With Thanksgiving almost upon us, you know Christmas can't be far behind.
It's time to leave hints about what what flyfishing tidbits should be under the tree with your name on it. Or if you're luckey enough to have other family members or friends to share angling gifts with, here are some quick suggestions.
In the stocking stuffer catagory, there are enough fly boxes, snipes and accessories that could make Santa's head spin. Whatever you're looking for, the first place to check is Fly Fishing Network's ProductReview database. This will point out the relative merits from usage to price. You can't go wrong with zingers, snips, Dewitt or Spirit River fly boxes, unbreakable liquid crystal thermometers, all under the 10. range.
Books are a "can't go wrong" area, with the only drawback being, they might already have it. So the safe way to go is with new releases. A couple that would fit are Richards/Braendle, Super Hatches: Caddis Super Hatches of the US or Ed Van Puts, Beaverkill River.
Videos aren't quite in the same class as books, but if you know they'll appeal, stick to the tried and true: Gary Borger's stuff or SciAng's titles.
Winter evening's can be tough on fl y fishermen, but two tried and true ways to make them bearable are rod building and fly tying. FFN rodbuilding kits are in the 150. range and anyone with average skills can end up with a "work of art" in 2 or 3 evenings work. Even simpler is a Kit Gift Certificate allowing the reciprient to pick out the model they desire.
Fly tying is a tough line to cross. It's a major one to becoming a "Compleat Angler". Somewhere in the 30-40% area of those who try it cross the line. The 60-70% who make the purchase but abandone tying usually just leave in the closet or basement. No matter where they end, the initial investment is in the 100. -250. area. The two sides of the coin: kits are great starters, but if you get into tying seriously you'll won't want to use it long, and quality components once you tire of tying are great dust collectors. So you have to judge and purchase accordingly.
In the clothing area our FlyBuy special, the Waterworks Fleece Top is really a neat item. We field tested the prototype and couldn't find any drawbacks. For everyday wear or for cold weather everyday fishing it's great. And for either men or women, it's fashionable. And with the special pricing it's close to five flies.
The Lone Peak chest pac is another item we field tested and anyone who's tired of vests weighing 'em down would love this chest pac.
If you want to shoot the works, either for yourself or a love one, the ported Abels are a knock out, especially the smaller trout models which Abel just made available ported. And while you're checking them out the Abel Machined Knife and Tackle Bag will fit those hard to buy fly fisherman on your list.
To be sure anyone on your list isn't dissapointed, please order by December 15th.