Veniards Retractable Hook Hone
    A retractable hook sharpener mounted in a plastic case with an anchor hole to allow you to attach it to a lanyard, zinger or a vest. Featuring fine-grit aluminium oxide stone with indentations for aligning hook points.

Wow, that is a lot of kit. I’d be happy to get any of it though (I hope my wife and kids are reading this). Wishing you all a very fun filled festive season.