Holiday Fly-fishing Gifts For The Frugal Shopper

Frugal Holiday Shopping: Fly-fishing Gifts Under Fifty Bucks

If you’re thinking about a stocking stuffer for the die hard fly angler in your life, here are a few holiday ideas worth checking out…

Toadfish Line Nippers ($28). If you want some relatively inexpensive nippers that work, don’t want to spend a lot and don’t want to hang drugstore clippers off your pack, or vest, like your grandpa did, these might be worth a look.

The Cling Mag Grab ($20). Using magnets for holding flies and other items is certainly nothing new. But the cool thing that Cling brings to the game is the ability to laser-engrave logos and such–or just offer some nice stock design–on the surface of the magnetic pad.

The Vapur Insulated Chill Bottle ($25). If you want a reliable, eco-friendly water bottle that stacks up against the competition in terms of temperature retention–hot or cold–with the added benefit of one-hand handling, this is at least one of the best options out there.

The Fly Banjo Fly Dryer ($10). Likely buyers: “Anyone and everyone–most anglers could use a Fly Banjo, but especially the ones who love stalking big fish on dries.”

onWater is a do-it-yourself app for fishing adventures ($50 subscription, 30% off with a Flylab membership). This invaluable phone app provides offline river maps, private/public access points, boat ramps, real time streamflows, river shuttles, fly shops and fishing reports. Make more informed fishing decisions when you have answers right at your fingertips.

Great book to consider: The Believer ($19) from David Coggins. Read a quick review: “In a trope-riddled landscape of fly fishing writing, Coggins’ latest is a standout.”

Another solid read: Steve Duda’s River Songs ($22). To hear more about his recent book, time as the editor of The Flyfish Journal and his dos and don’ts for writing, listen to his Reading the Water podcast.

Castwork Profile: Dan Stein

Just how Dan fell into guiding is somewhat of a mystery, even to him. Like “Little Big Man” who floated from Cheyenne warrior to snake oil salesman, from gunfighter to Custer’s scout, Dan’s career path has had some odd twists along the way. He was an airborne paratrooper with the First Special Forces Division, a fireman, paramedic, rancher, hunter, and trapper, among other things.

“In Montana, you have to have a lot of irons in the fire, or else you go broke, or end up in a job you don’t like for the rest of your life. I guess I’ve ended up guiding because it’s the deal I can work best,” he admits.

Of course, even this job has its problems.

“The river isn’t what it was when it first opened. Back in those days, the river was thick with fish, and there weren’t so many guides on the water either. If you wanted to catch a 22-incher, all you had to do was tell me what kind of fly you wanted to catch him on, and whether you preferred the morning, or the afternoon.”

Read the entire essay from Castwork: Reflections of Fly Fishing Guides and the American West (2002).

Product Buzz

We roll out “head-to-head” product comparisons: the Scientific Anglers’ Amplitude Textured MPX fly line versus RIO Products’ Elite RIO Gold, and The Best Four Fly Reels for Trout: four proven, American-made, disc-drag fly reels that cost $400 or less. Umpqua Feather Merchants has unveiled the RiverRun Four-piece Tool Collection: Nippers with Lanyard ($24.99), Trout Pliers ($39.99), Big-Game Pliers ($69.99), Nipper/Trout Plier Combo ($64.99). From Flylords: their 2024 Holiday Fly Fishing Gift Guide. From GearJunkie: The Best Bushcraft Knives of 2024. Ken Baldwin of Sports Illustrated writes about the essential nature of waterproof backpacks when fly fishing. From Gink & Gasoline: Getting the Most Out Of Your Fly Reel.

Fly-fishing News

Check out the BONEDALE FISHING REPORTS nineteen and twenty, featuring legendary guide, Kea Hause, from Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. Flylab founder, Tim Romano, talks with Joe Cermele in episode 109 of the Cut & Retie Podcast. GearJunkie reports on the YETI Rumors of a Mystery Ranch (consumer backpack) Phase-Out. A Conversation With Science on the Fly Director Allie Cunningham and Co-Founder Johnny Land Le Coq of Fishpond. The Defective Gene Club: For 40 years, the Madison River Fishing Company has been putting anglers on the iconic Madison River in Ennis, MT. The New Klamath: After dam removals, 45 miles of the “New Klamath” (river) has been opened up for floats, and the salmon are already back. Will Volpert of Indigo Creek Outfitters talks about the river’s revival: “I wasn't expecting to see [salmon] within months of the dams coming out…”

Recent Press

“The newsletter is bangin’, and you guys are putting out a great product. On the fantastic piece that was written about one of our local legends, Dave Faltings–sadly, Dave passed away a couple of years ago from ALS, and I didn’t see that mentioned...” – Greg, DECKED

For those who didn’t know, Dave, or “Super Dave” passed away in 2016 from ALS.

“Regarding the ‘head-to-head’ reviews: love the time taken and honesty in comparison. I’ve mainly fished SA lines for years now and am partial to them, but after this report, I see RIO may also be worth the time to explore.” – Flylab Fan

“Do you guys plan to add a bunch of travel perks in 2025 for your membership?” – Jonathan, Flylab Fan

Jonathan, we’re definitely looking to add many more travel partners for the upcoming year, both fresh and warm water.

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Scouting Report

We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of.

Patagonia Outfitters

The most experienced outfitter in Argentina, Patagonia Outfitters provides a diverse array of fly-fishing and cultural experiences throughout Patagonia, Argentina and beyond. Founded in 1978 and run by legendary fly-fishing pioneer Jorge Trucco, they have perfected the guided trout experience in Argentina, running world class fishing programs for over four decades. 

Flylab discount: 10% off full week trips, or longer, in 2025.

Partner Spotlight

Limay River Lodge

The Limay River Lodge offers outstanding fly-fishing opportunities on one of the richest resources in Northern Patagonia (Argentina), the Middle Limay River. An exceptional tailwater fishery, the Limay originates from the Pichi Picun Leufu Dam, ensuring steady flows, temperature and clarity throughout the year. Meandering fifty miles through the semi-arid, high Patagonian steppe, it culminates in the vast, fertile lake formed by the El Chocon Dam. Robust populations of resident browns and rainbows eagerly rise to surface dries.

Flylab discount: 10% off full week trips, or longer, in 2025.

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.