MY WIFE IS ALWAYS RIGHT
My better half once said that I was difficult to buy for. As a lifelong fly fisherman who, perhaps like some of you, already has plenty of kit but could always do with more, initially I disagreed with her. With so much shiny new fly fishing tackle available, there’s more than enough to keep me in gifts until I make my last cast. Time has taught me however that she’s generally right (she’s a lawyer) and so she was here.
She doesn’t fish and if I ask her for, say, a new fly box, given the huge variety of available options the likelihood is that she won’t be able to select the one I’m really after. This became quite clear early on in our relationship. I had to be very specific, to the point of sending her the link to the product I actually wanted.
She pointed out that this wasn’t her buying me a well thought out gift, this was me selecting what I want and her paying for it. We decided therefore going forward that fishing stuff would not go on my birthday or Christmas gift lists.
Recently we’ve reached an agreement that I actually have all the kit I need for my current fishing…why did I agree to that?! Author David Profumo, when we recently asked him about things he wished he’d known when he started fly fishing, remarked “that I would have to enter a note in my will advising my wife that I misled her about the real cost of those thousands of tackle items I have acquired from auctions and shops over the decades.”
Instead I suggested to her that anything food, drink or gardening related was a winner, and that seems to be working very well indeed. She gets to put some real thought into choosing my gifts, which makes them more special. The monthly cheese subscription and brewery kit were recent hits, much better than a pair of new pyjamas.
When it comes to fly fishing, however, there are still a few things that I’d love to have but don’t necessarily need. Things related to my passion that I wouldn’t buy myself but which I’d love to receive as a gift. Not the technical stuff like rods, reels, lines, flies, clothing etc., but the beautiful products related to fly fishing.
When I think of my father, who was a keen shooter but gave up his gun in his 80’s, I think the same is true of him. He had what he needed for pheasant shooting but there were always some shooting related gifts he’d really appreciate but wouldn’t buy himself.
Finally, to my lovely wife, if you’re reading this, please tell the kids that I’d love a small leather reel case, but that a handmade card will do just fine...
So, if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift for someone who fishes or shoots, here are my recommendations for things they would probably love to receive, even if they already have all the kit:
Father's Day Fishing Gifts
- Matt Harris "The Fish of a Lifetime" Book: A book you buy for the fisherman who has everything. 656 stunning pages of entertaining editorial features and award winning photography from legendary fly fishing photojournalist Matt Harris.
- Farlows Salmon Flies book: An illustrated history and catalogue of the 695 pattern salmon flies of C. Farlow and Co. from 1864-1970. If he’s a salmon fisherman, he’ll love this.
- Farlows leather reel case: Most reels cases these days come in modern materials, but this is something to cherish. Make sure you secretly measure his favourite reel to order the right size case for it though.
- Casting tuition voucher: Even experienced fly fishermen can benefit from an hour with qualified professionals. Trust me, he won’t take it the wrong way.
- Farlows leather fishing register: A lovely gift he’ll use regularly for many years.
- Farlows salmon cufflinks: Beautifully made in England from sterling silver or gold.
- Fish smoker: Our top selling smoker, which can be used for fish and meats. Hopefully you might also get to reap its benefits.
- Salmon & salmon flies signed fine art print: Highly detailed watercolour paintings, printed on Somerset velvet archival paper on a double mount, other options include a brown trout and a mayfly.
Father's Day Shooting Gifts
- Farlows Chequers shooting sock & garter set: There are socks, and then there are Farlows socks. Made in Britain from high quality merino acrylic blend wool and hand finished.
- Farlows pheasant silk tie: Hand cut and made in Britain from woven silk with a wool rich interlining.
- Farlows 4oz cup set: 4 stainless steel cups inside a leather case with a popper fastening, made in Britain.
- Farlows pheasant cufflinks: Beautifully made in England from sterling silver or gold.
- Farlows 11oz glass/pewter whisky tumbler set of 2: Elegant 9cm glass tumblers, with a pewter base and intricate pewter pheasant detail adorning one side, handmade in Britain.
- Farlows full leather game register: Just like the fishing one above, a lovely gift he’ll use regularly for many years.
- Cock pheasant limited edition print: A limited edition watercolour print supplied with a 2 inch border, perfect for framing.
- Black Labrador signed fine art print: If he loves dogs, he’ll love this. Highly detailed watercolour painting, printed on Somerset velvet archival paper on a double mount.
- Farlows classic tweed flat cap: Just as the name suggests, a classic cap. Fully lined with a hand-sewn peak, 100% wool and exclusively made for Farlows in Yorkshire, England.
- Zippo hand warmer: Producing more than 10 times the heat as traditional models and lasting for up to 12 hours. Reusable and rugged with a sleek design that slips easily into pockets, gloves or trousers.
Father's Day Gifts for a Country Dad
- Farlows hip flask: A lovely pewter hip flask with leather pouch, comes with drawstring bag and presentation box. Just fill with his favourite tipple.
- Daytrip Lunch Box: Fresh for hours, easy to clean lunch box with superior insulation power and a handy ridged surface to eat from.
- Leatherman multi-tool: With 17 tools in one and a 25 year warranty, they don’t get much better than this. Practicality at its finest, everyone should have one.
- Farlows bridle leather clip dog lead: Made in England from the finest hand stitched bridle leather and English brassware.
- YETI Rambler bottle: Virtually indestructible, with double insulation and a Chug Cap. Made with kitchen grade 18/8 stainless steel so they’re puncture and rust-resistant, as well as dishwasher safe.
- Caps and Hats: You can’t go wrong with these high quality caps that he’ll be proud to wear, even if it’s just for gardening.
- Farlows gift vouchers: If even after all the wonderful ideas above you can’t decide what to get him, let him decide what he wants with one of our gift vouchers.
- Adjustable seat with leather handles: With large handles, a leather padded seat, an adjustable stem. Made in England.
Hopefully you’ll find what you’re looking for and your Dad will love your thoughtful gift. There’s plenty more father's day gift ideas online or pop in-store to 9 Pall Mall London if you can for even more inspiration.
