Father's Day Fly Fishing Gifts: 7 Ideas for Dad - Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

The best Father's Day gift for a fly fishing dad is either something he'd never spend his own money on — a sun hoodie, a proper pack, a second pair of forceps — or a day on the water with you. Here are seven ideas that land, plus the one that always wins.

Father's Day is a good occasion to say thank you to the men who got us into this. Whether your dad has been casting for forty years or picked up a rod last spring, the right bit of gear makes his next trip better. These are the ones I'd actually buy.

What should I get a dad who fly fishes?

1. A sun hoodie

Sun protection is the piece most dads skip and most need, and a good hooded shirt beats sunscreen every time because you never have to remember to reapply it. FORLOH's SolAir Hooded LS Shirt is technical and American-made, or for something with more personality the Teton Comet Sun Protective Hoodie and Yosemite Sun Protective Hoodie both look good off the water too. Browse warm weather clothing.

2. A pack that does more than fishing

Dads tend to like gear that pulls double duty. The JHFLYCO 27L Waterproof Backpack works for a day on the river, a hike, or a weekend away, and it keeps a camera and a phone dry when the weather turns. See more in fly fishing packs and accessories.

3. A good assortment of flies

A general assortment is always appreciated, and it's the rare gift that gets consumed and remembered. Our fly pattern assortments cover a season rather than a single hatch, which is what you want when you're buying for someone whose home water you don't fish. If you do know his river, go straight to the fly patterns collection.

4. A spare pair of forceps

Here's the thing about forceps: they get lost. Constantly. A spare pair is one of those gifts that seems small and then gets used every trip for years. Look for scissors built into the back of the jaws — a real time saver. The Rambler Tailwater Forceps are my pick, with the Rainbow Ridge Forceps as a good-looking alternative. Full forceps collection.

5. A fly box he'll enjoy filling

Picture your dad opening an empty fly box and immediately starting to plan what goes in it. That's the gift. The Slim J Magnetic Fly Box is great for zeroing in on one fly type without hauling the whole collection, and the BIG BOX Fly Box is for the dad who wants everything with him. More in fly storage and accessories.

6. Fly tying tools

If he ties his own, a fresh set of tools is always welcome — tiers accumulate rather than replace, so nothing gets thrown out. Start with the Water Mark Titan Ergo Scissors, a Ceramic Bobbin, and a Dubbing Twister. The full fly tying collection has vises, hooks, thread, and materials.

7. Wading boots or hikers

Dual-purpose boots that handle both the hike in and the wet wading are a genuine luxury for backcountry dads. Look for a built-in gravel guard over a lace-up interior, a waterproof membrane, and a warranty worth having — and check your state's rules on felt soles before you buy, since felt is banned in some places for spreading invasive species.

The gift that beats all of them

Skimp on the gear and go fishing with Dad. I mean it. Every dad I know would trade any item on this list for a day on the water with their kid, and that's the one you'll both still be talking about in ten years.

If you want to make it a proper trip, our Certified Guides & Lodges are operations we know and stand behind, and the Book a Trip page covers the bigger destinations through Frontiers International Travel.

Happy Father's Day!

Can't find something above? Consider a pocket knife — I love my small collection and it's an ideal gift for any man. Here are a few suggestions for anglers, or browse the knives collection.

Do you want deals on equipment, fly fishing trips, and lots of information? Become a member of the Loyalty Club at the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast.

Tight lines, everyone!

Christian Bacasa, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast