The Best Fishing Gifts of 2023, According to Real Anglers

As an avid angler, a fishing gift doesn't get any better than spending some time on the water. Unfortunately, it's tricky to gift wrap a perfect morning casting off the banks of my favorite river.

Although I can't ask Santa for more hours with a fly rod in hand, I can ask him to get my brother that new reel he's been telling me about for five months that I know he'll never treat himself to. I also know my stepdad would love a surfcasting rod so he can fish while my mom reads on the beach. And treating my best friend to a pair of heated gloves to keep her warmer on our ice fishing adventures this winter is almost as good as planning the date itself.

In other words: the best fishing gifts for the men and women in your life are simply items that help them get out on the water more often, more comfortably, and with only one thing in mind: catching. These 19 fishing gifts for avid anglers and casual casters alike will help maximize your favorite angler's time at their go-to spots, and make their experiences outdoors even more enjoyable.

1. The Best Fly Rod Outfit for Beginner Fly Fishers

Anyone new to fly fishing—or who may still be using their entry-level rod—will be absolutely stoked to unwrap an Orvis Clearwater outfit and put it to use when the rivers thaw. I upgraded to this exact set-up after my first few years of fishing and was blown away by how the Orvis rod casted farther, more smoothly, and had much better action than my old beginner's rod. After all, the best gift you can give a newbie is fewer hours cursing their setup and more time catching fish.

2. A Long-Sleeve, UV-Protective Shirt For the Flats

She's always dreaming up her next trip to the flats for bonefish or the next full-day float for massive browns. But does she have the right gear to protect her skin—and to look good while gripping and grinning? Columbia's PFG line is made with hardcore anglers in mind, and their Bahama long-sleeve shirt comes in eight great colors. It's UPF 50 for all-day protection out in the sun and has back vents and mesh lining to keep her comfortable when the time comes for that "this is it" cast.

3. A Pair of Waders They'll Brag About

Simms is a beloved brand in the fly fishing space—especially their waders, which are almost universally considered "worth the cost." Waders are incredibly important, every angler realizes when the pair they're wearing springs a leak. Simms's new G4Zs feature the best of their multi-layer Goretex system that's durable and dependable, even when you wear them hard. And because they're made by hand in Bozeman, this pair is particularly special—something the special angler will certainly be proud of next time they meet up with the fishing crew.

4. High-Quality Sunglasses to See More Fish

Have you ever told your fishing buddy that the fish are right in front of him, and he's shouted back, "I can't see them!"? He needs a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses, which are impact-resistant, have great lens clarity, and utilize tinted lenses to make natural colors pop. The sunglasses are also polarized, which means you can easily see fish hanging out below the water's surface.

5. A Hand Warmer That Doubles as a Charging Bank

Any cold-weather angler knows it can be difficult to warm your hands back up after dunking them down an ice fishing hole or exposing them to the elements. Zippo's rechargeable hand warmer is not only usable time and time again, but it also doubles as a charging bank—ideal considering how quickly phones drain in cold temps. At under $30, this compact hand warmer is worth it—trust us.

6. A Pair of Comfy, Waterproof Deck Boots

Xtratuf's versatile Deck Boots—somewhere between a full-size rain boot and Crocs—are easy to slip on and totally waterproof, which means they're highly functional in the boat and easy to clean before you hop in the truck. Wear them anywhere from walking the dog to gardening to errands on rainy days, Xtratuf's deck boots are durable, stylish, and a great replacement for an angler's old, leaky boots.

7. An Award-Winning Filet Knife

We all know the importance of a high-quality knife for turning a catch into dinner. If your dad filets fish with a flimsy knife, he'll love Knives of Alaska's filet knives. These knives will last an angler a lifetime, made from 440c steel which means they're highly weather-resistant, super strong, and quite stiff (the same steel most medical instruments are made from). Plus, they're made in America and guaranteed for life.

8. An All-Natural Sunscreen Stick for Sunny Days

This sunscreen stick is the perfect gift for the sunburnt angler who always forgets to bring their sunscreen when fishing. All Good's zinc-based sunscreen stick is small, easy to apply without getting your hands greasy, and eco-friendly. Best of all, the next time you take a pic of your friend holding a giant fish, they won't have a bright red sunglasses tan in the photo.

9. The Best Sling Pack for Fly Fishing Gear

Sometimes, an old backpack doesn't quite cut it on the river. Every angler from your mom to your brother or boyfriend will love to learn the way of a sling pack designed for fly fishing—they're easy to swivel from front to back to access gear then stash away. Fishpond's sling strap is designed for fly fishers, with front pockets for easy access to nippers and pliers; a front drop-down bench for lacing lures; and a secure, quick-grab net sleeve.

