Tis the season! As the holidays arrive (faster every year), it’s time for my 1st Annual Fly Fishing Gift Guide, gifts for fly anglers — the gear I’d actually want to unwrap myself. I could take the easy route and tell you all about the newest fly rds, reels, and lines to buy, but instead let’s focus on the stuff I used over the last season that truly improved my fishing experience on the water. So if you subscribe to the SKI mentality (which stands for Spends the Kids’ Inheritance!) here’s some great fly fishing gear that can use a spot in your collection:
Top Picks
Forloh Apparel: One of my favorite methods to catch trout is on dry flies, but sometimes we forget what comes along with that: Lots of other bugs in the air. I prefer my bugs on the water for the trout…and away from me. Enter Forloh Insect Shield, the clothing I’ve worn on nearly every fishing expedition for the last season. The top is ideal for keeping mosquitoes and other insects away, plus I have a pair of the pants for around camp or my truck.
DIY Option
After spending time with Fly Fisherman editor Ross Purnell, I learned this sneaky fly fishing hack: Ross uses Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent on shirts to give them some DIY protection against those bugs! This is another great option, and though it doesn’t last as many washes as my Forloh gear, the spray is definitely worth checking out.
No matter where I was fishing this season, my Forloh Insect Shield shirt was there with me. Aside from keeping the bugs away, this hoodie is comfortable and wicks away moisture.
Keep that gear dry!
Besides looking cool, the Buddy dryer does an incredible job for fly fishing gear and lots more!
After a day of fishing, the first thing I do is dry my wading boots. I’ve used a few brands over the years, but learned about the Hedgehog dryer from skiing friends. Besides the fact that it looks cool, the dryer is powerful and comes with a couple options. I now own two, and both are used for my fly fishing gear. To tell you about each:
Buddy: This was the first Hedgehog dryer I used, and what I like about this is I can place the dryer in my wading boots, plus use the attachments for other gear, like gloves. This is also ideal if you’re into skiing or playing in the snow with your family. It has lots of different heat and air settings, and once you have it dialed in, works incredibly well on all types of wading boots (and other gear).
Hedgehog DRIVE: This is the newest addition to my lineup—and honestly, I’m obsessed with it. The DRIVE is designed for both home use and on-the-go drying. Yep, that means the moment I peel off my wading gear and start heading home, my boots are already drying in the car. Weighing in at just half a pound, it’s impressively lightweight and packs easily. It has a single heat setting, so you won’t find all the bells and whistles of the Buddy, but if you’re after a simple, no-nonsense “get it done” dryer, this is the one.
The version I opted for is the Buzz Centris in black. I’m able to transport this bike in the tailgate of my truck, plus it can even fold in half for tight spots.
Go a little further…
Buzz Centris E-bike: Am I really turning into an e-bike angler? The answer is simple: YES. E-bikes open up access to stretches of water that many anglers aren’t willing to hike to—and that extra distance often means untouched fish. It’s one of my secret weapons: go a little farther than everybody else.
But this bike isn’t just for chasing trout. I take it on local trails and bike paths with my kiddos, and the Centris handles it all. It loads easily into the back of my truck, has a surprisingly long battery life, and feels stable even with gear strapped on. Whether I’m exploring new water or keeping up with the kids, this e-bike has earned a permanent spot in my adventures.
Have I finally found the perfect gear bag?? Yes, it’s the Ortlieb RS 140, and I won’t leave home without it!
Travel Smarter: The Fly Angler’s Perfect Gear Bag
With my fly fishing trips bringing me around the world, I’ve had a chance to refine an important aspect of it: Travel Bags. What am I really looking for in a piece of luggage? Surprisingly, not too much, but each aspect matters. Bags should be:
Lightweight - When traveling domestically or internationally, airports place a maximum weight on checked bags. Every ounce matters, thus I want lightweight luggage to stay under the allotment. Plus, if my trip involves connecting airports, lugging heavy bags all over is simply not fun.
Longer Size - After being told by some airlines that I can’t carry my fly rods onto the plane, I changed my startegy: Buy a bag that’s long enough to hold a 4-piece 11’ fly rod. There are very few bags that can meet this criteria.
Durable - When searching luggage under 10 pounds, most tend to be bags. Cloth may look nice at first, but damagaes easily. My ideal material is waterproof and designed to protect its contents.
After trying out a few bags, one has risen to the top: The Ortlieb RS 140. Even better, this bag comes in a bright yellow option, so I can see it the moment it comes down the conveyor belt at the airport. Speaking of which, because of the length of this bag (38”), one airport required me to run it through the oversized luggage. Aside from that, I have had zero issues in two years of travel and highly encourage you to check the Ortlieb RS 140 out if you travel to fly fish frequently.
What gear guide is complete without something you can actually wear on the water—or at the tying bench? Enter the Troutfather Collection. I brought this design out last year, and so many of you asked for it again that I had to make a limited run available. This year’s collection includes hats, hoodies, mugs, t-shirts, and more. Orders close soon, so snag yours before this batch disappears.
Lightweight, waterproof, and reliable…this is what defines Rocky Talkie, and perfect for on the water or in the field.
Top Outdoor Product
Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio: When I heard that my mobile provider offered a satellite feature on my cellphone, I was excited. With the ability to send and receive messages, satellite options definitely give me some peace of mind when in remote destinations. But what about a continued conversation with a lodge or fishing buddy throughout the day?
Enter the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio. These have excellent range, with specs rating them up to 35 miles. I never tested mine that far, but have the extended range antenna and was seriously impressed by how far I could still communicate with my buddy. The radios are super quiet with nearly no feedback, and most importantly, are lightweight. They are also part of my gear collection when whitetail deer hunting in Pennsylvania, and the accessories I’ve purchased include the whip antenna and waterproof hand mic.
For The Kids
Echo Gecko Fly Rod: Ok, I lied when I said I wasn’t recommending a fly rod this time! But how can I not, this Echo is so fun that I have one for each of my children. The rod is durable, looks great, and is incredibly fun to cast…and not just for children! Anytime we have family gatherings at our house, there is always a friendly casting competition. Go ahead, guess which rod everyone wants to cast, adults included! If you have children or grandchildren (or fun adults!), go with this Echo rod. There are two models, a 7’6” 4-weight and a 7’9” 5-weight.
A favorite species to target in Iceland are Arctic char. Here, Tim and his wife Heather hold up a double, two fish caught at the same time while fly fishing.
by tim cammisa
I share my passion for fly fishing and fly tying through personal experiences and expert insights. As a seasoned fly fishing guide turned content creator, my YouTube channel boasts over 5 million views, offering viewers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. While I cherish moments chasing trout in Pennsylvania with my family, I also lead fly fishing expeditions to the captivating landscapes of Iceland, Montana, and Alaska. Additionally, I authored the acclaimed book Fly Tying for Everyone, aiming to empower fellow enthusiasts to tie superior flies, elevate their angling game, and savor unforgettable moments on the water. My newest book, Euro Nymphs, was released January 2025.
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