April 27, 2023
By Fly Fisherman Staff
It's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the mom who loves to fly fish. Whether she's a seasoned angler or just starting out, here are plenty of fly-fishing gifts that will make her day. Find the perfect present to show your appreciation for all the love and hard work she puts in every day.
Dun and Dun Prints $40-130 | dunanddunshop.com The gorgeous and detailed art of James Dunlap and Ryan Dunmeyer would add class to any fly angler’s walls. These illustrators offer prints ranging from aquatic insect life cycles to individual dry fly and nymph patterns signed prints matted, mounted, and ready for the frame. They are printed on an industrial ink-jet printer with pigment inks on high-quality, archival, Hahnemühle Fine Art paper. They are available as either 8x10 inches or 11x14 inches. Buy one or buy a matching set.
$40-130 | dunanddunshop.com
YETI Wheeled Roadie 48, with Divider, Cup Holder, Dry Storage, and YETI Ice Packs $450 for cooler; accessories are additional $150; $600 total | yeti.com YETI’s relatively new Wheeled Roadies amazingly are still portable despite being large. That’s thanks to the suitcase-like wheels and telescoping handle that lets you bring it where you want to be with ease. There are new accessories as well, including a cooler divider, external cupholders, and a dry-storage basket that sits on the upper rim (and still closes). YETI also makes branded ice packs that fit perfectly. It even has a “BestDam” drain plug for melted-ice drainage.
The 48 fits 76 cans (if cans only), 54 pounds of ice (only), and is wine-bottle compatible (and can hold an astonishing 15 bottles!). Roadies are also available as an unwheeled 24-liter and massive 60-liter versions, and in charcoal, navy, and white.
$450 for cooler; accessories are additional $150; $600 total | yeti.com
Costa Aletas $221; costadelmar.com Costa’s new Aleta sunglasses have a relaxed look and feel along with all the technical fishing specs that make Costas an industry favorite. The name Aleta comes from the Spanish word for “fin.”
“Our new hybrid category is our most versatile. It has it all, water-ready performance and a stylish, modern design,” says John Acosta, Costa Sunglasses Vice President of Marketing NA. “We took the performance features that Costa is famous for and added them to a more relaxed frame shape that is equally comfortable and durable on any adventure.”
These are available in Costa’s premium 580G glass lenses and absorb 100 percent of UV light. The “C-Wall” coating provides extra scratch-resistance and a barrier that repels water, oil, and sweat for easy cleaning.
Available in three frame colors and two lens materials (glass and polycarbonate/plastic).
$221; costadelmar.com
Three New Loaded Fly Boxes from Tenkara Rod Co. $69 | tenkararodco.com Tenkara sometimes unjustly ends up the butt of jokes, but for many anglers, it’s no less challenging or fun than any other method of taking fish with flies. Though still a niche activity, more and more anglers are discovering the simplicity and elegance of the tenkara method. As such, Tenkara Rod Co. has developed specially curated fly collections for tenkara fishing, including its “Loaded Fly Box with 24 Kebari Flies.”
Kebari flies were originally developed for tenkara and typically consist of a few simple materials tied to mimic mayflies, caddisflies, or act as attractor patterns. These forward-hackle dry flies sort of resemble “cripple” flies, such as the style developed by legendary fly tier Bob Quigley.
Tenkara Rod Co. also sells Loaded Fly Boxes with standard dry flies and standard nymphs, along with selling the boxes or flies alone. Free shipping is offered for on orders over $49, which would include this Loaded Fly Box combo pack.
If you haven’t picked up a Tenkara rod, there’s no time like the present. And what better reason than to test out these Kebari flies.
$69 | tenkararodco.com
Patagonia Stealth Work Station $59 | patagonia.com You’ll want to consider this water-resistant pack from Patagonia for mom this year. The pack is designed to attach to your wader suspenders, keeping your tools and essentials front and center for easy access. It's made with 6-oz 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a polyurethane coating on one side and a TPU coating on the other, making it durable and water-resistant.
The pack features a large zippered main pocket, two zippered accessory pockets, a rear security pocket, fly patch, and tool docking stations. The integrated magnets on the pack front are a particularly nice touch, as they hold flies, nippers, or hemostats.
Other great features of this pack include an external stash pocket, two hemo-garages with clip loops, and multiple lash points. The single internal pocket includes two tippet spool/leader organizers and two separate compartments for fly boxes and essentials. Plus, it's Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, meaning the people who made it earned a premium for their labor.
