This is our annual holiday gift guide. It’s a long post below. Our crew loves gear!
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From Ashu:
Loon Rigging Foam: This is a clever, inexpensive tool for anglers who want to spend more time fishing and less time re-rigging on the water. These foam disks let you pre-tie multiple nymph, dry/dropper, or indicator rigs at home and store them neatly and tangle-free. On the water, you simply unwind a fresh leader setup, tie it on, and get fishing. This approach is particularly useful in cold weather when tying knots is tough or when you want to maximize fishing during hatches. Its affordable price and time-saving benefits make it a perfect stocking stuffer.
Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder: This is a must-have for any organized angler. It securely holds up to seven standard tippet spools in an easy-to-access bundle. The anodized aluminum design attaches to your pack or vest and includes a built-in cutting blade, letting you cut tippet without fumbling for nippers. The spring-loaded gate makes swapping out spools a breeze, and it eliminates annoying tangles or searching for loose spools in your bag.
Fulling Mill Tactical Max Fly Box: This is a large, impact-resistant fly box designed for serious fly collectors. It stores up to 960 flies of varying sizes, using dense slit foam to hold even tiny patterns securely. The polycarbonate shell protects your flies, while the bright color helps you spot it if dropped. Despite its capacity, it remains relatively compact and pocketable. This makes it ideal for anglers who want to carry a full fly selection on longer trips without lugging multiple boxes.
Cliff Bugger Barn Fly Box: Simple, rugged design. It uses a unique slotted foam system that holds big, bushy flies or articulated streamers securely without crushing them, and it accommodates bulky patterns that won’t fit in traditional fly boxes. Designed with a thin profile, it fits easily in packs or boat bags.
From Dave: 
Zinger/Retractor: Keeps tools like nippers or hemostats handy and secure. Great for anglers who want to avoid dropping gear in the water.
The Guide to Urban Fly Fishing: Practical tips for finding fishing spots close to home. Good for anyone looking to make the most of local waters.
Echo Bravo LT Reel: Affordable, durable fly reel for saltwater or big freshwater fish. Reliable drag system and easy to use.
Rep Your Water Hat: Comfy hat with unique fishing-themed designs. Simple way to add style and sun protection.
Measure Net: Net with built-in ruler for fast fish measurements. Rubber mesh is gentle on fish and less likely to tangle hooks.
Scientific Anglers Rod Sleeve: Protects fly rods from scratches and breaks during transport or storage. Fits most sizes and makes packing easier.
From Jamie:
I started experimenting with hand tied leaders last winter. So far my favorite thing about these leaders is the section of Gold Stren that I tied in. I thought this was rather gimmicky when following the leader formula I was using, but I have found it to be very helpful at telling me where my leader is and how it is reacting to drag. It has increased my catch rate and I plan to keep using it.
My current favorite base layer is definitely the Orvis DriCast Hoodie. Available in both Men’s and Women’s, these are super comfortable, dry fast, and offer good sun protection. I find myself wearing them in all seasons as they just feel so soft. I purchased one for my wife as a gift and she loves hers, too.
If you are shopping for the fisherwoman in your life, Orvis now has a clearance on some cashmere sweaters. The Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan is $100 off right now, and it is a simple, soft, warm and comfortable sweater that my wife loves. I picked one up on sale for her as a Christmas present.
Over the past few years I have developed a sweet tooth for Scotch and Bourbon. I mean, what is a better way to sit back and celebrate a good day on the water than with a finger or two of whiskey? I still fondly remember Jo knocking back a Bighorn Bourbon (or two) from Willie’s Distillery in Ennis, Montana, while celebrating a banner day at the Upper Madison (Jo: Jamie drank his fair share, for the record). I have seen a few companies try to capitalize on fishing themed whiskeys. Of those I have tried, Big Catch Bourbon is my favorite so far. Big Catch is not cheap, but not too pricey.
Locke and Co. Distilling provides the juice while Garrison Doctor of Rep Your Water provides the artwork for this collaboration. The unique angle here is that the whiskey is finished with hand-cut and charred aspen wood discs from our rye whiskies as well as some new charred aspen wood discs. There are no shortcuts in aging whiskey, but this process gives the two year aged bourbon a slightly sweet, peppery finish that I found different and enjoyable. The streamer eating Brown Trout curling across the bottle is a nice touch in the design. If you are into themed holiday gifts then there are some Locke and Co. + Rep Your Water branded hoodies, it appears that the whiskey glasses and stickers that were advertised are sold out as of now.