10. The Best Surf Fishing Rod for Saltwater Anglers

If your fishing buddy hooked you up this year and let you borrow his boat or put you on a ton of fish, maybe it's time to return the favor. This incredible surf fishing rod is pricey but worth every penny. Available in a variety of lengths and weights, this heavy rod in the 10- to 12-foot range can haul in everything from 100-pound black-tipped sharks to tarpon. Plus, St. Croix's warranty has your fishing buddy's back.

11. Bucktails for the DIY Angler

Whether added to a silver spoon or turned into a fly, bucktail fur can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with a fish, fresh and saltwater alike. Bucktails come in a wide variety of colors and, for the crafty angler who likes to tie their own flies or lures, make for a great interactive gift. Heck—give them this and they'll probably tie you a few flies as a thank you.

12. An Iconic, Kid-Friendly Fishing Rod and Reel

Whether you're looking to introduce your Barbie-loving child to fishing or play a little joke on your adult fishing buddy, Shakespeare's Mattel Barbie spincast combo is a popular and iconic fishing staple. For less than $20, this rod can actually catch a fish (even bass).

13. A Pair of High-Quality, Two-in-One Fishing Pliers and Nippers

Save your angler the frustration of having to dig around their fishing pack to find their tools: Orvis's two-in-one Flow Hemo features both pliers and nippers, plus it's got a handy clip so you can stick it on your belt loop. Plus, the Flow Hemo features a hook-eye-cleaning tool, too.

14. Fingerless Merino Wool Gloves for Cold Fishing

Anyone who fishes in cold weather knows trying to tie on a fly with gloves is hopeless. Fingerless gloves allow you to easily tie on new flies or lures, feel bites on your line, and unhook fish without needing to take your gloves off. Plus, wool stays warm even when it gets wet, making it the perfect material for cold-weather anglers to wear on their hands.

15. A Wet Fly Selection for That Dream Alaska Trip

Remote waters, untouched shorelines, king salmon—fly fishing in Alaska is every fly angler's dream. Let your dad, girlfriend, or fishing buddy know you're ready to stop talking and finally commit to an Alaskan adventure by gifting them the flies they'll need. This professionally tied selection includes 44 flies ranging from flashy streamers to salmon egg patterns that silver salmon and dolly varden can't resist.

16. Literally the Best Fly Fishing Reel out There

If you know someone wanting to catch stripers, tarpon, steelhead, king salmon, or even just big rainbows, treat them to a luxury fly reel. Orvis's Mirage reel is built with giant fish in mind. It comes in six different weights designed for a variety of fish. You can even get an extra spool for the reel so you can quickly swap out one fly line setup for another, depending on what's biting. This top-of-the-line reel will last a lifetime, and its exceptional quality is worth the price.

17. An Assortment of Reliable and Effective Spoons

If you know someone who has a hard time getting a fish to bite, consider getting them an assortment of Kastmaster lures. Even though they're nothing fancy, Kastmasters can catch almost any fish, especially when ice fishing. Any angler would be lucky to find a handful of these in their stocking.

18. A Functional, Attractive Wader Belt for Her

Belts that come with waders are entirely functional, but they're not exactly a statement piece. If you're looking to treat someone to something "totally you" this winter, check out Fishewear's collection of wading belts. This women-owned company has handmade designs for many popular fish species, including steelhead, brook trout, stripers, redfish, and more—and they're ideal for men and women alike.

19. A Rod to Hook Into Perch, Bluegill, and Sunfish

If you know someone who wants to get into fishing or a kiddo who's ready for an upgrade,, give them the gift of an ultralight panfish rod. This St. Croix rod comes in a wide variety of lengths, powers, and actions, so you can easily find the one that fits your fishing buddy best. After they unwrap this fishing rod, grab some panfish lures and take them out to your favorite panfish spot and watch their mind get blown while they fight yellow perch and sunfish.

20. An Awesome, Durable, Medium-Light Ice Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik's GX2 is the perfect ice fishing rod for beginner ice fishers. This tough little rod can be put through the wringer and still land everything from 3-inch perch to 20-pound lake trout through the ice. Not only is it a great, budget-friendly introductory rod, but any angler who needs another go-to rod in their ice fishing arsenal will be impressed by the GX2.

READ MORE: 23 Practical Gifts for Hunters This Holiday Season