For the angler in your life, check out these gift ideas…though you might have to pay for rush shipping to get some of them there by Christmas.
Winston Pure 2
If you like Winston rods, you’ll like this one. If you liked PURE, you’ll like the PURE 2 more, and you’ll feel a difference, starting with the slightly larger grip. The PURE 2 is a more advanced fly rod and a pleasure to fish. I would gravitate toward the 8-foot 3-inch length, especially in the 4-weight. Afterall, it’s not a Euro nymphing rod––it was specifically designed for fishing dry flies.
Some of my good friends might suggest the rod is a little tippy, but I think you’d maybe only notice that if you wanted to make bomber casts on wide open western rivers. One ironic thought I’ve had after fishing this rod on the Henry’s Fork in Idaho––Winston, long proud of its Twin Bridges, Montana roots and considered an icon of Western fly fishing, may very well have created in PURE 2 the quintessential dry fly rod for Wisconsin’s Driftless region, northern Michigan, the Catskills and Appalachia.
MSRP: $995 – review by Kirk Deeter
Simms Flyweight Vest Pack
Ahh, the fishing vest. It’s taken on many iterations over the years, gone in and out of flavor, but no one can dispute its functionality. But there are plenty of times when wearing a fishing vest alone does not provide enough room. Enter Simms Flyweight Vest Pack.
For days when you’re up for trudging along a trail with all your fishing gear, plus lunch, snacks and water, plus rain gear, plus a first aid kit, plus, plus, plus, this vest pack combo carries extremely comfortably. Boulder hopping, up and over downed trees and standing waist deep in a river, the Simms Flyweight Vest Pack passed my test of staying in place, holding all my gear just where I need it and making long days on the water that much more convenient and functional.
MSRP: $199.95 – review by Kara Armano
River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing by Steve Duda
Stellar fly fishing literature has been a constant in our sport nearly since its inception. There’s plenty of fodder to create indelible stories, and Steve Duda’s inaugural book, River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing accomplishes just that.
It’s entertaining from start to finish with writing that perfectly captures the moment and puts you right there on the river with him and his buddies. Duda uses all his senses to grasp each moment and that shines through with lyrical words (thanks to his extensive musical background) that allow readers to flow from one story to the next with ease and delight. So, grab a copy and a coffee, sit down and enjoy. You’ll find it tough to put down, I promise.
MSRP: $24.95 – review by Kara Armano
Pescador travel rod
If you travel to fish, or if you do a lot of hiking into the backcountry to fish the blue lines, you should check out Pescador on the Fly’s series of six-piece rods.
Given recent advances in materials and components used to make rods, gone are the days when fewer pieces guaranteed better casting action. I’ll vouch for the cast-ability of the “El Rey” premium 8’-6” #4-weight. At a sale price of $500, this might be the best packable fly rod you can get your hands on. And this family-owned business backs its products with a great warranty and service.
MSRP: $ 499.99 – review by Kirk Deeter
Ross Reels East vs. West
As you likely read recently, Ross Reels created numerous reels to help fund TU’s Embrace A Stream program. You can’t go wrong with any of the reels from its Native Reel series, but we’re fond of the East vs. West rivalry.
This pits native brook trout in the East and native Kern River rainbows in California against one another with beautifully designed reels. Ross used its Animas Reel model to create this series in a 4/5 size that’s ideal for catching each of these fish. Their colors reflect the beauty of these species, and hand-painted spots on each drag knob harken characteristics of each fish.
A portion of each reel sale will go back to Embrace A Stream benefiting TU chapters who are working hard on habitat restoration to benefit these species.
Grab one of the 495 available reels today to cast your vote for the East’s native brook trout or the West’s native rainbow trout.
MSRP: $495 – review by Kara Armano
Help TU continue to do great work across the country
As you know, Trout Unlimited has been hard at work for 65 years cleaning up streams, improving habitat and walking the halls of Congress, all to make fishing better. So why not help us do even more great work in 2025 by becoming a member, gifting a membership or donating this holiday season.
- If you’re not a member already, you can sign up here and choose the option that best suits you.
- If you’re a member but are up for a renewal, click here.
- Gift a membership to your favorite angler or river lover in your life. (Be sure to click the box, “I would like to gift my membership as a gift”). This gift will provide a 1-year membership to TU and a 6-month subscription to OnWater.
- Make 2 times the impact for trout and streams by donating today. Every dollar donated before December 31st will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact for cold, clean water and healthy trout and salmon habitats.
We thank you for your support of TU and any of these companies who champion our efforts. Happy Holidays!