I've been fly fishing for about 20 years now, which means I've received about twenty years worth of fly fishing birthday and Christmas gifts. Some of these fly fishing gifts have been great, others have been ho hum. My all time favorite fly fishing gifts of course have been the big tickets items - a great new rod or plane tickets to some great fishing spots. But those are easy. Who could argue with a new rod or more time on the water? The following are some of my fly fishing favorite gifts in the typical gift price range.
1. One gift I really treasure is my Silver Angler watch. I where it on the days I can't fish. It reminds me of fishing and helps me make it through the 9 to 5. The Silver Angler is a classy good looking watch with a Its costs around $75 for the Silver Angler or you can get the less expensive Regular Angler with rubber strap for around $60.
2. Speaking of watches, I receive another great watch the Angler II Watch - This was an amazing gift! Imagine a watch designed with anglers in mind! This watch has it all - made of SOLID aluminum, the Angler II can withstand even the most extreme adventurer. The handy moonglow electroluminescent dial light lets you see the time, in all conditions. Water? Tsunami? They're no problem at all with 3 ATM (100 feet) water resistance. Gettin' cold? Gettin' hot? Check the temperature with the thermometer on the back (F and C). With the integrated hook sharpener, there will never be a dull moment (or hook). Need a snip? Attached nippers will take care of that. And with the additional LED Flashlight and compass you'll be able to find your way back to the tent - in the dark! All of these features in one tool/watch that can clip on to your fishing vest. Now that is one cool gift. Expect to pay $80 but for that special fly fisher, it's worth it. The Angler III is also available - it has a few less features and is priced under $65.
3. Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die - This is a great book for day dreaming about my next fly fishing adventure. offers 50 short takes on the ultimate fly-fishing destinations in this beautifully photographed and nicely packaged volume. Each locale comes recommended by an avid fisher; for example, the founder of Frontiers Travel, Mike Fitzgerald, and his son, also named Mike Fitzgerald, suggest fishing for Atlantic salmon at Laxa I Adaldal in Iceland. Fly-fishing instructor Cathy Beck leads Santella to the thrill of catching snook off Boca Paila in the Yucatan. And Sweetwater Travel founder Jeff Vermillion describes the excitement of fishing on the Ponoi River in Mongolia for taimen ("the world’s largest almonid, capable of reaching 70-plus inches in length and more than 100 pounds"). In Europe, Simon Gawesworth tells Santella about the trick to fishing brown trout on the River Test in Stockbridge, England, where wading is forbidden. The book also highlights more traditional (though no less exciting) trout fishing destinations, such as the Bighorn River in Montana and the Green River in Utah. With its elegant descriptions, gorgeous photos and practical information on accommodations and equipment, this book is a dream travel guide for avid fly-fishers. Available at online book sellers.
4. My Nomad Fly Fishing Journal - This little journal is great for keeping track of all my fishing trips. And the pages are waterproof. I got this a few years back and have since purchased a refill. My old journal is in the library for reference. Nomad Fly Fishing Journals are compact writing journals that let anglers keep notes on their efforts. They can note the fishing conditions, which flies worked the best, who the fished with and notes on what they should do differently next time. Expect to pay $25 for the journal and waterproof case. Refills run about $10.
5. My Frequent Flyer T-shirt from Fishboy - I love this shirt. I got it a few years ago and it still looks good. Whenever I wear it I get compliements and its a good way to find fellow fly fishermen.
So there you have it. My top five favorite fly fishing gifts. Now if someone wants to buy me a vintage bamboo fly rod I wouldn't turn it down!
- Rod Bender
No comments:
Post a Comment