Holiday shopping for the ultimate angler is pretty great. There are so many options for great gifts, and if the fishermen on your list are anything like the fishermen on mine, they can always use more gear on the water.
Luckily for all of us, some cool new products came out this year.
Whether your angler is of the fly, tackle, salt, or some other variety, there are plenty of options that will bring a smile to their face. If you don’t find a gift here that fits your fish chaser, scroll down to the end to learn a few quick tips and tricks to help you find the best gift for your fisherman.
Be sure to check out all of our gift guides for more ideas to suit every adventurer on your list!
Holiday Fishing Gifts for 2025
Men’s Fall Run Insulated Hoody
The Simms Fall Run Hoody is the kind of layer every angler needs in their lineup. It packs lightweight PrimaLoft insulation for serious warmth without bulk and fits comfortably under waders or rain gear. The nylon shell sheds light moisture and wind, keeping you fishing through cold mornings and unpredictable weather.
It’s a solid gift for anyone who spends long days on the water or in the field. Warm, packable, and tough enough for year-round use, the Fall Run Hoody is the kind of piece that ends up living in the truck and getting worn everywhere.
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Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt
Designed for all-day fishing trips and prolonged sun exposure, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II long-sleeve shirt was made to keep anglers cool, comfortable, and protected.
Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology provides UPF 40 sun protection to shield skin from harmful UV rays. Even with long sleeves, the shirt works to help anglers cool throughout the day, thanks to moisture-wicking fabric and a mesh-lined back vent that channels a refreshing breeze. Plus, an antimicrobial finish keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay.
Thoughtfully designed, this style includes multiple chest pockets, roll-up sleeves with tab holders, and even a fishing rod holder at the chest to free up hands to tie lines, bait hooks, or grab a beverage. Lightweight with durable materials and a button-down collar, the classic fit is available in standard and tall sizes. Give this shirt to someone seeking a versatile choice that looks good both on and off the water.
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Toadfish Dry Box
This dry box is sized to hold small fishing tools, wallets, and other essentials to keep within reach inside a kayak, canoe, or boat. A snap-lock lid seals the box for an IPX7 waterproof rating, while a smart suction grip on the bottom helps keep it in place.
Our favorite details are the EVA foam pads on the edge of the box for stashing lures and the removable tray that acts as a working surface when swapping out gear.
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Huk Icon Pro Performance Pant
Some of the contributors at GearJunkie live in fishing pants from April through November. After testing a bunch of different options, we’ve been most impressed with the HUK Icon Pro Performance Pant. Like most fishing pants, they are quick-drying and breathable, but the devil is in the details.
Several small features make these the sweetest pants we used this summer. Among our favorites are the ventilated groin and inner thigh panel, as well as a tear-resistant plier pocket that’s actually functional. To top it off, the pants have a stain-resistant finish that works well, and they look great both on and off the water. Fish slime sold separately.
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R.L. Winston Air 2 Trout 5-Piece Rod
Flying with fly rods in tow can be a hassle, even if they are four pieces. The rod tubes don’t fit well in overhead bins or checked luggage, and anglers headed on a dream destination trout trip get stuck smacking rod tubes into everything on cramped planes.
Winston solved that by taking its flagship rod, the Air 2, and cutting it into more pieces for easier travel. The original Air 2 is a dreamy trout stick, and this one is no slouch either, despite the added ferrule. We noticed a significant difference in having a rod tube that’s a touch shorter on flights with multiple layovers, and the rod will even fit into some checked bags.
Traveling with fly rods doesn’t have to be annoying anymore. The Air 2 Trout 5-piece rod will let your favorite angler experience the legendary, soft Winston action all over the world. And while it’s a very spendy purchase, it can’t be beat.
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HUK Leeward Fleece Hoodie
The HUK Leeward Lightweight Fleece Hoodie brings warmth and comfort to cool-weather fishing without adding bulk. Made from soft, breathable fleece with just the right stretch, it keeps you warm on early mornings and breezy boat rides. The streamlined fit layers easily under a jacket, and the kangaroo pocket gives your hands a break when the wind kicks up.
