Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
It’s that time of year when the rivers are high with runoff, but that warm, welcoming sun means every angler is itching to get on or in the water. It’s also time to start looking at new gear for the father in your life. Whether you’re shopping for someone else or offering hints for your own Father’s Day treat, there’s something for every dad in our 2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide.
Poncho Outdoors Shirts
Poncho Outdoors is a relative newcomer to the outdoor apparel game, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with low-frills, high-quality shirts. I own two of them and reach for them often, for both fishing and dinners with the family. The shirts are comfortable and, in my experience, do a great job of moving with you while you’re out on the water. Poncho has a wide range of styles and options to choose from, so there’s something in their lineup for just about everyone.
From the manufacturer: “The Poncho journey started with a fishing shirt, but it has only just begun. We’re guided by an entirely new vision – simple gear that works. Made for people who love the outdoors. By a team of people based in Austin, Texas, who love the outdoors.
“Our Original, Western, and Ultra-Lite shirts are made from a lightweight performance fabric that breathes well and dries quickly. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch for wherever your adventures take you. With styles and colors that everyone will love, we know these will become your go-to shirt on and off the water.”
Korkers Fish Flip
If you’re looking for a gift for a more laid-back dad, or one who spends a lot of time fishing in board shorts, then these unique Fish Flips from Korkers deserve some attention. They’re not just another flip flop, as they feature custom artwork from Derek DeYoung and Kling-On rubber for superior grip on wet surfaces. A pair will run you $74.99.
From the manufacturer: “This Father’s Day, elevate dad’s fishing experience with the exclusive Korkers’ Fish Flip™ collection. Crafted with Cush-Tech™ anatomical molded premium EVA, these flips offer all-day comfort for those long days by the water. Designed with a non-marking Kling-On Deck™ rubber outsole, dad can confidently tackle any terrain, even on wet surfaces. And with stunning fish prints by Derek DeYoung, one of the greatest fish artists of our time, every step becomes a statement of his passion for fishing and appreciation for art. Give dad the gift of comfort, style, and his favorite hobby combined. Order now and make this Father’s Day unforgettable!”
Trxstle CRC Fly Rod Carrier 3.0
Everyone I’ve met with a Trxstle CRC Fly Rod Carrier has universal praise for it. They particularly appreciate its “reel up” design, which differentiates the Trxstle from other rod racks on the market. A guide friend of mine also appreciates the telescopic function, which allows for easy transportation between vehicles. The CRC Fly Rod Carrier is perfect for the angler who fishes multiple rigs in the same day, or who simply needs more storage space for more fly rods.
From the manufacturer: “Trxstle’s pinnacle CRC System roof rack fly rod carriers are meticulously manufactured in Helena, Montana. Our patented design prioritizes premium gear protection with rod guides facing upward, complemented by easy push-button telescopic adjustability for hassle-free mounting and length selection. Experience unrivaled rod protection with soft-wall suspension rod liners and factory-installed reel padding. Engineered for locking security in both the main housing and clamps, and offered in stunning silver or blackout finishes. Select between our classic 10’4″ standard single-hand rod model or our innovative Euro/Switch rod variant accommodating rods up to 11’6″ in length. Take your fly fishing adventures to new heights with Trxstle’s CRC System.”
Trout Mount
Trout Mount is an interesting take on the fly rod transportation and storage problem. I’ve never fully bought in to the rooftop rod racks because I don’t like the idea of advertising to everyone that I have fly rods in my truck, so the Trout Mount has a lot of personal appeal. The idea is simple – leave your rods fully strung up in your car, which allows for more control over how they’re stored, and you get to keep an eye on them, unlike with a rooftop rod rack. Trout Mount’s hardware should fit any vehicle, and it’s simple to install and get working.
From the manufacturer: “The Trout Mount is the best rod carrier for vehicle interiors on the market. Designed, tested, and built in the USA by a professional guide for safely holding up to 6 of your fishing rods fully rigged and ready, so you can spend more time on the water doing what we all love. The Trout Mount is the best rod carrier for vehicle interiors on the market. Designed, tested, and built in the USA by a professional guide for safely holding up to 6 of your fishing rods fully rigged and ready, so you can spend more time on the water doing what we all love. The Trout Mount is soft, safe, plug-and-play ready for most vehicles on the road, and comes in at a lower price point than nearly ALL other commercial rod carriers. After years of design and testing, we love it and we’re positive you will too. Whatever you drive, however you fish, get a Trout Mount and go get after it.”
