Daily Archives: November 24, 2020

Here at Vail Valley Anglers, we know buying gifts for anglers can be easy or nearly as hard as catching that fish you have been eyeing all day. We put together a 2020 Holiday Gift Guide to help you find the right gift for your favorite angler this holiday season. Abel x Spyderco Abel, based out of Montrose, has partnered with Spyderco (based in Golden) to create one of the most stunning pocket knives on the market. Abel has been known for their beautifully hand-painted reels and they now have added that amazing touch to Spyderco's locking folding knife. These knife handles are fully-machined out of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and feature a high end corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade. Abel adds the finishing touches with a hand-painted fish graphic on the handle in either bonefish, brown trout, or rainbow trout patterns. Fishpond Nomad Net Fishpond has struck gold with the Nomad series net. These nets have become the standard for trout anglers who like to wade or fish from a boat. They come in a variety of lengths and sizes with the Emerger and Mid-Length net being the two top sellers. The emerger is a great hand net that functions the best when wade fishing. While the Mid-Length version is a guide favorite because it works great from a boat and doubles as a wading staff when wading. These nets are lightweight, waterproof, durable, and buoyant. The clear rubber net helps protect the delicate trout we catch in our local fisheries. Simms G3 Boots The Simms G3 boot has been the fly fishing guide’s boot of choice for many years now and Simms revamped their flagship boot this past season. The G3 Guide boot comes standard with a waterproof, high abrasion-resistant upper with a molded midsole for all-day comfort while fishing. These boots come in felt and rubber versions and both accept Simms’ stud systems for added slip protection in the slick Eagle River. Peak Rotary Vise If your loved one has been tying on the same vise that he or she started on, this would be a great time to upgrade. The Peak Rotary Vise is the best vise for the money and they are made in our great state of Colorado. It comes with a nice heavy base and multiple adjustment points. This will be the last vise your favorite fly tyer will need unless you take it for yourself. This vise is comparable to ones that are in the $250 price range but only costs $154.95. Orvis Practicaster This is a new and updated “PractiCaster” fly rod that is shorter and more compact for indoor casting practice anywhere. This is a perfect stress reliever for those that are working from home or have extra time this winter. The PractiCaster perfectly imitates the cast and allows you to develop and improve the exact motion used in a real cast. Loop Q Kit The Loop Q kit combines the Q rod with Loop’s Q reel and creates a perfect entry-level set up for any angler who is trying to break into fly fishing. The user-friendly rod action is great for all levels of angling ability. This is ready to use set up that comes with a rod, reel, line, and even a leader; all you need is a fly. The outfit comes in a robust Cordura combined rod and reel tube for easy transportation during travel to your favorite spot on the river. Simms Wading Staff If you have stepped foot in the Eagle River in August, you know how slippery it can be. This folding wading staff from Simms will help keep your loved ones upright in the river. This simple yet strong take on the classic wading staff quickly deploys when the time is right. It comes with a built-in wrist strap, retractor, and compression-molded sheath that attaches to your wading belt. There are inch markings printed on the side of the staff to help determine the depth of the river or the length of a fish. This is a great gift for an angler that has it all but needs a little additional confidence when wading. Simms Merino Socks Is there an angler in the family whose feet get too cold to enjoy winter fishing? These toasty merino wool socks will help keep them on the water longer. Merino wool naturally wicks moisture away from the foot and is also naturally odor-resistant. Simms has added cushioning in all the right places to help comfort the foot and adds durability. Simms GTS Gear Duffel Simms has released a new line of luggage dubbed GTS (Gear Transport System) and it is perfect for all your fly fishing travel needs. The Gear Duffel is a “do it all” bag that is great for getaway weekends exploring local rivers or packing for your next destination fishing adventure. There are integrated rod straps to attach your rod tube to the exterior of the pack and convertible padded shoulder straps to switch between duffel and backpack mode for ease of travel. If you know someone that loves to pack up the truck and explore, help them organize their gear with this awesome duffel bag. Orvis Pro Insulated Hoody This zip-front insulated hoody from Orvis is packed full of tech features to take on any elements that might be tossed your way on the river. The Pro Insulated Hoody uses body-mapped insulation to target optimal temperature control while enjoying your favorite outdoor activity. This hoodie is lightweight and extremely packable for easy transportation and storage when you do not need the extra warmth. A great layering or lightweight jacket for any angler that loves to fish regardless of the weather. Simms Lightweight Wool Tech Glove These new fishing gloves from Simms will help your favorite angler with their cold fingers. The Lightweight Wool Tech Glove is the ultimate 3-season glove constructed with merino wool and has a reinforced leather palm for added durability. The tips of the index finger and thumb fold open to help make tying knots easier on the river. Umpqua Ledges ZS2 Waist Pack Are you looking for a new system to carry all of your fly boxes, net, and gear to your favorite fishing spot? The Umpqua Ledges ZS2 waist pack is your answer. The main compartment of the pack holds plenty of fly boxes and the mesh pockets are great for your tippet spools, leaders, weights, and any other accessories you need streamside. There is an integrated net slot that allows for easy storage of your net when not in use. The stiff yet well-padded back panel and waist belt provide great all-day comfort and makes rotating the pack very streamless. The new MOLLE system allows for customization of the pack with additional accessories that can be latched onto the waist pack such as a water bottle or tippet holder. Simms Gulper Tube If you or someone you know enjoys having a frosty beverage after a day of fishing, then the Gulper Tube from Simms is a great gift. This beverage tube is insulated and can hold up to six of your favorite 12 oz canned drinks. Why stop at drinks? You could also fit a few warm breakfast burritos or four six-inch subs in this easy to carry cooler tube. It has a full-length zipper to assure no soldiers are lost in the bottom.