Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Fly

May 30, 2023

Father's Day is a natural for fly-fishing gear, positioned as it is right smack in the middle of the best fishing month of the year, when the trout are sipping mayflies, the bonefish are tailing for shrimp and the stripers are crashing bunker.

While the torrid pace of the fly-fishing industry has slowed a bit since the pandemic rush, manufacturers continue to pump out incredible gear. Below, I’ve cobbled together nine of my favorite new pieces—from rods to waders to apparel—that your Pop is sure to dig.

Orvis Mission Two-Handed Fly Rod

Orvis Mission Two-Handed Fly Rod

Orvis has finally gone all-in on the two-handed fly rod game, and it was worth the wait. I’ve used the 8-weight version of this rod for Atlantic salmon, and the 3-weight version to swing flies for trout. Both rods do exactly as they’re told, and then some—they are lightweight, yet able to punch your fly to the opposite bank when needed. Available in 3-to-10 weights. $800-$950

Simms Freestone Wader

Simms Freestone Waders

Simms has long been a leader in the high-end wader category. And now they’ve incorporated all of that high-end technology and knowledge into a great wader that comes in at a lower-budget price point. The Freestone is durable (four layers), comfortable and features a generous chest pocket that includes all-important hand warmers. $380

Bajio Stiltsville Sunglasses

Bajio Stiltsville

These full-framed shades fit perfectly on your noggin, as all Bajio sunglasses do. A bonus: They are made from plant-based material that biodegrades well if you happen to drop them in the water. The name of these sunglasses comes from an area of Biscayne Bay—now ruins—that was once home to some happening social clubs during Prohibition. $210 (poly lenses); $260 (glass lenses)

Tom Beckbe Tidewater Shirt

Tom Beckbe Tidewater Shirt

Functional and fashionable, this is a shirt you will want on—and off—the water this summer. It's light, has ample space in its chest pockets and features 30+ UPF to protect you from the sun. Seven colors. $145

Greys Wing Salt Fly Rod

Greys Wing Salt Fly Rod

This saltwater fly rod is all about bang for the buck. There's a lot of bang—this thing can sling it even in the nastiest of conditions, casting as well as rods that are double the price. And as for those bucks, well, you won't have to part with too many of them. Available in 7-12 weights. $450

Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody

Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody

Plenty of protection from the sun (40 UPF) for those long days on the water. And plenty of protection for the earth, too—this comfortable hoody is made from renewable beech tree pulp. Five colors. $99

Grundéns Buoy X Gore-Tex Anorak

Grundéns Buoy X Gore-Tex Anorak

Grundéns has long been known and respected for its excellent foul-weather gear. This anorak may be their finest piece of outerwear yet, guaranteed to keep you dry in the heaviest downpour. Three colors. $450

G. Loomis NRX+ LP Fly Rod

G. Loomis NRX+ LP Fly Rod

A superb rod for trout fishing, especially in circumstances that call for a precise presentation with a dry fly (in other words, the best circumstances). This rod is lightweight in the hand and beautifully crafted and comes in 3-6 weights at three different lengths (8’3", 8’6" and 9’). $915

Elevate Youth

Teaching surfcasting

May I suggest a donation in your Pop's name this Father's Day? Elevate Youth, a nonprofit based in Boston, is all about the future—getting underserved kids involved in all aspects of the outdoors, from fishing to skiing to hiking—with mentors to help show them the way. $200 (suggested donation)