Korkers Fish Moc
For the folks who still want a fish-themed shoe, but aren’t sold on the flip flop, Korkers has another option for you – the Fish Moc. These still feature Derek DeYoung artwork, but come with a vented leather option, in addition to Korkers’ Cush-Tec footbed for all-day comfort. You’ll also get the same Kling-On rubber sole designed for maximum traction in wet environments. They also feature a fully-collapsible heel for easy on and off.
From the manufacturer: “Give dad the gift of versatility this Father’s Day with the Korkers’ Fish Moc™ collection! Our innovative collapsible heel design seamlessly transitions from ‘sport mode’ to ‘chill mode,’ perfect for the active dad who loves to unwind. Whether he’s out on the boat, strolling along the beach, or enjoying a leisurely walk on the boardwalk, the Fish Moc™ provides unparalleled comfort and style. Let dad embrace his passion with every step, knowing he can effortlessly switch gears at the end of a long day. Make this Father’s Day one to remember with the Korkers’ Fish Moc™—the ultimate footwear for the modern dad who values both performance and relaxation.”
American Fly Fishing Magazine
A subscription to American Fly Fishing Magazine makes a great Father’s Day gift for the travel junkie. They’ll be treated to regular issues featuring destinations across the United States that will take their breath away. This is the Father’s Day gift that keeps on giving.
From the magazine: “American Fly Fishing is an inspiring, collectible reference of North American angling destinations, delivering timely, informative stories by the sport’s most talented writers and photographers. Each issue provides an insider’s look at well-known fisheries and off-the-radar waters, both close to home and farther afield, with special emphasis on public waters. Our features provide in-depth coverage with valuable insights, tantalizing anecdotes, and all the details needed to plan successful angling adventures. Visit American Fly Fishing to request a no-obligation issue; and get a special MidCurrent promotion code when you subscribe or give a gift subscription!”
Nectar Islamadora Sunglasses
Nectar Sunglasses might be a new name to fly anglers, but they offer products that are a great fit in this industry. Their frames are built from renewable materials, and all their lenses are polarized. On top of that, Nectar prices their sunglasses at a reasonable point, offering fantastic technology at a price just about any angler can afford.
From the manufacturer: “Whether you are preparing fresh ceviche from the day’s catch or enjoying a cold beer while watching the sunset, the Islamorada’s are our go-to style for time on the water. Known as the “Sportfishing capital of the World”, Islamorada has us dreaming of white sand and clear water. All lenses are polarized, have a hydrophobic coating, anti-scratch and just the best to look through went hunting fish. With a lifetime warranty on the lenses and frames there is no better warranty experience or value on the market! If you sit on them, lenses get destroyed by a hurricane, or dog eats them we dont care. Just email customer service and pay the $25 warranty fee and your replacement pair will be on your head within 14 days.”
Sage R8 Core
The R8 Core from Sage is my favorite Sage rod I’ve ever fished. It’s fast and powerful, but retains enough delicacy to handle small dries flies with ease. It punches through a Wyoming wind with authority, and even in a 5-weight, has enough backbone to wrangle big trout or throw big flies. This is one of the best do-it-all 5-weights I’ve ever fished, but the R8 is equally as impressive in any of its other length and weight configurations.
From the manufacturer: “Whether you are a dedicated fishing enthusiast who prefers the water to the office, or someone who values every moment of free time, Sage’s latest R8 Core Fly Rod is an ideal choice. With Sage’s R8 Core Technology, these fast-action rods offer versatility across various species, a strong connection, and smooth energy transfer in every cast. The new axial fiber construction provides immediate feedback and sensitivity from your hand to the fly, enhancing your casting, presentation, and the thrill of the catch. The Silver Pine blank from Sage adds a visually pleasing touch, whether the rod is in your hand or resting by the stream while you take a lunch break.”
