by Kirk Deeter

One thing I cannot understand at all is the "Black Friday" phenomenon. Wake up at some ungodly hour in the middle of vacation, to go fight through traffic, stand in lines, risk being trampled in a stampede... all for the cherished tradition of spending money on cheap Chinese product at a big box retailer. Of course, I know certain manic shoppers who look forward to that with the same gusto as some of us look forward to deer camp... and they likewise question the sanity of anyone willing to wake up before dark to go stand in a river during a sideways rainstorm, swinging flies for steelhead, which we're just going to let go anyway. So much for owning the logical high ground.

But I will say this... during your holiday shopping, please don't forget to stop by the local fly shop. They need the business. And frankly, they deserve our support. Even a few bucks will make a difference.

Here's a list of gift ideas... all under $25... which you can find at the fly shop. They're perfect gifts for your fishing buddy, or as stocking stuffers... or even for yourself (so long as you've been good).

- For that buddy who needs all the help he can get to stay organized, get him the fishpond Sweetwater Reel and Gear Case. The medium size can fit four freshwater reels or two reels and two spools. Its also a great place to throw those little items that get lost in larger gear bags. MSRP: $24.

- Buff Headwear. Try a UV Buff, and you'll find they're much more than sun protection... they're also fashion statements. Retail is $22, and you can find them at many fly shops.

- The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing. Guaranteed to make you 25% smarter on the river between New Year's and Opening Day. I hope you'l find a copy ($16.95) at a fly shop; however, if you want one signed, and are willing to pay a few bucks extra for shipping, I'll write any inscription (e.g. To Bob, The golden god with a nine-foot rod") if your order from www.redbookflyfishing.com.

- Chums Halfpipe Eyewear Retainer... $6. It floats. Thus it could be a gift that keeps on giving, saving hundreds in lost eyewear. Your friends will thank you.

- A dozen flies. Especially if you can get some tied in the shop, with specific patterns for local waters. No gift will touch an angler's spirit (and keep them daydreaming about warm fishing days) like a dozen hand-crafted flies. Figure $2 a fly... a dozen fits inside the cap at $24.

- Have a friend who could use some help keeping his gear clean and ready to go? (That includes yourself.) RIO’s AgentX Line Cleaning Kit is the perfect gift for the holidays. The kit includes a RIO Wonder Cloth and a bottle of AgentX line dressing. Retail is $10.95

- Fly fishers like to wear their affinity for the sport... literally. So for some inspiration on the water as well as some style, get your best fishing buddy a Redington t-shirt this year for the holidays. Choose from four different designs. I thing Redington has the coolest t-shirt prints going. Cost @ $20.

- How about a cap featuring the logo of your favorite fly shop? $20.

- Subscriptions to your favorite outdoor/fly fishing magazine... Field & Stream, of course, should be a renewal.

From socks to fly boxes, to gizmos, and decorative doo-dads, you'll find a lot more than expensive rods and reels at your fly shop. No matter what is on your shopping list, or personal wish list (interested to know what's on some of your lists....), please consider stopping in the fly shop!

Comments (13)

from Sayfu wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

You got it on standing in line on Black Friday. We were sub zero weather, and folks stayed out in front of stores all nite!!!
And the fly guy regarding lines?..he wants 400 yds, at least, between everyone in line! :)

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from mad_dog9999 wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Black friday was created by satan

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from micropterus wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I did my Black Friday shopping from my laptop and boy did I pull in a deal! It's not fishing related, but I scored a Daniel Defense upper reciever group with Omega X quad rail for $499! Meanwhile, my wife was out and about and managed to grab a Dyson for $219. I think I did better than she did. . .

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from MLH wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I drive by a large outlet mall on my way north. At 3:30AM on Friday there wasn't an open parking spot. I much prefer spending time in the woods or on the water ... or in the local fly/gun shop than in the crowds on Black Friday. Those Black Friday shoppers are a little over the edge ... but that's probably the same thing they say about me heading north at 3AM.

Thanks for the gift ideas. Been trying to come up with something new this year. Last year it was line clippers and tying aids.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Deeter, I'm debating on buying a Scott F2(gift for myself), I was wondering if you have tried it out yet or know anyone who has gave it a try? I think I'm gonna go for the 6'0 2 weight.
and to add to that list a pair of forceps. I always lose mine.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I used Black Friday to restock my ammo box. It was buy one get one 1/2 off at Dicks then $25 off for each purchase over $100. After recruiting my family into a coupon abuse scam I made out like a bandit.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from timromano wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

bamacreekbum,

Buy it.