I’ll mention a few more here: Dry Fly Distillery has a line of Bourbon if you are shopping for a whiskey drinking angler on your list. Five Trail Bourbon is delicious and distilled by the Coors family in Colorado on Clear Creek (where I have caught a few trout), but no overt connection is made to fly fishing in their branding. Iron Fish Distillery has a Mad Angler series of whiskeys, including an Artic grayling themed spirit which directly supports Artic Grayling fisheries restoration. I have yet to try those though, if you have feel free to leave a comment.
Finally, in the outer bounds of this category, Tamworth Distilling in NH distills a Saison de Frai smoked-trout flavored brandy, where each bottle includes a scoop of edible trout roe floating about the bottle! I personally would not want my stocking stocked with this particular spirit, but I mention it here as a dollar from every bottle sold is donated to Trout Unlimited to protect cold water fisheries.
What might you listen to while sampling some of the drams above and thinking back on the fish you missed ? How about River Blues by Trevor Menear. I don’t think anyone has recommended a song on our Holiday gift list so far, but this one is worth it. Finding a great tune with only 6.8K listens after 10 years on YouTube is a true treat. My wife and I saw Trevor playing guitar with one of our favorite bands, Dawes, this summer, and a dive into Trevor Menear’s back catalog from his solo career led me to that gem. Add it to your playlist when you are driving to your fishing spot and enjoy.
From Joe: 
I have a lot for ya and some context to make it easier.
It’s that time of year, and here are some things that could be inspiration for your next gift to someone else or yourself. Come on, treat yourself…you deserve it.
Old reliables
I have never met a piece of equipment I was more hesitant to get because of the cost but now can’t live without: the made-in-the-USA Handy Paknet. Get the rubber netting version and never be without a hand net again. I have used mine for years and it’s spring steel frame still whips out like a charm.
Another series of products that I think is fantastic are made right in MA: Vedavoo makes some of the most bombproof quality kit I have ever used. From their pinch pouches to their fly wallets to bigger investments that will last a lifetime like their backpacks, I love their stuff. It has literally been across most of the continental US with me and several other countries and hasn’t frayed a bit. And Scott, the founder, is one heck of a good guy to boot.
Fly tying
I don’t get a lot of time to fish or tie flies, but when I do, I am usually stocking up on my confidence flies. For me this includes a leech/bugger pattern with an orange or brass beaded eye that uses MFC’s Arizona Simi Seal dubbing. I like to mix the blood leech color with equal parts Canadian black. I sometimes also mix in some Peacock or Black UV but only if I am feeling squirmy.
I have been using Griffin Ceramic Bobbins to much success, I don’t shred too many lines when wrapping tight and they come in the shorter style I like.
Books
When you need some inspiration I do love a good book to flip through. Whether it’s for cooking or destinations or tying there’s always someone with a good idea out there. I have been loving Hank Shaw’s new book, Hook, Line, and Supper. Anyone who enjoys cooking their catch (remember those bows need to go away in a lot of places) will like this book.
I genuinely can’t wait to reconnect with my blog brothers and in anticipation, I picked up Fly Fishing Maine by Bob Mallard. It is making me froth at the mouth with anticipation of a trip to Maine next spring. And inspiration for fly-tying can be had from looking at the bugs themselves.
I really enjoyed Arlen Thomason’s book BugWater. It isn’t new, but neither am I, so it works out well.
I am gonna toss out two random suggestions here: next time you have a trip (or heck just try to find one for your home town) make sure to find a place names book. I am kinda an armchair historian, but I not only like the movers and shakers, I like the local gossip and folklore too. If you have never read a book on place names, it’s pretty fun to be honest. The one for Maine looks good (never read it), but I know this old book on folklore for Indiana is a hoot.
So next time you head to Colorado or Wyoming for some fish, pick up a book on folklore or place names, it’s worth it. Oh, but on the history note for the movers and shakers, this book is really interesting read on the prelude to WWI from the view of a single city: Thunder at Twilight: Vienna, 1913-1914.
