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 fishing enthusiasts and for those new to fishing. We’ve split them into 3 different budget ranges, so hopefully there’s something for everyone. Plus a few little things all under £16 that would make perfect stocking fillers.

Enthusiasts' Gift Ideas £150 or Over

1. Simms G4 Zipped Stockingfoot Waders
   Simms have made their best-selling award winning waders even better, with unbeatable waterproof breathability, rugged durability and unmatched comfort.

2. Hardy Marksman Single Handed Fly Rod
   Designed and developed in Alnwick England during Hardy's 150th year their new flagship award winning rod "The Marksman" truly hits the mark to be deemed "perfect".

3. Costa Pro Series King Tide 8 Polarised Sunglasses
   With removable side shields, polarised 580® colour-enhancing glass lenses and a full wrap shape to guarantee optimal viewing on the water. Shark-inspired venting and all the other Costa Pro series features make these the Rolls Royce of Costa fishing sunglasses.

4. Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waterproof Wading Jacket
   A versatile technical jacket made with a 4-layer, waterproof/breathable H2No™ Performance Standard shell that is free of perfluorinated chemicals and made of NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic.

5. Sage Spey II Fly Reel
   Specifically designed to provide optimum drag and frame systems for Spey fishing. Their longstanding Sealed Carbon System (SCS) Drag gets an upgrade with proprietary O-rings to withstand greater amounts of compression and wear, while a new dual clicker offers increased amplification, improved durability and limits free spool rotation.

Enthusiasts' Gift Ideas £50 - £150

1. Greys Tail Wading Jacket
   Made using the philosophy that less is more and will provide anglers with the perfect combination of comfort, protection, and performance. The three-layer membrane and cuffs offer an extremely water repellent fabric that makes it almost impossible for this jacket to soak up any water. This jacket will therefore dry ultra-fast and not become heavy due to water coming from above or from the waves.

2. 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.

3. RIO Gold Premier Floating Fly Line
   The ultimate all-round floating line for trout with ultra-slick performance. Built with Slickcast, the slickest, most durable coating on the market.

4. Orvis Battenkill Click-and-Pawl Fly Reel
   Another Orvis classic, redesigned for improved performance and aesthetics. If you prefer putting a running fish in the palm of your hand and with a click-and-pawl reel this one takes some beating.

5. Snowbee Geo Fly Fishing Vest
   A mid-length vest, for both wading & bank use, constructed using a soft feel polycotton for the best of both worlds – comfortable yet quick drying & durable.

Enthusiasts' Gift Ideas Under £50

1. Loon Outdoors Essential Fishing Tool Kit
   A fishing tool kit with everything you need and nothing you don't. Forceps, nippers and zinger.

2. Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer
   A submersible (IPX7) digital thermometer with a large UV-filtered screen and a durable aluminium probe. Measures temperature from -34°C to 54°C (-30°F to 130°F).

3. Lifesystems Dual Palm Hand Warmer
   A split magnetic design allows you to warm both hands without having to have them next to each other. At the touch of a button, the rapid start will deliver heat for up to 9 hours. 3 heat settings, and can easily be recharged by using the mains or USB.

4. Fulling Mill Fly Box
   Made from a super-tough, lightweight, polycarbonate shell with stainless steel hinges and precisely engineered high-density, slit foam to hold your flies securely. Available in a variety of sizes.

5. Monomaster Waste Line Collector
   A nifty little eco-friendly gadget designed to store waste nylon monofilament and other fishing line. It stores pieces of used line out of harm’s way and thus keeps both the environment and your vest pockets and tackle boxes clean and tidy.

Newcomers' & Outdoor Lovers' Gift Ideas £150 or Over

1. YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler Bag 
   Durable, leakproof, tough as nails bags that are perfect for loading with food and drinks. These go-anywhere cool bags are an everyday outdoor essential. Available in 3 colours and 3 sizes.

2. Orvis Encounter Fly Fishing Outfit
   These rod, reel and line outfits offer fantastic value and are perfect for anglers of all ages just starting out in fly fishing. Built to Orvis’ exacting specifications and designed to make fly casting as easy as possible. Just add a fly and you’re ready to go fly fishing.

3. Schoffel Carron Quilted Jacket
   A stylish coat ideal for town or country, with 100g Primaloft® making it highly breathable and offering great thermal insulation. It also has a PFC-free water-repellent finish and is machine washable.

4. Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel
   The next generation of an Orvis classic, redesigned for improved performance and aesthetics. Featuring the Hydros SL drag system, which incorporates six interacting carbon and stainless drag surfaces and is simple and easy to adjust. Each reel is built of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminium with an ergonomic Delrin handle.

5. Fishpond Thunderhead Small Submersible Lumbar Pack 4.5L
   Crafted with ultra-tough 900D TPU-coated NewStream fabric, this lumbar pack delivers a watertight closure system to ensure everything stays completely dry. The detachable strap allows you to easily switch between a standalone lumbar pack and a fully integrated pack. Made form 100% recycled fabric.

Newcomers' & Outdoor Lovers' Gift Ideas £50 to £150

1. Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest
   A warm, low-bulk full-zip vest made of soft, sweater-knit recycled polyester fleece, available in 3 colours.

2. Snowbee Classic Combo Trout Fishing Kits
   Amazing value for money quality ready to go fly fishing kit, with  lightweight graphite 4 piece fly rod, lightweight graphite fly reel with off-set drag loaded with a WF floating fly line, backing and a tapered leader already attached. Available from 7ft #4 to 10ft #7.

3. Fishpond Canyon Creek Chest Pack
   Great for anglers who need quick access to the absolute essentials, this highly versatile carry system offers a rich list of features, including seven tool attachment points, a drop-down fly bench, and an integrated net slot.

4. Greys Tail Wading Jacket
   Made using the philosophy that less is more and will provide anglers with the perfect combination of comfort, protection, and performance. The three-layer membrane and cuffs offer an extremely water repellent fabric that makes it almost impossible for this jacket to soak up any water.

5. Simms Windstopper Flex Gloves
   Made from 100% windproof, anti-pill, 4-way stretch GORE-TEX® WINDSTOPPER® fabric these gloves feature openings at thumb, index and middle finger allow quick access for knot tying, phone use and line management.

Newcomers' & Outdoor Lovers' Gift Ideas Under £50

1. YETI Sidekick Dry Waterproof Gear Case
   This waterproof gear bag is the worry-free way to carry your keys, wallet, fishing license, and phone. It features interior mesh pockets to help you stay organised in the field, a 100% waterproof seal consisting of powerful magnets and ultra-durable hook-and-loop closure, plus RF-welded seams that repel any rogue wetness.

2. Hardy Logo Classic Cap
   Featuring a rear buckle adjustment and tactile under visor and sweatband. Brushed cotton twill, 5 panel construction and 3D detailing. Also available in orange.

3. Fortis Wraps Polarised Sunglasses
   With 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 switch model has photochromic lenses that adapt instantly to varying light levels, so when it's sunny they darken and it its cloudy they lighten.

4. Lifesystems Dual Palm Hand Warmer
   A split magnetic design allows you to warm both hands without having to have them next to each other. At the touch of a button, the rapid start will deliver heat for up to 9 hours. 3 heat settings, and can easily be recharged by using the mains or USB.

5. Simms Trout Fill Camo T-Shirt
   A pre-shrunk plush blend cotton/poly T-Shirt with a stylish trout camo logo, available in 3 colours and 3 sizes.

A selection of a few things small enough to fit in a Christmas stocking and that won’t break the bank.

Stocking Filler Ideas Under £16

1. Greys Clipper Combo Tool
   A small but handy, stainless steel, multi-functional tool, specially designed for fly fishermen. Knot tier, line clipper, hook eye cleaner and hook sharpener.

2. Fishpond Fly Puck
   These reusable containers are made from soft and durable TPU material and can accommodate flies of all sizes or other fishing essentials. Stackable lid system and magnetic base option available to secure flies.

3. 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.

4. Sportfish Double Zinger
   A Sportfish branded zinger allowing you to attach two accessories at once.

5. Greys Slim Waterproof Floating Fly Boxes
   High-quality, floating fly boxes, with a slim design fitting comfortably inside the pocket of a wading jacket or fly vest. The silicone sealing around the lid ensures it is completely waterproof and a transparent lid mean you can select the right fly quickly and easily.

6. Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer
   A submersible (IPX7) digital thermometer with a large UV-filtered screen and a durable aluminium probe. Measures temperature from -34°C to 54°C (-30°F to 130°F).

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.