Flyfishmagazine.com’s Holiday Gift Guide: 2007

I am the Editor here at FlyFishMagazine.com and the FlyFishMagazine blog.  As such my duties include everything from pumping up the raft on float trips to pestering my contributing editors for articles and fishing reports. I don’t claim to be an all knowing fly fishing guru (or even a very good fisherman) but rather I am just a guy who loves the sport and wants to learn as much about it as possible. 

Being associated with the new fly fishing media has allowed me meet a large number of dedicated fly anglers from all around the world and has exposed me to some of the best new and old products currently on the market.  To make my gift guide, a gear manufacturer must provide a product that is an excellent value for the fly angler’s dollar.                   

Filson Products

Filson products have achieved a cult following with everyone from upland gamebird hunters to Klondike gold miners.  Once you are bitten by the Filson bug it is hard to go without a regular fix of oil cloth and leather. Filson products would never be called inexpensive.  However, their high quality and durability under extreme conditions qualify them as an excellent value for the fly angler.

The Extra Large Outfitter Bag from Filson caught my eye as I was planning a recent fly fishing trip. Luggage space was limited and I was faced with the serious dilemma of what to do with wet boots and waders on the post trip plane ride home. This extra large Filson product easily had plenty of room for my fishing vest, net, travel rod, reels, and clothes for the trip but it was the waterproof zippered lower compartment designed to hold my stinky waders and soggy boots that sealed the deal for me.

The bag is made of a very heavy oiled twill and is treated with paraffin for added water repellence.  Two way brass zippers and bridle leather handles and straps mean that this is a rugged piece of luggage that, with minimal maintenance, can protect your gear for a life time.  It is available from Filson’s website for $365.

Additional gifts available for the fly fishing Filson addict on your Christmas list:

The Filson Large Fly Case $79.50

The Filson Fresh Water Reel Case $95.00

Patagonia’s Deep Wading Jacket is a version of their iconic SST waterproof breathable jacket that is designed specifically with the fly fisher in mind. Here is how they describe it on their site:

External chest pockets placed high to protect fly boxes while wading deep; built in side-entry handwarmer pockets Storm-guttered, double-slider front zipper and dual snaps at the hem for vest access Gusseted reverse StretchCoat® cuffs with skin-side-out accommodates layers yet provides a tight wrist seal for casting in rain and releasing fish Two D-rings at front for floatants and accessories; D-ring on back for attaching net Lightweight and packable to easily fit in back of vest or corner of luggage

In addition to these fly fisher friendly features, the jacket is cut three inches shorter than the standard version so that it won’t hamper you when you need to wade deep to get in position for the perfect dead drift.   Patagonia’s Deep Wading Jacket is available for $200.

The great thing about Patagonia is that they are a company that puts a great emphasis on conservation.  They are a founding member of 1% for the planet and have donated millions to conservation efforts around the world.

I have been field testing a pair of Panoptx Churada CV Polarized fishing glasses for the last few months. Panoptx made their name with motorcycle riders and their success in that market translates well for the fly fisher.  Their lenses are nearly indestructible and have no noticeable distortion. The copper color gives added visibility in low light conditions and makes a big difference for me when it comes to spotting those hard to see fish.

The frames are light weight and the removable foam eyecups do an excellent job of keeping glare from leaking in from the sides and obscuring your view. An excellent benefit to contact lens wearers like me is that they also protect your eyes from drying out due to windy conditions.  I generally don’t keep multiple pairs of sunglasses so I enjoy the fact that I can simply pop the eyecups out for  everyday wear.

The Panoptx Churada CV retails for $199 via the Panoptx website and at dealers nationwide. 

Normally I try to stay away from writing about underwear here at FlyFishMagazine. That changed when I visited with the folks from ExOfficio at the Fly Fishing Retailer show In Denver, Colorado.  Their rep gave me a pair of their Men’s Give and Go Boxer Shorts which being short on undergarments I promptly put to the test. 

The boxers dry quickly, are moisture wicking, most importantly odor resistant making them perfect for those long fishing / camping trips to Arkansas.  We never thought we would say this aloud but these boxers are well worth their $24 retail price via the ExOfficio website. 

Anything with the Reel Pure Solo Fly Logo on it.

These guys are friends, anglers, and bloggers who sell excellent products for folks who are serious about fly fishing but are “tired of the serious fly fishing attitude.”

Our favorite fishng shirts and hats all have the Reel Pure logo plastered on them.