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This season, give the gift that allows your angler to focus on what they love most: the beauty of the cast and the thrill of the catch.
What separates a great day of fly fishing from a frustrating one? Ask any of our experienced club members, and they’ll tell you: it’s all about having the right gear.
Quality equipment not only makes fishing easier, it elevates the overall experience by improving comfort and allowing more time on the water.
At a recent roundtable discussion as part of our First Friday Follies series, club members offered suggestions for a list of the top 10 gift ideas for fly fishers. Drawn from their individual experience, each item aims to simplify the sport and make it more enjoyable—whether you're trying to fish through a deluge of icy November rain or sitting at your vice in a comfortable chair.
Read on to explore our top picks for gear that will take any angler’s fishing experience to the next level in 2025!
1. Sealskinz Waterproof Socks
No holiday gift list is complete without a pair of socks. But to lump Sealskinz in with the rest would be a mistake. These waterproof socks are designed for anglers or hikers who navigate wet environments. Their waterproof yet breathable construction ensures your feet remain dry and comfortable, reducing the need for frequent sock changes and allowing for longer, more enjoyable fishing sessions. Available in various lengths and versions designed especially for warm or cold weather, they adapt seamlessly to different fishing conditions.
Why We Like Them...
The versatility and durability of Sealskinz socks make them indispensable when you're creekside or exploring Puget Sound beaches. Whether you’re wet wading in rivers or hiking along damp trails, they provide reliable protection without compromising comfort. One word of caution: the cold weather version is unmatched at keeping out the wet and cold. But it also prevents heat from getting in once you're back in the car. Take them off before you head home.
Price Range: $45.00 – $60.00
Find them here: Sealskinz Waterproof Socks
2. Small Refillable Spray Bottles
Compact, refillable plastic spray bottles are perfect little stocking stuffers. We use them to carry floatant or other liquids on the water. Their leak-proof design ensures your liquids stay secure, and the fine mist spray allows for even application, maintaining the effectiveness of your floatant and the buoyancy of your dry flies.
Why We Like Them...
Portability and convenience are the main draws here. Small spray bottles eliminate the need to carry bulky containers, making your fishing trips more streamlined and less cumbersome. They’re a simple yet practical addition to any fly fisher’s toolkit.
Price Range: $6.99 – $9.99
Find them here: Small Refillable Spray Bottles
3. Loon Ergo Whip Finisher
The Loon Ergo Whip Finisher boasts a powder-coated ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and a sharpened base that allows you to finish flies and clip thread with a single tool, streamlining your fly-tying process. Whether you’re creating intricate patterns or simply finishing a fly, this whip finisher offers superior control and ease of use.
Why We Like It...
Fly tying can be a challenge without the right tools. The Loon Ergo Whip Finisher stands out for its comfort-driven design and smooth operation, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced tyers alike. These are a great idea for anyone who struggles with dexterity or arthritis.
Price Range: $14.00 – $15.25
Find it here: Loon Ergo Whip Finisher
4. "Headwaters" by Dylan Tomine
Dylan Tomine’s Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession, and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman offers a captivating look at the all-consuming pursuit of steelhead on a fly rod. With honest yet eloquent prose and vivid imagery, this book is perfect for any angler who appreciates the art and experience of fishing. Chronicling stories written throughout his life, it's a compilation that reads like a fireside chat with a close friend over beers and a good meal.
Why We Like It...
Dylan was our guest speaker in June and read selections from this book (which sold out in the room well before the evening was over). It isn’t just another fishing book—it’s an elegantly written narrative that captures the heart and soul of the sport. Dylan’s storytelling is deeply personal yet universally relatable. He offers that rare combination of insight and experience that tug at your memory like a line descending into the darkened depths of glassy water.
Price Range: $17.39 – $27.95
Find it here: Headwaters by Dylan Tomine
5. Fly Fishing Kits
At minimum, most fly fishing kits include a rod, reel, and holder. This makes them an excellent gift for beginners or seasoned anglers looking for a reliable backup kit. Fly fishing kits are complete, affordable, durable, and proven to perform, even in challenging fishing conditions. Some even come with a line and leader already spooled onto the reel.
Why We Like Them...
