Gifts for Dads Who Fish

Everyone’s eyes start to fail as we age. Dads might not admit it, but it gets tough to see those tiny knots on monofilament, not to mention the struggle of trying to thread that nearly invisible line through the eye of the tiniest fly. Luckily, Bajío brings us the Stiltsville Reader ($229). The transition to the magnified reader portion of the lens is pretty seamless and doesn’t obscure your normal vision when not looking down. If you have a dad who is over the hump of halfway through life, I assure you he’ll appreciate these shades.

Costa knows shades and the Mainsail ($262) is a solid choice for any dad who spends time on the water. This happens to be a larger frame with that classic look that still has all the performance needed to keep Dad’s eyes protected on long days chasing tail. The Mainsail is currently available in three lens color choices, so you can get your dad the pair that fit his particular honey-hole needs.

Dry bags are an amazing asset to have for a day on the water. Big River Dry Bags ($40) are a durable and abrasion-resistant option. If your dad’s idea of outdoor recreation involves fishing or other rugged water sports like kayaking, canoeing, rafting, or even motorcycle touring, they are the perfect storage bags to keep your gear dry.

Lash loops allow secure stacking or attachment to watercraft, motorcycles, and other equipment. The Hypalon nonwicking roll-top closure keeps water out, and the Field Repair Buckles can be replaced in seconds with just a Phillips screwdriver. It also was designed with an oval base to save space when packing and prevent it from rolling away. This is the perfect addition to Dad’s boat, kayak, or canoe.

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This is the perfect gift for the fly-fishing dad on the go. The Beartooth Kit ($225) from Tenkara Rod Co. packs down so small, you can seriously take it anywhere. Whether your dad is a seasoned fly fisherman or new to the hobby, Tenkara fishing is something he’ll very likely appreciate, and the Beartooth Kit makes it so easy to start. It comes with everything you need and it’s easy to toss into a backpack or leave in the center console of your vehicle for those sudden urges to chase elusive trout.

Getting rods to the water and back can be a real pain, particularly if your dad is the type to bring far more rod than he needs. This slick organizer can hold just about everything, including a little fishing stool and anything else he can muster to stuff it with.

With slots for five rods, he can easily carry it all from the truck to the bank without getting tangled up and having a meltdown. At under $35, it’s also pretty easy on the wallet, making it a thoughtful gift that he’ll really appreciate without breaking the bank.

If Dad is a serious fly fisherman and you want to go above and beyond this Father’s Day, this is a rod he’ll be giddy about. The new NRX+ LP fly rod from G Loomis is a slick rod that is beyond sensitive for the fly angler that’s serious about getting just the right finesse on the fly. Regardless of the application, the NRX+ LP is fairly versatile across the spectrum, but where it really shines is making those dry flies come to life.

There are few things worse than Dad’s mood after being turned into a lobster by the sun. Sun protection is so important on the water, and sun shirts have come a long way. The Super Terminal Tackle Vent Hoodie ($65) from Columbia not only can protect your pops from harsh UV rays, but it also stays remarkably cool when temps rise. A really sweet bonus of this particular sun shirt is the built-in mesh gaiter for protecting Dad’s face and neck.

This is one of those little gadgets that are so simple yet so handy. The HOOK-EZE Fishing Knot Tying Tool ($18) clips onto the hook, giving you a secure hold without worrying about dealing with a barb in the thumb. This thing makes it easier to tie up hooks and join two lines. The round clip attaches directly to the rod, so you no longer have to worry about hooks getting caught up in the truck or in storage. It’s cheap, and I’m pretty sure any dad would love it.

Dad can never have enough tackle boxes. This Weekend Series 3500 ($25) from Plano is the perfect little carrying case for all the fishing gadgets you need for a quick trip to a bank. It isn’t huge and miserable to lug around and yet still holds two tackle boxes (included). This is ideal for the fisherman who wants to carry their tackle with them while they cast, while still being able to toss it down on the bank quickly if they need to.

If you’re looking to really upgrade your dad’s fly fishing pack, the FHF Gear Chest Rig ($120) with a Fishing Kit is about as good as it gets. Not only can he use it for fishing, but he can also order additional kits that make this pack useful for everything from turkey hunting to upland birds.

On top of that, it makes a pretty sweet binocular harness as well, with plenty of room for storage of other gadgets and gizmos, regardless of his outdoor hobby. With MOLLE panels and tons of accessories, you can be sure Dad is playing it safe with quick access to things like bear spray and his phone. I have one and I love mine. It’s replaced a pile of random fishing packs and is my go-to on the water.

These things are sweet and so multipurpose. I have one in my canoe, one in my truck bed, and one in the back seat. The YETI GoBox isn’t the cheapest storage option, but it is crazy rugged and durable and will keep your gear protected and organized. The removable tray is perfect for separating a bit of fishing gear, and the lid organizer is slick for keeping the most important stuff (or least important stuff) out of the way.

If your dad is in need of a solid rod and reel combo and you don’t have the scratch to go super high-end, you really can’t go wrong with an Ugly Stick. This setup would be a welcome addition to any spincaster’s lineup and feels like a much more expensive kit, without spending more than around $60. The nice thing about this combo is the ability to choose a length and power that fits your dad’s particular fishing preferences