Gifts for Fly Anglers: Flies, Tools, Nets and Tying Kits by Budget

The safest gifts for a fly angler are things that get used up or lost: flies, tippet, leaders, floatant and small tools such as nippers and forceps. A rubber-mesh landing net, a waterproof fly box or a fly tying kit makes a bigger gift that fits almost anyone. Rods, reels and fly lines are riskier, because each one has to match the angler’s rod weight, so find out that number before buying.

What are the best small gifts for a fly angler?

Small consumables are the best low-cost gifts, because every fly angler runs through them each season. Good choices:

A dozen flies chosen for the water they fish, such as dry flies, nymphs and streamers for trout, or poppers for bass and panfish
Spools of tippet, the thin, clear line tied between the leader and the fly
Tapered leaders in the size they already use
Fly floatant, a gel or powder that keeps dry flies riding on the surface
Line nippers for clean cuts, and a retractor (a clip-on reel with a cord) to keep them handy
Hemostats or forceps for removing hooks and pinching down barbs
A leader straightener or a small line-cleaning kit

Tippet and leaders are sold by “X” size. Lower X numbers are thicker and stronger, so 3X is heavier than 6X. Trout anglers often use 4X to 6X, while bass and streamer anglers use heavier sizes. If you cannot check the angler’s vest, a mix of the common middle sizes is a reasonable guess.

Which mid-range gifts are worth buying?

Mid-range gifts work best when they replace something worn out or add something the angler lacks. Look at:

A landing net with a rubber or coated mesh bag. Rubber mesh is gentler on fish than knotted nylon and hooks tangle in it less. Wooden-frame trout nets with a short handle suit wading; longer handles suit boats.
A fly box. Waterproof boxes with slit foam or silicone inserts hold small flies well. Larger boxes with deeper compartments suit bulky streamers and bass bugs.
Polarized sunglasses, which cut surface glare so the angler can see fish and the bottom. Amber or copper lenses are common choices for streams.
A chest pack, sling pack or vest to carry the boxes and tools.
A wading staff or a stream thermometer for those who fish moving water.

Many of these ideas overlap with general tackle gifts. Our fishing gift ideas for dad by budget list more options at each price level.

Is a fly tying kit a good gift?

A fly tying kit is a good gift for someone who already fishes flies and is curious about making them, and it gives them a hobby for the winter months. A starter kit should have:

A vise that holds the hook firmly (rotary vises let the tier turn the fly)
A bobbin to hold and feed the thread
Sharp, fine-tipped scissors
Hackle pliers, a bodkin (a needle for applying head cement and picking out fibers) and a whip finisher for tying off the thread
Thread, hooks and basic materials such as hackle, dubbing, chenille and marabou

Kits built around a few proven patterns, such as the Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph and Elk Hair Caddis, are easier for a beginner than a kit with a large box of random feathers. If the angler already ties, a better vise, good scissors or a set of quality hooks is more useful than a second starter kit.

What should you check before buying a rod, reel or fly line?

Check the angler’s rod weight first, because the rod, reel and line must all carry the same weight number. Fly rods and lines use a weight scale, written as “5 wt” or “5-weight.” Light weights (1 to 4) suit small streams and panfish, 5 and 6 cover most trout fishing, and 7 to 9 handle bass bugs, big streamers and larger rivers. Our fly rod weight chart breaks this down by species.

To find the number without asking, look at the rod blank just above the cork grip. Most makers print the length, the line weight and often the number of pieces there, for example 9′ 5wt 4pc. A fly line box or reel spool label usually shows a code such as WF5F, which means weight-forward, 5-weight, floating.

Line type matters too. A floating line suits most trout and bass fishing, while sinking and sink-tip lines are for fishing deeper. Check which line type they use before buying one. Reels should be rated for the same weight range as the rod; the guide to choosing a fly reel covers drag and arbor size.

If you cannot confirm the weight, a gift card to a fly shop is the better choice.

What gifts suit a beginner fly angler?

A beginner gets the most from a balanced starter outfit (rod, reel and line sold together in matching weights, usually a 5- or 6-weight around 9 feet), a basic set of flies, nippers, forceps, floatant and polarized glasses. A casting lesson at a local fly shop or club is also a strong gift, since casting is the hardest skill to learn alone.

Anyone fishing needs a valid fishing license for the state where they fish. Rules and fees are set by each state wildlife agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service links to state agencies and public fishing waters.

What gifts should you avoid?

Avoid gifts that depend on sizing or personal preference unless you know the details:

Waders and wading boots, which must fit the angler’s height, inseam and shoe size
A fly line in the wrong weight or type
Large random fly assortments with patterns that do not match local fish or water
Heavy gear for an angler who fishes small streams, or light gear for one who chases bass and pike

Anglers who also fish conventional tackle may like ideas from our list of gifts for bass anglers by budget.

Quick answers

What is a good fly fishing gift under $25?

A dozen flies matched to their local water, a spool of tippet, a bottle of floatant, a pair of nippers or a set of forceps all fit a small budget and get used quickly.

Can I buy flies without knowing what they fish for?

Yes, if you choose general patterns. Woolly Buggers, Adams dry flies and Pheasant Tail Nymphs catch trout in many waters, and Woolly Buggers and small poppers also catch bass and panfish.

Do fly reels have to match the rod?

Yes. A reel should be rated for the rod’s line weight so it balances the rod and holds the matching line plus backing.

What net is best for catch and release?

A net with rubber or coated mesh is the usual choice, since it is easier on a fish’s slime coat and fins than knotted nylon.