Brands like Redington and Echo deliver quality and value in these all-in-one kits. They’re a fantastic way for new anglers to get started or for experienced fishers to have an extra setup handy if they want to target a different species, switch techniques, or break a rod in the wild (through no fault of their own naturally). Club members rave about the longevity, reliability, and feel of Redington and Echo in particular. Some are still using models originally purchased more than 30 years ago. Club members also note that you can frequently find killer deals on kits like this at Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Price Range: $169.99 – $219.99
Find them here: Redington Fly Fishing Kits
Another great option: Echo Traverse Fly Fishing Kit
6. Flextail Gear Max Pump Portable Air Pump
The Flextail Gear Max Pump is a compact, powerful air pump with a 3600 mAh USB-rechargeable battery, capable of inflating and deflating fishing float tubes or other gear quickly. Its lightweight design and multiple nozzle attachments make it versatile for various inflatables, enhancing convenience during fishing trips, while its lightweight design makes it easy to carry in your pack.
Why We Like It...
This portable air pump simplifies the quick setup and breakdown of inflatable gear, saving time and energy. Its rechargeable battery adds another layer of convenience, making it a cost-effective and indispensable tool for mobile anglers.
Price Range: $39.99 – $49.99
Find it here: Flextail Max Pump
7. Organic Maps App
The Organic Maps app is a must-have for navigation when you’re fishing or hiking off-the-grid. It offers offline maps, making it perfect for anglers venturing into remote areas where cell service is spotty. With detailed terrain and trail information, it helps you save time by guiding you directly to fishing spots without getting lost.
Why We Like It...
This app combines simplicity and reliability. Its offline functionality ensures you’re never without a map, even in the most remote locations. Plus, it’s free and open source, making it an excellent resource for every angler.
Price Range: Free (Open Source)
Learn more here: Organic Maps
8. Rite Bobbin
The Rite Bobbin is an innovative fly-tying tool designed for precision and efficiency. Its adjustable tension system allows for consistent thread control, reducing the risk of breaking thread or uneven wraps. Built with durability in mind, it provides smooth thread flow and a comfortable grip, making it a favorite among our experienced fly tiers.
Why We Like It...
The ergonomic design minimizes hand fatigue, and the smooth thread tension control makes tying flies faster and more efficient. It’s a practical, time-saving tool for beginners and expert tiers alike. Made in Montana, they also have one of the coolest taglines we've seen: "Only a spider has better thread control." Sold.
Price Range: $24.95 – $30.00
Find it here: Rite Bobbin
9. Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
The Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel combines classic aesthetics with updated aspects of modern performance. Its machined aluminum construction offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The click-and-pawl or disc drag systems provide smooth, reliable performance while still giving you that classic angling experience. Few sounds melt away the stress faster than that satisfying audible click, click, click as you retrieve your line. Designed to last, this reel is a go-to for small stream enthusiasts, larger river anglers, and at least one of our diehard lake fisherman.
Why We Like It...
We have a club member who is not only brand-loyal to Orvis in general but particularly committed to the Battenkill for its reliability and smooth handling. Its classic design pairs with modern functionality, offering high value to anglers who want durability without unnecessary complexity. The Battenkill reel is a versatile, proven choice that delivers outstanding durability, easy adjustment, and a lightweight feel. Judging solely by the number of fish our guy lands with this reel, it's definitely worth a look.
Price Range: $139.00 – $179.00
Find it here: Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
10. USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer
This USB rechargeable hand warmer is an essential companion for cold-weather fishing trips. Featuring multiple heat settings and a long-lasting battery, it delivers consistent warmth to keep hands nimble and ready for action.
Why We Like It...
Compact and eco-friendly, this hand warmer is reusable and fits easily into a pocket or gear bag. It eliminates the need for disposable warmers, saving you money and reducing waste while keeping you comfortable in freezing conditions. Plus, compact and portable, it can also double as a power bank for charging your phone or other small devices in the field.
Price Range: $22.99 – $35.99
Find it here: USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Final Thoughts
One of the most important questions we ask ourselves when selecting fly fishing gear is: How can we keep our hands warm and our feet dry? And while not every product on this list achieves that exact goal, each has been chosen with purpose. Our focus is on usability, efficiency, and durability to enhance every moment spent on the water.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned fly fishing pro or someone who’s added the sport to a list of their New Year’s resolutions, these carefully chosen items are some of our current favorites for their practicality, comfort, and convenience.
Thanks to all of the club members who contributed their ideas to this article. Do you have gear or other items that changed the way you fish? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy holidays and happy fishing!
NOTE: Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds does not receive a referral fee or any other form of compensation for the mention of the products and services in this article.
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