$59 | patagonia.com
Simms Freestone Z Waders $400 | simmsfishing.com The Women's Freestone® Z Waders from Simms are perfect for any mom. Constructed with rugged, breathable 4-layer Toray® QuadraLam™ fabric, these waders can handle brushy approaches and cold, wet weather with ease. The updated patterning and fit deliver greater mobility, while the innovative, patented TIZIP® side-zipper makes getting in and out of the waders quick and easy. The waist-anchored suspender straps allow for a custom strap fit and high-waist conversion on warm days. When the temperature drops, the reach-through, fleece-lined hand warmer pocket provides instant relief for cold fingers. There's also a zippered top stash pocket for flies, tools, and loose gear.
These waders also come with a women's-specific fit and an attachment zipper for interchangeable, flip-out pocket options (available separately). The best part? Sixty-day replacement for leaks, no questions asked.
$400 | simmsfishing.com
Ross Colorado Greenback Special Edition Reel $495; rossreels.com Ross Reels’ beautiful new Native Greenback Cutthroat Reel would make an appreciated addition to any angler’s quiver. What’s more: A portion of sales will be donated to Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU) and the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter program, the Poudre Headwaters Project. The reel is the first in Ross's new Native Reel Series.
The Poudre Headwaters Project is a joint program between the US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Colorado State University, and CTU that aims to restore a robust population of greenback cutthroat trout to the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River in its native range. Once believed to be extinct, greenbacks are currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The Native Greenback Cutthroat Reel is a special limited-edition built on Ross’s Colorado 2/3 reel. Only 495 will be produced, and each will be numbered, hand painted, and will include the “Greenback” inscription on the reel foot. Ross will donate $75 from each reel sold to the Poudre Headwaters Project.
$495; rossreels.com
G.Loomis Asquith Rod $1,235; gloomis.com If you really want to spoil mama, consider the popular G.Loomis Asquith.
The Asquith is a high-end fly rod built on Shimano's Spiral X platform, which provides excellent power transfer, sensitivity, and quick recovery. The Asquith was designed by world casting champion Steve Rajeff and is considered a step towards the future of rod manufacturing technology. The rods have fast actions, generous power levels, titanium guides, and a light swing weight, making them suitable for fishing situations that require high line speed and precise casting.
Everyone we have talked to loves their Asquith–your mom will too.
$1,235; gloomis.com
Grunden's Women's Neptune Jacket $100; grundens.com The Grunden's Women's Neptune Jacket is a full-zippered hooded jacket made from medium-weight polyurethane-coated polyester fabric that provides waterproof protection and comfort for active fishermen. It has an athletic cut and underarm gussets for ease of movement during fishing. Additionally, it features a button closure storm flap over an abrasion-resistant zipper for added protection against wind and water.
Available in four sharp colors and six sizes.
$100; grundens.com
Orvis PRO Waterproof Pack $329; orvis.com This rugged 30-liter submersible backpack is welded together using high-frequency electric fields to fuse the materials together. The weld is often stronger and more waterproof than the original single ply. The backpack is built from 840-denier nylon coated with thermoplastic polyurethane. After using this pack for rafting trips, fly fishing through summer thunderstorms, rappelling under waterfalls, and swimming through slot canyons, I’d say Orvis designers chose just the right material. It’s light, soft, and pliable, but still durable enough to take it anywhere and trust it with your most valued possessions, whether that’s a phone, laptop, camera, or the sandwiches you’d like to stay dry for lunch.
And it was Fly Fisherman’s best new pack for 2023.
$329; orvis.com
Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS Float Tube $599; outcastboats.com The Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS, Outcast’s top-selling float tube, is easy to transport with its built-in handle and backpack straps. It has an inflatable seat, a U-boat design that makes it efficient, and an LCS apron system to keep track of your line. It also has durable construction with fabric-protected urethane bladders that hold air for years, a built-in carry handle, and comes with a 5-year warranty. It is a stable craft with a big load capacity.
$599; outcastboats.com
Donate in Mom's Honor Not only will your gift make a difference in the lives of women and the environment, but it will also be a meaningful way to show your love and appreciation. What better way to honor the special women in your life than by donating to organizations that support women and their love of fishing? Here are five non-profits that you can donate to in honor of Mother's Day:
Casting for Recovery :Able Women Fish for Change Reeling in Serenity Western Rivers Conservancy Not only will your gift make a difference in the lives of women and the environment, but it will also be a meaningful way to show your love and appreciation.