Nautilus CCF-X2
The Nautilus CCF-X2 is the ideal reel for anyone who needs as much stopping power as possible. This reel features 20+ pounds of drag, and has even lower startup inertia than the original CCF reel. The CCF-X2 also boasts incredible line pickup, with the 8/10 model picking up almost 12 inches of 8-weight line with a single turn of the handle.
From the manufacturer: “The Nautilus CCF-X2 stands out as a top choice among saltwater reels available. Boasting high max drag, excellent drag customization, and impressive retrieval rates, this reel offers all essential features for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. If you’re looking for your next saltwater fly reel, the CCF-X2 is a fantastic option, particularly considering its competitive pricing.”
Sage Click
The Sage Click reel is the ideal reel for the lightweight angler. This simple, but elegantly crafted, reel features just enough of a drag to put the brakes on a bigger trout in high-country streams, but it’s light enough to balance small, light rods. Unlike many lightweight reels, the Click features a large arbor to aid in line pickup, and it’s built from the same high-quality aluminum featured in Sage’s other top-tier reels.
From the manufacturer: “Sage’s Click series is a minimalist trout reel designed for anglers who favor a classic click-and-pawl drag system. The Click reel boasts top-tier durability and is crafted from premium materials like cold-forged 6061-T6 aluminum. Despite its robust build, the Click remains lightweight, thanks to its drag system, and features a large arbor for excellent trout-catching performance.”
Scott Session
The Scott Session is the most impressive new rod I’ve fished in years. It’s light, but packs the power to fish big nymph rigs, and the subtlety for small dries. I’ve had the pleasure to put this rod through its paces for a few months now, and it’s quickly becoming a must-use rod in my quiver. I love the green and gray color scheme, and I’m thoroughly impressed at how much performance Scott squeezes out of a rod that costs $675. This is flagship-level performance for a rod that’s significantly less than the $1,000+ for most of the top-tier rods for sale these days. If you need a new fly rod, the Scott Session should absolutely be in consideration.
Winston Air 2 Max
Chasing big fish with big flies is the mantra of the Winston Air 2 Max. This new fly rod is a premium offering from a company more often associated with dry fly fishing. The Air 2 Max, however, is more than up for the job of chasing the biggest fish on the planet. It’s incredibly light, but it’s a super-fast stick that’s deadly accurate and powerful. I’m not a great caster, but with a full-size heavy line, I was able to bomb long casts with this rod. It’s the perfect rod for someone looking for the best performance in saltwater, or someone who plans on chasing big fish in freshwater. Muskie, pike, Great Lakes steelhead, and carp are no match for the Air 2 Max.
Costa Gold Mirror Polarized Lenses
If you’re looking for a premium set of sunglasses this year, it’s hard to beat what Costa offers with their new Gold Mirror Polarized Lenses. Available in a wide variety of frames (including the legendary Grand Catalina, which have been re-released this year), these lenses are among the most impressive I’ve ever used. They utilize a rose-colored base, finished off by the gold mirror, which combines to allow in even more light than the usual go-to amber/copper lenses that so many fly anglers favor. These gold lenses are perfect for a day spent chasing trout in variable lighting conditions.
Free Fly Elevate Lightweight Hoodie
It’s hard to beat the comfort of woven-bamboo apparel, and the Free Fly Elevate Lightweight Hoodie takes that comfort to new heights. This is an ultra-light version of their popular Elevate Hoodie, new for 2024. It boasts a UPF 25 rating along with Free Fly’s usual odor and moisture wicking properties. This hoodie is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time moving outdoors.
Simms Pursuit Shoe
The new Simms Pursuit Shoe has made waves since its January 2024 launch. Multiple guides and anglers have told me just how impressed they are with this shoe that’s designed to work with any angler in any wet wading situation. The Pursuit Shoe has a grippy sole that’s equally at home on salt flats and Western trout streams. It’s the low-profile, lightweight design of the Pursuit shoe that has really set it apart, however. The Pursuit Shoe is light enough for long treks into the backcountry, and it even features a built-in gravel guard. Constructed from quick-drying, ultra-durable materials, the Pursuit Shoe will likely set itself apart as a go-to piece of footwear for many anglers.
