The Best Fly Fishing Gear

As the fishing season in many parts of the northern hemisphere begins to wind down, and the holidays close in, it’s time to start thinking about giving (and getting!).

Below, some holiday gift ideas for the fly angler in your life.

Orvis Helios 3 Blackout Rod

Yes, rod companies come out with new rods every year because they feel they have to and, yes, many of the new iterations aren’t that different from the ones they’ve replaced. But that’s not the case with the Helios 3 Blackout. It is distinctly different from its predecessors, in size, feel and even in looks. I tested the 5-weight, 9’5” option, which worked great on small streams with bushy banks (the five inches of extra length helped there) and was brilliant on bigger water, for long casts and mends. $998

Headwaters Bamboo Premier Series Fly Rod

Bamboo rods—the vinyl records of the fly fishing world—will never go out of fashion. If you haven’t fished with one, you should give it a try. It’ll take you back to the roots of the sport. Headwaters offerings are a great way to get into bamboo—affordable and well-made. $500 (though on sale $310 if you act fast!)

Costa Pargo—Untangled Collection

All anglers need polarized sunglasses—you want to be able to see the fish and to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The Pargo is a very cool product—sunglasses that give back, so to speak. This is a great pair of sunglasses that’s made mostly (97%) from recycled nylon fishing nets, pulled from the ocean. $206

Bajio Balam

Bajio is another sunglasses company that’s doing the right thing by the environment. Its glasses are made from plant-based polycarbonate, which biodegrades much more easily that the typical polycarbonate. The Balam is a super fashionable pair of sunglasses for the women anglers in your life. $199 for polycarbonate lenses; $249 for glass

Howler Electric Hat—Fatigue

Along with sunglasses, every angler also needs a hat. This one is super durable—the front doesn’t cave in after a while like the fronts on some other hats do. Howler fans (of which I am one) should also check out the company’s new book, A Decade of Howler Brothers, for a really cool look at the Austin-based brand’s history so far. Hat: $35 Book: $75

Simms Fall Run Insulated Vest

Simms brought back an old favorite, just in time. This vest is super-functional and able to be used in a variety of weather, as a layer or a solo top. It’s made from 60% recycled materials. The handwarmer pockets are a nice added bonus. $120

Tom Beckbe Angler’s Shirt

This shirt, made by the Birmingham, Alabama-based clothier, will keep you cool and dry and, unlike many fishing shirts, it feels soft to the touch. $110

Kuiu Fairbanks Jacket

The Fairbanks Jacket is mid-weight, breathable, water-resistant, and it has a very useful inner zippered pocket. Looks good off the water, too. $179

Get Involved!

As a present to yourself or someone you know this year, may I suggest becoming a member of a conservation organization? The resources we love are frighteningly fragile, and they need your help. Give back to what you love. You could try Trout Unlimited, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Captains for Clean Water. Or you could find a local organization that’s doing great work. These groups—and the fish—need our help. $25-$50