If you are shopping for a fly fisherman who deserves the best this holiday season, but are not sure where to start, take a look at this fly fishing wish list for the 2014 holiday season. This list includes some of the finest and most useful equipment around, and is designed to help those who want to spare no expense during this gift giving season.
Simms G4Z Waders
If I were to list my favorite pieces of fly fishing equipment of all time, my Simms G4Z Waders would come in second, only behind my boat. The G4Z Stockingfoot waders are, in my mind, the toughest, most breathable, and most comfortable fly fishing waders ever made. Five layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric rises above the waist for supreme breathability and abrasion resistance. The zippered front makes any pit stop quick and easy, whether you are stopping to add or remove layers or to use the restroom. Cold weather does not stand a chance against the Simms G4Z Waders, and by giving your favorite angler a pair, you are giving them the gift of warmth and comfort for years to come.
Abel Super 7/8 and 9/10 Fly Reels
Since 1988, Abel has been setting the standard for combining beauty and function in their fly fishing reels. Abel’s Super Series Reels are outstandingly strong, lightweight fly reels that come in breathtaking, one-of-a-kind finishes. They have become an angling icon and can be found at saltwater fly fishing destinations everywhere, from the Louisiana marsh to the Bahamian flats. Be sure to select the lucky angler’s favorite fish graphic for their new Abel Super 7/8 or 9/10 reel. Bonefish, redfish, and tarpon scale finishes are all great ideas.
Scott M Fly Rod
Developed exclusively for Jans and Vail Valley Anglers by the Scott Custom Rod Shop, the new M Rod is an “Heirloom quality” fly rod with a high performance blank and modern day features. The X Core technology virtually eliminates rebound and vibrations throughout the cast for a smooth, precise cast and incredible sensitivity and feel. Each M fly rod is built entirely by hand in Montrose, Colorado and is signed by the builder who created it.
Titan Rod Vault
Fly rod transportation has always been a chore. For years, the only way to guarantee that your rod would make it to and from the river safely was to clip off the flies, take it apart, and stow it in its protective case. The Titan Rod Vault has changed all that and made the process easier and less hazardous. Now anglers can just slide their fully rigged rods into the Vault and lock it up for safe storage until the next time they head to the river. One of my favorite things about the Titan Rod Vault is that it stores my rigged rods outside the car, which means that they stay cooler during the hot summer months than they would inside it. After a few seasons of using the Rod Vault, I am convinced that the cooler, more consistent temperature benefits my rods, reels, lines, and leaders. At $495, the Titan Rod Vault is the priciest rod rack around, but in the end, it will easily make up for it in saved fly rods.
Sage ONE Elite Fly Rod
Last on the wish list is the new Sage ONE Elite fly rod. The rod builders at Sage gave the ONE Elite a titanium reel seat and stripper guide for increased durability and better balance through the casting stroke. The feature that really puts the ONE Elite in its own class is the included spare tip section. Since the tip section is the most commonly broken part of any fly rod, the ONE Elite’s included spare tip embodies real, tangible peace of mind that can accompany any angler on any fly fishing adventure.
If you want to go all out for someone great this holiday season, pick something from this list and your deserved fly fisherman or woman will be totally amazed.
Andy “Otter” Smith, Guide and Content Writer