It’s an easy win for anglers who live in their hoodies and want something built for the water. Comfortable, practical, and stylish enough to wear anywhere, the Leeward Hoodie makes a solid gift for anyone who fishes hard and dresses casual.
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Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie
This lightweight bamboo viscose hoodie wicks sweat in the heat and can work as a solid base layer when the temp drops. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection, stretches four ways to move with you, and sports forward-set shoulder seams for a more pack-friendly design.
Bamboo is known for its natural temperature regulation and soft feel against the skin, both traits of a hoodie you can wear all day and concentrate on fishing.
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Leatherman Signal
The 19-in-1 Signal isn’t a fishing-specific multitool, yet the pliers hold hooks and flies, wire cutters work on fishing lines, and it even has an emergency whistle. It sets itself apart from the usual multitools with its ferro rod, hammer, and emergency whistle.
The Signal is compact and offers enough useful tools on the water and beyond to make it a great gift for an outdoorsy angler to carry all the time. It’s also customizable!
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Benchmade Mini Adira
Anglers may let this knife live on their waders so it’s always within reach for cutting a line or slicing up a quick snack.
Its Grivory handle offers a secure hold in wet conditions, and the 3.21-inch drop-point blade made from CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel is suitable for cutting all manner of things. The AXIS lock has stainless springs to resist corrosion.
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Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel
The Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel may be the best deal in bass fishing. While testing reels for our Best Bass Fishing Reels buyer’s guide, this one performed just as well, if not better than reels with over double the price tag.
With a ridiculous 11 bearings and a solid one-piece aluminum frame, the Platinum Signature is silky smooth and will hold up to decades of abuse. You can feel the most subtle bites while finesse fishing, and the drag kicks in perfectly when a big smallmouth tears off on a blistering run. That type of performance is usually reserved for those willing to spend over two bills on a reel, and this one gives it to you at a near-criminal price of $130.
Just buy it. Every bass fisherman needs another reel, and this one is phenomenal.
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Evolution Outdoor Drift Series 3700 Tackle Backpack
Tackle storage is a constant struggle for every angler. It’s especially tough for those who don’t have a boat. This fishing backpack has enough storage and tackle trays for even the worst gear hoarder, and it throws it on your back for an easy carry.
With rod holders, a large top shelf, a plier holder, and a leader pocket, it’s clear this was built by anglers, for anglers. It’s highly customizable, so your favorite angler won’t be left wishing for something else. They can tailor it perfectly for their specific use, and the durable 1,680-denier material that will stand up to years of being dragged across lakeside rocks and brush.
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FORLOH Youth SolAir UPF Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt
This lightweight, hooded shirt offers UPF 50+ sun protection with cooling and comfort bolstered by FORLOH’s Brr Pro cooling minerals that greatly expand the shirt’s wicking powers. Polygiene antimicrobial treatments to keep things smelling fresh. The shirt is Bluesign-approved, as well as sourced and manufactured in the United States.
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Smith Hookset
Enjoy fishing-specific color and contrast performance from these ChromaPop sunglasses. Furthermore, the mineral glass PolarChromic lens tints adjust to changing light conditions. The lenses are the powerhouse, but Smith has a reputation for quality and fit.
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Simms SolarFlex Half-Finger SunGlove
These fishing gloves cover your hands and wrists with stretchy polyester and offer UPF 50+ sun protection. The half-finger construction keeps your fingertips free for guiding lines or handling flies.
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Shimano Curado 150M
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this casting reel is the standard to which all other bass fishing reels are held. For years, it has been the ol’ reliable on many a boat deck. You could call it the F-150 of baitcasters. But better. Picture the reliability of a Toyota, with the Ford nostalgia.
This year at ICAST, Shimano released the latest version, and as always, it was a home run. The main upgrade is a new spool that allows the reel to cast a broader range of lures. Everything else was left the same, which is a good thing, because, as we said, the reel was already perfect in the first place. Your favorite bass angler will be ecstatic unwrapping one of these.
