So, if you're wondering what else to get an angler for Christmas at the last minute, consider the following ideas:
1.) Small, pocket-sized flashlight. These are easy to carry & come in handy when trying to tie a fly to your leader in twilight or the dark. Plus, if you'd stayed on the river after the sun went down, you might be very glad you had this on the walk back to the car.
2.) Handkerchiefs. These have about a million uses in the fly vest or fishing bag. They're great for cleaning your hands after releasing a fish, cooling your head on a very hot day, etc.
3.) Nail clippers. Most anglers carry a set of these. Most anglers are always wishing they had a better pair of them too.
4.) Small pocket knife. When you need one, nothing else will work in it's place. Besides having a million practical uses, a pocket knife can save your life - at least according to the Boy Scouts.
5.) Chamois cloth. These are great for drying off a fly rod or other equipment after a rainy day on the water.
6.) Bicycle inner-tube. Don't laugh, but having two small pieces of this stuff is a life saver when the ferrules of your bamboo fly rod won't come apart. What do you do if you can't get the rod, that's longer than the inside of your vehicle, apart? By using two pieces of inner-tube rubber, you have a stronger grip on the rod sections & can help you separate stubborn ferrules.
7.) Tweezers. These are very handy for many things, like removing hooks or splinters from your body, or when cutting hackle off your fly to imitate naturals along the stream. Another item that nothing else will work in their place.
8.) Small first aid kit. These come in a variety of sizes & can be found in hardware & drug stores. Some have all the essential in them & are small enough to fit in a pocket. Hopefully it will never be needed.
9.) A compass. A great thing to have for those who trek into the great unknown to fish.
10.) A flask. No need to explain here, but it should be noted that its use can effect the use of the previously listed items.
I hope these ideas help those of you who need a small, last minute gift for an angler. All of these things will certainly come in handy when needed.