I've had that very model now as a prototype and fished with it most of the summer here in colorado. I'm a easy sell on tiny glass stuff and own a couple of the earlier Scott F series and I think this is a step forward. It loads with very little line out and you can feel it all the way to the butt section. It's an awesome rod that looks cool too with that funky yellow color. I highly recommend it.

tr

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Thanks Tim. I was hoping you would respond. (I know you love small stream stuff). Now I'm getting excited for spring.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kirkdeeter wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Bama... Tim beat me to the punch (I was out skiing today), but, for what it's worth, I agree. I'm also a Scott fiberglass junkie... I personally fish fiberglass in small stream situations (when I can... I do), and all the fiberglass I own (bought) is Scott stuff. I've also fished this rod. This one ain't yellow, it's "honey." And definitely sweet. Tender when you load up at short range. You won't be disappointed. It's a classic in the making. I rarely advocate for specific rods, but having been asked, I say, "Ho ho ho, and go go go." Enjoy.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Awesome, thanks for your reply. I have been eying this rod since it was announced. I am going to mainly use it for the Smokies and North Georgia brook trout. I felt like my 4 weight was a little overkill with the fast action(Scott A3). So I guess now I'm sold on the F2 thanks again.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from fflutterffly wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

One holiday season I received a Stanley 20fl oz stout thermos. This little life saver keeps my drinks or soup hot for 8 hours, as well as my cold drinks really cold. I don't travel without it. This is a gift that can be used on or off the water. It comes with a small folding spoon on the top where I also have my Splenda. It's about $30.00. Best gift I've had in a long time.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Box Call wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

The idea of buying flies is always a great idea, or if you tie yourself, give them some of your hand tied specials in a nice fly box. If your buddy is a tyer then get them some fly tying material...hooks,feathers or fur.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from jamesti wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

i wish there was a fly shop anywhere close to me here in new york. i'm still trying to decide what fly rod to build myself. great gift idea for you or someone else.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

from kirkdeeter wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Bama... Tim beat me to the punch (I was out skiing today), but, for what it's worth, I agree. I'm also a Scott fiberglass junkie... I personally fish fiberglass in small stream situations (when I can... I do), and all the fiberglass I own (bought) is Scott stuff. I've also fished this rod. This one ain't yellow, it's "honey." And definitely sweet. Tender when you load up at short range. You won't be disappointed. It's a classic in the making. I rarely advocate for specific rods, but having been asked, I say, "Ho ho ho, and go go go." Enjoy.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from fflutterffly wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

One holiday season I received a Stanley 20fl oz stout thermos. This little life saver keeps my drinks or soup hot for 8 hours, as well as my cold drinks really cold. I don't travel without it. This is a gift that can be used on or off the water. It comes with a small folding spoon on the top where I also have my Splenda. It's about $30.00. Best gift I've had in a long time.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Sayfu wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

You got it on standing in line on Black Friday. We were sub zero weather, and folks stayed out in front of stores all nite!!!
And the fly guy regarding lines?..he wants 400 yds, at least, between everyone in line! :)

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from mad_dog9999 wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Black friday was created by satan

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from micropterus wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I did my Black Friday shopping from my laptop and boy did I pull in a deal! It's not fishing related, but I scored a Daniel Defense upper reciever group with Omega X quad rail for $499! Meanwhile, my wife was out and about and managed to grab a Dyson for $219. I think I did better than she did. . .

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from MLH wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I drive by a large outlet mall on my way north. At 3:30AM on Friday there wasn't an open parking spot. I much prefer spending time in the woods or on the water ... or in the local fly/gun shop than in the crowds on Black Friday. Those Black Friday shoppers are a little over the edge ... but that's probably the same thing they say about me heading north at 3AM.

Thanks for the gift ideas. Been trying to come up with something new this year. Last year it was line clippers and tying aids.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Deeter, I'm debating on buying a Scott F2(gift for myself), I was wondering if you have tried it out yet or know anyone who has gave it a try? I think I'm gonna go for the 6'0 2 weight.
and to add to that list a pair of forceps. I always lose mine.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

I used Black Friday to restock my ammo box. It was buy one get one 1/2 off at Dicks then $25 off for each purchase over $100. After recruiting my family into a coupon abuse scam I made out like a bandit.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from timromano wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

bamacreekbum,

Buy it.

I've had that very model now as a prototype and fished with it most of the summer here in colorado. I'm a easy sell on tiny glass stuff and own a couple of the earlier Scott F series and I think this is a step forward. It loads with very little line out and you can feel it all the way to the butt section. It's an awesome rod that looks cool too with that funky yellow color. I highly recommend it.

tr

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Thanks Tim. I was hoping you would respond. (I know you love small stream stuff). Now I'm getting excited for spring.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from BamaCreekBum wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

Awesome, thanks for your reply. I have been eying this rod since it was announced. I am going to mainly use it for the Smokies and North Georgia brook trout. I felt like my 4 weight was a little overkill with the fast action(Scott A3). So I guess now I'm sold on the F2 thanks again.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Box Call wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

The idea of buying flies is always a great idea, or if you tie yourself, give them some of your hand tied specials in a nice fly box. If your buddy is a tyer then get them some fly tying material...hooks,feathers or fur.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from jamesti wrote 1 year 25 weeks ago

i wish there was a fly shop anywhere close to me here in new york. i'm still trying to decide what fly rod to build myself. great gift idea for you or someone else.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.