If you're like me most years, you're probably rushing around at the last minute before Christmas, trying to find that perfect gift for someone you are buying for. If you're buying for a fly fisher, it might be difficult to know what to get them. I've got a few ideas that you might find helpful. First, if you're buying something for the fly angler that already seems to have everything (I haven't met any though - there's always something more to have!), why not a framed print of Santa fly fishing, similar to that shown on the side here? The "Catch Of The Day Print" is a high quality reproduction of an oil painting by Tom Browning and is available from The Spirit Of Santa. For more traditional - and modern - fly fishing art, take a look at what ArtCreel has in store.: Limited Edition fly fishing art by a variety of artists in a variety of price ranges. I took a look at what was available and there is some very nice work!

If you are looking for something both useful but at the same time with your own personal "stamp" on it, consider an engraved fly box. I recently purchased a metal fly box for a special occassion and had it engraved with something personal and meaningful to me - and hopefully to the recipient. The fly shop that I purchased it at, The First Cast in Guelph Ontario, even had the engraving machine available to do the work for me. As well as fly boxes made of metal, wooden boxes can be laser engraved for a personal touch.

Speaking of engraved equipment, some anglers enjoy a wee nip while on the river an I have an engraved flask which I'm seldom without and filled (or not, depending on how long the day has been) with Bushmill's Blackbush. It's quite a special flask to me and the engraved words have much meaning.

If your fly angling acquaintance has been talking about a new pair of waders, I'd highly recommend that you purchase a gift certificate from the local fly shop that has a range of good quality ones. Being fitted properly for chest waders is important and it would probably be best if the angler picked them up in the store rather than under the Christmas tree (unless you know exactly what they want in both brand and fit).

Other fishing apparel might be a bit easier to choose, and there are a wide range of shirts, pants, coldweather and warm weather gear available from a variety of manufacturers. After the evening with Bob McKenzie when he provided some of us with a glimpse of what is available from Simms, I really would love to have one of their "Guide Windstopper" jackets. This would be a super outer layer for not only for fishing during the colder spring and autumn months, but would be excellent for those days when I'm trying to keep up with my 7 year old son out on the nordic ski trails.

Speaking of kids, if you have a budding fly tier on your hands like I do, a fly tying kit with video instructions might be a great idea. I picked up the White River Trout Fly kit from Bass Pro Shops and although some of the materials could be a bit better quality (the thread in this one wasn't the best), the fact it comes with a DVD video was helpful to David. Sometimes a kid can get a better perspective on how something can be done than just learning from the "auld man."

If you have a ton of money and are looking for something that is extraordinary special - consider a "Waterworks Lamson Vanquish" reel. You'll have to find out what size is best for the angling that is being done, but at over 900 bucks, the recipient won't fault you for putting your money where your mouth is as far as showing the love. Although a bit pricey for my taste, they are a wonderful reel.

Don't forget about books. Fly fishers and tiers love books. One of my favorites (although you'd never know by poor quality of my flies) is Production Fly Tying by A.K. Best. Although written for professional fly tiers, this book will be loved and treasured by just about anyone who enjoys tying their own flies, even if just a couple dozen a year.

Also, anything by John Gierach will be appreciated by many fly anglers.

For a great little stocking stuffer, consider the monoMaster^TM! This is a great little tool that is easy to carry and anglers that need to deal with waste Monofilament will love it! Not only will its use help the environment, it will help the angler with the messes of wasted monofilament and keep it out of the way from tangling stuff in pockets, vests and bags.

If you live in Canada, and you're buying for a fly fisher that also builds custom built fishing rods, consider a subscription to RodMaker Magazine - now finally availble in Canada after many years absense, here. For USA subscriptions, check it out here.

I hope you've got some good ideas from this as to what how you might please the fly fishers you are buying for this Christmas, and that they will be delighted with what is under the tree. For even more ideas, take a look here.