Mentoring
I have been taking some folks new to fishing for trout out a bit recently. I don’t push fly fishing down the throats of trout initiates (until they express interest and then no holds barred). So it’s usually walking through coldwater fishing ideas and trout behavior while walking with a spin rod in one hand and cold beverage in the other. When you need to start on the spin rod, Trout Magnets in orange, Rapala Countdown 01s, and Panther Martin spinners are some of the best baits out there. Plus, I have been getting my kid hooked (not literally) on fishing while he practices taking with this clever little rod and reel combo. Bonus: it floats.
Other bits and bobs
Simple, elegant, necessary, and oft forgotten, do yourself a favor and put one in your pocket: the hook sharpener is an underrated piece of equipment that helps you have fewer excuses for the fish you just missed setting the hook on.
While a simple piece of cardboard or cut up old flip flop will generally do, they don’t look so good under the Christmas tree. To be honest these spools won’t look that much better, but they are a great way to get those dry dropper rigs pre-rigged.
When you are done for the day at the lodge or stuck inside when the weather is too bad (it’d have to be pretty bad though, right?), this has to be one of the most fun and re-playable two-player games I have ever bought: Morels is hands down one of my favorite card games.
For the cost these are actually pretty good sunglasses. I don’t know anything about the brand in general but I have gotten some pretty long use out of these sunglasses and I haven’t been kind to them.
There’s never been more threats to cold water and any clean water for that matter. Consider a gift membership to an organization like Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, or Backcountry Hunters and Anglers or whatever flavor of conservation organization tastes right to you and the person you are gifting it to.
Have a great holiday season and stay safe out there!
From Jo:
I’ve got both “classics” and new stuff.
Pliers and cutters for saltwater and pike: This handy tool has it all. Super-hard tungsten carbide cutters that can easily slice through mono, fluorocarbon, or braided line. The multi-function serrated jaws can remove hooks, crimp split shot weights, or help cinch knots. The pliers have an ergonomic rubber handle for one-hand use and come with a custom molded sheath and coiled lanyard to ensure quick access and prevent loss. A must-have for stripers and toothy critters.
Orvis waterproof and breathable rain jacket: Orvis has updated its classic. It’s a full-featured fly fishing jacket with three-layer nylon, fully taped seams, and a DWR finish. Key features include an integrated cuff system to keep water out of your sleeves, a water-resistant front zipper, and an adjustable storm hood. It has kept me both warm and dry for when I’m out there and few anglers are.
Orvis River Guide 2.0 Long-Sleeve Shirt: I own a bunch of these and wear them on the water. I particularly like wearing them for every-day stuff, as they’re comfortable, look good, and remind me of fly fishing when I cannot get out there. It features a moisture-wicking and breathable fabric blend that offers UV protection, too.
Ed Engle’s Tying Small Flies: Still a classic. If you fish tailwaters, this book is a must-have. His patterns just work.
Brightech LightView Fly Tying Light and Magnifier: I recommend this device each year. The quality of my fly tying went up dramatically after I started using a light and magnification lens. If you can’t see ’em, you can’t make ’em.
Montana Mongoose Vise: You won’t need to buy multiple vise tips. This one handles big streamer hooks and small hooks down to size 30. Full rotary, feather-size gauge, materials clip and bobbin holder, too. And, it comes with a light-weight clamp and travel case for trips.
Year-end Diamondback sale: I’m a fan of their gear. I’ve written about their Ideal Nymph and Aeroflex rods. Joe Goodspeed just emailed customers about a Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 sale. You’ll find rods, reels, and combos discounted by 20% to 25%, including their new Generation IV Nymph rods.
Orvis Helios 4: These are luxury goods priced high. But the rods are amazing. They definitely “feel” different from their H2 and H3 line: accurate, plenty of backbone to fight fish, and are just pleasant to cast. I’ve fished various rod sizes, from their 11′ 3-wt. “finesse” for tightlining to their 9-wt. for stripers. Fun gear! And, because of tight manufacturing, it only takes a few business days to get a broken rod segment shipped to you. And, if you get the fee-less Orvis credit card and use it for purchases, shipping is free and you gets rewards for Orvis gift cards.
Cortland Black Friday sale: It’s on. Between now and Dec. 1, the Cortland Line Company is discounting a ton of fly lines, including the 333 Series, Euro Nymph Series, Tropic Plus Series, Liquid Crystal Series, Two-Handed Series, Seek lines, and Fo-Tech lines. Free shipping is offered on all U.S. domestic orders.
Our crew’s best wishes to you for a great holiday season. Tight lines!
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