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Orvis Rod and Reel Case
Rods and reels are expensive, which is why protecting them in transit and moving between spots is important. The zip closure lets you keep the reels on the rods and has extra padding around those areas.
Orvis makes single and double cases. Both carry well. For durability, Orvis makes this case from 600-denier Cordura Eco sourced from recycled polyester.
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Trxstle CRC Fly Rod Carrier System v3.0
This convenient storage system makes it a cinch to move between fishing spots without breaking down the rods. The carrier can hold two fully rigged rods, has adjustable mounting lengths, and can be taken down for use as a portable case. Padding inside protects the rods and reels with a no-snag and telescopic shape.
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Free Fly Men’s Gridback Fleece Anorak Hoody
Early mornings at the boat ramp get chilly, but the Free Fly Men’s Gridback Fleece Anorak Hoodie will keep your favorite angler nice and toasty. This jacket is lined with a ridiculously soft grid fleece pattern on the interior, which is warm and feels like wearing a Minky Couture blanket.
The exterior is made of a stretch woven fabric that provides wind and rain resistance. To top it all off, it’s very light and packable, features a roomy kangaroo-style pocket, and comes with an insulated hoody for those extra-cold days. This jacket will become a staple for any angler.
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YETI SideKick Dry 3L Gear Case & Sideclick Strap
Keep adventure essentials high and dry with room to spare. The rugged YETI SideKick Dry Gear Chase has YETI’s signature DryHide shell material and Hydroshield magnetic closure for a tough, fully waterproof seal, built to stand up to any adventure.
With a 3L capacity, the SideKick is just the right size for storing valuables like a phone, wallet, or first-aid supplies. Stash the gear case on the boat or attach it to a compatible YETI pack or cooler — any product in the Camino, Hopper, and Panga lines — to keep everything within arm’s reach.
Or, for ultimate, hands-free portability, grab the Sideclick Strap accessory, which attaches to the drybag for cross-body wear that won’t get in the way of adventure.
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Fenwick Elite Series Rod
Recently, Fenwick overhauled its entire lineup of rods with brand new technology, blanks, and designs. They’re all very impressive; among our favorites is the Elite Series rods.
The series of rods plays the perfect balance of budget and performance. They aren’t the cheapest, but they’re nowhere near as expensive as other high-end rods, although they perform just as well. With bass, walleye, inshore, ice, predator, and salmon/steelhead models available, it’s pretty much a guarantee that there’s an Elite Series rod for the angler you’re shopping for.
And they need another rod. We promise.
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Toadfish Universal Can Cooler
It fits nearly every can and bottle, and it won’t tip over. It doesn’t get simpler than that. The Universal Can Cooler from Toadfish is a perfect gift for any angler who has a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or who just wants their drink to stay cold and not tip over. And that’s no joke.
You can stick the dang thing to the side of your boat (before opening your can, of course), and it will stay. There’s some serious suction to this puppy.
The big perk of the Universal Can Cooler can likely be derived straight from the name. It truly is universal. From standard beer bottles to skinny cans to tall boys, your drink should easily fit in and stay cool.
This is one of those perfect gifts for the angler who has everything. Even if they already have one, they won’t be mad to have two.
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KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal — Men’s & Women’s
A new take on the classic adventure sandal, the Hyperport H2 Sandal has all the features of the original KEEN design but with a lighter, sportier design.
From fly fishing along rocky lake shores to sport fishing on the ocean, the Hyperport targets optimal performance on wet surfaces. Rubber is heavy, so KEEN streamlined the Hyperport, placing rubber only where needed for targeted grip with less bulk.
But the design doesn’t skimp on cushioning. The extra-thick, injected foam midsole supports full days of on-the-water adventures with lightweight cushioning.
Transition from wet to dry and back again with the water-ready upper that features washable webbing and quick-dry lining. The stretchy mesh material is made for a quick, pull-on entry while bungee lacing secures the sandal to your foot so it’s ready for action.
And, of course, the signature rubber toe bumper provides added protection that makes this sandal perfect for adventure.
