Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and for many, this means showing your significant other how much they mean to you. In a normal world, people shower each other with corny gifts, tacky cards, and too many sweets. Unfortunately for fly anglers, we are from normal. Every waking moment revolves around thinking about fishing, gear, flies, and any excuse to get out on the water. In an effort to make your Valentine’s Day more meaningful and show your anglers you care, we put together a list of our favorite gifts. These fly-fishing Valentine’s Day gifts can be found at local fly shops, so if you’re behind the curve, don’t sweat it; a quick trip will get you everything you need.
Flies
If there’s one thing fly fishermen never have enough of its flies. No matter how much they tie or how many flies they buy, anglers never complain about more flies. Local fly shops are great about picking out patterns that work on your rivers, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what the staff is there to do. Some tried and true patterns are pheasant tails, hare’s ears, Adams dry flies, squirmy worms, elk hair caddis, and Pat’s rubber legs.
Tippet
Just like flies, every angler needs tippet. On the water, it’s a constant guessing game of how much tippet you have and when you will run out. Extra tippet spools in 4x, 5x, and 6x are a welcomed sight and will surely not go to waste on any angler.
Indicators
Indicators or bobbers are another piece of gear that anglers are always rummaging through bags and waders to find more. Luckily, local fly shops have no shortage of indicators, and keeping with the spirit of Valentine’s Day, they come in pink.
Backing
If your angler is constantly tinkering with reels, then backing—the colorful line under the fly line—may be the perfect gift. Available in plenty of colors, they can customize their reel to their liking, creating a personalized touch to their setup. If you know their favorite color, go with that. If not, chartreuse, blue, and pink can make some pretty sweet setups.
Gloves
If you’re reading this and trying to find a fly fishing gift, then chances are your angler fishes 24/7, regardless of weather. With winter in full effect, a good pair of gloves goes a long way on the water. We like the Orvis Softshell Convertible Mitts for their versatility. The fingers come in handy for fishing, and when you do need to warm up, the mitt cover will help in short order. Of course, if you can’t find this particular glove, any glove is better than none at all.
Hats
It’s no secret that fly anglers love hats. This Valentine’s Day, add a hat from their favorite fly shop or favorite fly fishing publication. The Flylords Heritage Series is an instant classic that looks and feels great both on and off the water.
Pliers and Nippers
No angler will complain about getting a new set of pliers and nippers. These tools are essential for any angler, and with budget-friendly options available, they make great gifts. The Loon Nippers and Loon Forceps will set you back roughly $30 but make up for it with premium components and a dependable design.
Fly Boxes
Like flies, fly boxes are pieces of gear anglers can never have enough of. If you’re already getting them a few fly patterns, pair it with a fly box for a complete package. The Tacky Original Series fly box is among the best out there and for a modest price, has ample storage for all the patterns they need.
Apparel
In keeping with the theme of supporting local fly shops, apparel is a go-to gift option. Luckily, almost every fly shop has their own apparel with their logos on it. A gift like this is something your angler will proudly rep on the water and around town. If you don’t have a fly shop nearby, a good go-to is the Simms Solarflex Hoody. They are soft, comfortable, and applicable to any fishery.
Packs
Our last and biggest gift on the list is a new pack. There are countless options available and at all price points, so you really can’t go wrong here. If you’re looking for inspiration, one of our favorites is the Umpqua Northfork Waist Pack. This pack is sized perfectly for short day trips or evening sends and is sure to put a smile on their face.
