(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Annual Guide to Fly fishing
Written By: Chris Wilkes - The Highland Hiker | Issue: 2018/12 - December
Every December I like to take a break from writing articles about fly fishing techniques and fishermen and focus on the people who have the unfortunate task of trying to buy Christmas presents for these extremely particular folks.
Fly fishing has become so specialized that attempting to purchase the correct gear and accessories for an angler without being an angler yourself will almost certainly result in getting them something they already have or something they can’t possibly use. dive right in with my annual guide to holiday shopping for the angler in your life.
Trying to buy rods, reels, line or fly tying materials without knowing the specifics is a fool’s errand. Imagine that, a fly shop owner telling you not to buy a rod, but unless you have been given a Christmas list that says “10 ft 3wt Sage Pulse Rod (Model No. 3100-4)” you have a low percentage of purchasing the right equipment. The better idea is to concentrate on more general things that every fisherman can use. For instance….
1) Dry Bags: In a sport where you are spending most of your time standing in or floating on water it’s a safe bet that there will be things you will need to keep dry. Whether you are talking zip bags for cell phones, lock boxes, or submergible stow bags a fly fisherman can always use something to store electronics, paper goods, and various other things dry even if they hit the river.
2) Fly Boxes: Even the anglers with most passing fancy will end up with hundreds of little flies stuck on everything from hats to vests. Buying a fly box to keep them in is always a safe bet.
3) Nippers, Forceps, and Retractors: Fly Fishermen will wear these things down to the nub before purchasing another pair for themselves. Buying any combination of these things can be done relatively inexpensively and make great stocking stuffers.
These along with handwarmers, flasks, and hats all make great gifts and tend to be things anglers forget to buy for themselves. Happy hunting and Happy Holidays!