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Turtlebox Ranger
The Turtlebox Ranger is a compact speaker, but it packs a significant punch, capable of producing 105 decibels of high-quality sound. With an impressive battery life of over 12 hours, and the ability to pair with other speakers for “party mode,” this speaker ensures you’ll have tunes wherever you go.
Throw in a nice carry handle, magnetic mounts, and an IP-67 waterproof rating, and you have the perfect speaker for those out on the water. It’s also nearly indestructible and is drop-, crush-, and dust-proof. This is the ultimate option for those who enjoy tunes on the water.
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Berkley Chop-Block
Fishing lures are the perfect stocking stuffers for anglers. They’re relatively cheap, small, and every angler on the planet is always shopping for more. A stocking full of lures is sure to get them excited.
The Berkley Chop-Block is on the more expensive side of fishing lures, but it’s really inexpensive for a swimbait. If you’re not familiar with them, swimbaits are used to target giant fish, and every angler wants to catch one of those. We have firsthand experience with this one, and can assure you, it’s a great gift.
If you want to load the stocking up with lures, check out our list of the Best New Baits From ICAST 2025.
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Gerber Controller
If fish fries are a normal thing in your household, chances are the angler you’re shopping for could use a fillet knife. This one is unique because it folds, making it easy to pack on any fishing adventure.
Made from 9Cr steel and featuring a SaltRX Finish, this blade is highly corrosion-resistant and can easily slice through fillets. The handle is grippy and has special guide fins that make finesse work easy while filleting. And the price? Pretty tough to beat.
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How to Buy Fishing Gifts
If you have a fisherman on your list, you’re in luck. People who fish are pretty easy to shop for.
Find Out What Style of Fishing Your Angler Does
If you happen to have a fisherman on your list who spends their time in the tropics fishing, they might be a bit bummed to get bass lures. The same goes for a fly fisherman who opens a gift of monster treble hooks.
Take a bit of time to learn more about what style of fishing the angler in your life does — not only the style but also look into what their target species is. If you know they spend their time chasing trout on the fly, you’ll give a better gift. If they live and breathe bass, look for products that are specifically made for that species.
When you aren’t sure, go with something universal. A sun shirt or a waterproof speaker can be enjoyed by just about any fisherman.
Listen to Their Fish Tales
If there’s one thing anglers love to do more than fishing, it’s telling fishing stories. You can learn a lot about your fisherman by listening to these tall tales and picking up clues.
Did they lose the biggest fish of their lifetime to a faulty net? There’s your gift idea.
Were they talking about how their reel kept getting jammed up, but they overcame it to land a monster? Sounds like a new reel should be in the shopping cart.
When in Doubt, Go With the Basics
Fly anglers need flies. If they have hundreds of flies, I assure you, they need more. That’s the great thing about buying gifts for fishermen. So many of the items we use to fish are, unfortunately, disposable. That means things like tackle, lines, and other little pieces of gear have a short lifespan for reasons of wear or loss.
You can’t go wrong with a little gift package of the abusables. This might need a bit more knowledge on your part as far as what little pieces of gear to get, but don’t shy away from walking into a sporting goods store and asking. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the direction of the best lines, leaders, flies, lures, and other little gadgets you angler will be stoked about.
If all else fails, you know the drill. It’s the season of the gift card.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our hunting and fishing editor, Rachelle Schrute, has been fortunate to fish in all sorts of different places and chased a wide variety of species. She grew up fishing in the mountain streams of Montana and has a lifetime of fishing experience in that tight little niche.
Since then, she’s fished everywhere from the frigid lakes of Iceland to the teal blue waters of the Dominican Republic. While bass fishing is probably what she has the least experience with, she’s still managed to land some pretty epic bass. During all those outings, she’s been surrounded by every piece of fishing gear you can imagine.
She’s also spent a lifetime receiving and shopping for fishing gifts. Some of those she’s received have been poorly thought-out ones, too. So, if she can help you pick out a gift that doesn’t get that look of thinly veiled disappointment, it’ll be her honor.
Want more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides and buying guides.
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