Looking for gift ideas this holiday season? We took a poll around the shop, asking the Anglers All team for their top items for 2022. If you need some holiday inspiration, these recommendations would be a great place to start!
Need even more gift ideas? After you read our team’s recommendations, be sure to check out our holiday gift guide for a wide range of gifts for fly fishing enthusiasts and fly tyers alike.
Jeff’s Recommendations
Jeff Likes to Fish: Tailwaters
Jeff says he made the switch to the Umpqua Phantom X Tippet earlier this year and it's been a game changer. He has found new confidence in fishing lighter tippet, smaller flies and landing some impressive Colorado tailwater fish. He is also blown away at the upgrade to the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip waders. They have been warmer, more comfortable and way easier to move in when comparing them to his last pair. He appreciates the fleece-lined booties and pockets, and the knee pads for his winter time frozen guide pursuits.
Johnnie’s Recommendations
Johnnie Likes to Fish: Streamers Out of a Boat
One thing to know about Johnnie is that he loves throwing streamers from a boat. With that in mind, he immediately highlighted the Patagonia Great Divider Boat Bag. Johnnie likes the narrow dimensions of this model. When he’s on the boat, it fits next to him in the rower seat better than other boat bags he’s tried. He is also stoked on the new Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket. Fit, feel, and features have him putting this jacket on his list this holiday.
Blake’s Recommendations
Blake Likes to Fish: Trout Spey
One of the things that Blake enjoys most about trout spey is that it's a great excuse to slow it down and fish trading off swinging through runs with his buddies. Blake says that whenever he’s sharing a ride to the river with a couple of friends and all their gear, keeping waders and boots in one place is nice. For that reason, the Umpqua ZS2 Wader Boot Tote is perfect. The other piece of gear Blake is stoked on is the Bauer RVR Microspey Reel. This reel balances perfectly with his 11 foot 4-weight two handed rod. The drag is so smooth, he swears that it helps him hook up on more fish that are just toying with his soft hackle as it swings.
Rachel’s Recommendations
Rachel Likes to Fish: High Country Lakes
Rachel has been fishing the new R8 Sage Core Fly Rod in a 5-weight. She finds this rod has the power to be a perfect match for windy, alpine lakes above 10,000 feet. Yet it also has enough touch to land small ant patterns in front of spooky cruising cutthroats. On these high country trips, having versatile layers is important and Rachel’s new favorite pants are the Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lined Breeze Jogger.
Ben’s Recommendations
Ben Likes to Fish: Wyoming & Michigan
With a few big trips in books for Ben this year he turned his sights on tying some big pike and smallie streamers. Ben pulled in some new materials for the job. Harelines Polar Goat Hair and the new Ahrex Swimbait Hooks were a perfect combination. Since those flies may not be ideal for the N. Platte, Ben also tested and gave us his stamp of approval on the ultra tacky Soft Tungsten Weight.
Daryl’s Recommendations
Daryl Likes to Fish: Carp
Daryl is stoked about his Rising Stubby Lunker Net. He says it's big enough for a monster grass carp, but handy enough for high mountain brookies. Replacing a worn out basket on this net is also very easy. When he is at the vise, he has been digging the Umpqua Dream Stream Tools. For example, the whip finisher has a little bigger handle than most, which is easier to use and great for beginners, and the stopper on the end keeps it from rolling off your tying desk.
Delaney’s Recommendations
Delaney Likes to Fish: Big Streamers
Delaney had to break the rules and insisted on three gear recommendations! Whether it's on horseback or around the shop, he is digging his new Simms Santee Flannel Hoody. Delaney’s new Scott Centric 9-foot, 7-weight fly rod is his new favorite and most-fished rod of the year. The rod easily handles the biggest trout and pike streamers Delaney has tied up, as well as the heavy sink tip fly lines he uses to fish them. Delaney ties these big bugs on his Dyna-King Excaliber Vise. But now that it’s time to switch over to smaller winter bugs, he knows this vise will handle them too.
Larkin’s Recommendations
Larkin Likes to Fish: Miles Away from Anywhere
Larkin has been really impressed with his Simms Flyweight Boots. These boots are lightweight and they really shine in hike-in locations, but Larkin has found no downside in fishing them in all environments. From floating the Blue to wading into those South Park lakes. They are comfortable, supportive and grippy. Another one of Larkin’s must-have items is the Simms Half Finger Wool Gloves. Wool stays warm even if it gets wet and that's ideal for chilly days on the water and striping steamers. Just don't forget to take them off when landing a fish though!
Drew’s Recommendations
Drew Likes to Fish: Muskie
Trout were Drew’s second fly fishing love. Chasing Muskie was his first. On a few trips back home this year Drew has put his new Rio Predator F/S5/S7 Fly Line to the test throwing the biggest Muskie flies he could devise. To make sure those flies make it home at the end of the day, he uses the all important Toothy Critter Wire Leaders.
Jimmy’s Recommendations
Jimmy Likes to Fish: Saltwater
When spending all day on a skiff chasing that grand slam, being comfortable and protected is critical. Jimmy loves his Free Fly Bamboo Hoodies. Equally as important is being able to deliver the fly to your target quickly and accurately, no matter the direction of the ever-present wind. For that, Jimmy reaches for his Winston Air Salt Fly Rod.
Check Out Our Entire Holiday Gift Guide
Ready for more gift ideas? Take a look at our full holiday gift guide, with dozens of products in a wide variety of price ranges. From stocking stuffers to showstopper gifts, we have plenty of ways to help make the holidays special.
If you need personalized help, we are here for that too. If you’re in Denver or along the Front Range, come visit us at the fly shop in Littleton. Otherwise, feel free to give us a call at 303-794-1104. We’d be happy to help you pick out the perfect gifts.