Pescador on the Fly El Jefe Packable Fly Rod Combo $500 | pescadoronthefly.com The El Jefe Series of Packable Fly Rod Combos were designed by life-long anglers in the USA to produce an affordable, high-performance fly fishing outfit. The rods were built on blanks using IM12 carbon fiber and 40T graphite from Toray Industries in Japan. The outfit also includes a high-quality cork handle, titanium-coated guides, a natural hardwood reel seat insert, and an aircraft aluminum reel seat. El Jefe Freshwater Series Packable Fly Rods have a firm flex that allows for excellent control of the fly line. The stripping guides and snake guides are titanium-coated from Pacific Bay. The rod folds into a 22-inch case and comes with an extra tip section. The El Jefe Series Fly Reel is perfectly suited for the El Jefe fly rods, with a sealed disc drag, machine-cut stainless steel, and left or right-hand retrieve. The series includes 3/4 weight, 5/6 weight, and 7/8 weight packable fly rods. The 3/4 weight rod is suited for small water or small trout, the 5/6 weight rod is suited for general trout fishing, and the 7/8 weight rod is suitable for larger water and trout or for streamer fishing. The outfit comes with a lifetime warranty, and the company offers excellent customer service.
And for now, it comes with a free “economic stimulus package” worth nearly $200.
$500 | pescadoronthefly.com
Scientific Anglers Tailout Tool Assortment $30; scientificanglers.com The Scientific Anglers Tailout Tool Assortment is a great product for beginners as it includes all the necessary tools needed when fishing. The assortment comes with forceps, a standard nipper, and a zinger, making it easy for anglers to get started on the water. Overall, a useful product for mothers new to the sport.
$30; scientificanglers.com
Angler's Coffee Be Bold Blend Collab with Wild Steelhead Coalition $30 | anglerscoffee.com Angler’s Coffee has partnered with the Wild Steelhead Coalition to create a limited series release called the Be Bold Blend, which is a dark roast coffee with tasting notes of dark chocolate, smokey, and creamy body. The purchase of this coffee will support the work of the Wild Steelhead Coalition in restoring wild steelhead populations in their native watersheds. The coffee is certified organic and sourced from Central America.
It’s truly delicious coffee that supports a great cause.
$30 | anglerscoffee.com
Lakes Rivers Streams Playing Cards $15 | lakesriversstreams.com One of the coolest new fly-fishing products is not a rod, reel, terminal tackle, or even apparel. It’s Lakes Rivers Streams beautifully illustrated playing cards. These cards have kings, queens, jacks, and jokers toting fly rods, polarized shades, and holding everything from brown trout to muskie to redfish, tarpon and permit. The cards are printed on Casino grade, 310 GSM coated linen stock.
Lakes Rivers Streams also offers prints and apparel. (Shop owners/managers are encouraged to contact rob@lakesriversstreams.com to discuss wholesale rates.)
$15 | lakesriversstreams.com
Miss Mayfly Moxie Wading Boots $190 | missmayfly.com The new Miss Mayfly Moxie wading boot is built specifically for female fly anglers to provide comfort, support, and balance while wading.
Moxie, by definition means "force of character, determination, or nerve," which are all traits Miss Mayfly founder Kimberly Ranalla has and shares with her customers. She also incorportates these traits into her wading gear. Miss Mayfly was formed by the love of fly fishing, and the specific needs of Ranalla after she suffered a spinal injury in 2014. She found fly fishing to be a source of therapy and inspiration. As a dedicated fly angler, she found the wading offerings for women limited in size and fit. She set out to create her own brand in 2016 with waders that fit all body types. Miss Mayfly is focused on introducing women to fly fishing, providing gear that fits right, look great, and keeps you on the water longer.
The Moxie wading boot features a full foam arch insole for solid support, protection, and comfort while wading. Waterproof synthetic leather uppers, high-density rubber outsoles, padded gusseted tongues to keep pebbles out of the boot, molded rubber toe guards, and scratch-resistant rubber toe and heel rands add to the durability of the boot. These are lightweight at only 20 ounces per boot to combat fatigue. A locking quick lace design keeps your laces in place throughout the day. The boot cut allows for heavy insulated socks to keep your toes cozy while allowing some wiggle room for warmth and circulation. Available in felt or grippy rubber soles with cleat sites (cleats sold separately) in two colors, sage and gray, and offered in women's sizes 6-11.
$190 | missmayfly.com
