Holiday Gift Guide 2020: The Best Fishing Gear

 Since March, life has been a little, um, different. Isolation, zoom calls, remote learning for Kids, Scary pandemic news and a crazy-ass presidential election Una one of the few things that has had some semblance of normality for me has been fly fishing. It has been a great escape and a source of optimism (from what I wrote here), and, because of that, I have doubled my interest and participation in the sport. My fishing has been all local, we camped out in Vermont in the spring, and I headed for trout there. Since the summer, we've been back in New York, which has meant chasing striped bass, bluefish and fake white tuna in salt water.

I'm not the only one who has leaned hard on fly fishing during this time. In conversations with folks from the fly fishing brands, Orvis and G. Loomis, it's pretty clear that the pandemic has drawn legions of newcomers to the sport and instilled a deeper connection for those of us who were already hooked on it.

In that spirit, I thought it was a good time for a holiday gift guide that focuses on fly fishing. Below are some of the best products I've found this year.

Sage fly Canes Foundation suit

flyrod

Sage FLY RODS foundation set

flyrod

Orvis mission Trout Spey GEORGE BENINGTON

If you have been fishing for Trout for a while and want to mix it up a bit, give this rod a shot. Spey-throwing some wet flies or streamers can be a really fun way to spend the day in a trout stream and expand your game. $800

G. Loomis NRX + Spey + Rod switch

flyrod

Wireless network name (SSID):

If you're looking to delve even deeper into spey's throwing game, perhaps, steelhead or salmon, check out G. Loomis ' new dos thrower, which is powerful and stable and will allow you to pitch to the next county (or province, depending on where you're fishing). $950

Patagonia ultralight jacket

jacket

Ultralight folding Patagonia jacket

Wear a rain jacket (always necessary!) when fishing can be a kind of pain. Do you stuff it on the back of your wading birds? Tie it around your waist? Here's the solution: a waterproof, breathable, lightweight jacket (8 ounces) that packs up to a sack the size of a tennis ball. $250

Abel Casey Underwood Edition Fly Reels

fly reel

Casey Underwood finished ABEL reels

Abel has always been known for high quality fly reels that look super cool. This partnership with the artist, Casey Underwood, may be the company's best when it comes to aesthetics. There are six designs to choose from, and you assemble your own reel on Abel's website. Add $200 to $300 in the price of the reel type of your choice.

Bob White's classic sports art, by Bob White

book

The classic sports art of Bob White STACKPOLE BOOKS

White has been among the best sports artists for a few decades. He owed us a book from him, and finally delivered in 2020 with this magnificent tome, which includes 200 of his images and writing by John Gierach, E. Donnall Thomas and Tom Rosenbauer. $ 75 for a signed hardcover; $ 150 for a limited edition that is signed and includes an original pencil drawing on the title page

Fly Gentlemen Dance Bear Buff

neck

Dancing Bear buff FLY gentlemen

"Alley Cat rat, roll the bones

I need that money to feed that Jones.”

Get one, bro. $31

Trophy Brewing cloud Surfer modern IPA

beer

Cloud Surfer IPA trophy bred

Some important parts of fishing take place out of the water with a beer: counting a good or difficult day, planning an upcoming trip or daydreaming. I discovered the Raleigh-based microbrewery, Trofeo, last summer and, santo-moly, they make some good beers. My favorite among their offerings was Cloud Surfer, an excellent IPA that is not too strong (6.1 ABV). $36 for a pack of 12 (limited shipping, so be sure to check availability)

Antlers in Velvet, by Leon III

band

Leon III (Stepanian on the left) LEON III

This album was released for me because the main man in the band is Andy Stepanian, a co-founder of the fishing clothing brand, Howler Brothers (a favorite of mine in the industry). I'll admit I had doubts at first, we all want to be in a band, right? But then I heard the new album and it was ... damn, some kind of grumpy mix of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. Perfect accompaniment for a long trip after a good day on the water. The album is not available until March, but it will be worth the wait. WEP encryption level

Fly fishing treasures: the world of fly fishermen and gathering, by Steve Woit

book

Fly fishing treasures STEVE WOIT

If you, like me, are a geek about the relics and tradition of Fly Fishing, get Steve Woit's book and check out his photos of rods, reels and flies (among other things) and interviews with those deeply involved in the world of collectible fly fishing gear. $80

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