Happy Holidays from the Captains Collective Podcast and the Drifter Fish Club.
Between recording episodes and hosting monthly fishing trips, we’ve had the chance to explore some incredible places and test a ton of great gear along the way.
This year, we wanted to share a few of our favorite finds—and do it in a way that gives back. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our friends at Strike Zone Fishing in Jacksonville, Florida.
Strike Zone is the type of place that reminds you why local shops matter. With over 8,000 square feet of retail space (including 4,000 dedicated to fly fishing), they’ve been serving the Northeast Florida community for more than two decades.
As we head into the holidays, we believe one of the best gifts we can give is our support to the local retailers who keep our fishing communities strong.
SPONSORS
Before we jump into the gear list, I want to take a moment to thank the incredible companies that make this podcast possible.
I only work with brands I genuinely believe in—companies built by good people who care about quality, community, and the water.
We’re not filling this guide exclusively with their products, but I do want to highlight them for their continued support. When you buy from these brands, you’re not just getting great gear—you’re supporting folks who support people like me.
So, give them a look this holiday season, and thank them for helping keep this show alive.
Skinny Water Culture: This crew is like family to me. They make incredible clothing and are some of my favorite people in the world. I’ve been using their gear since before launching the podcast in 2018, and it’s still the only thing I wear on the water.
Purpose Built Optics: PBO is a newer partnership, but one that’s quickly become a favorite. I’ve tested their lenses across our Drifter trips, and the contrast and clarity they provide in specific conditions is unreal.
Turtlebox Audio: I’ve been with Turtlebox for about five years now, and it’s been awesome watching them grow. They’ve continued to refine their flagship speaker and added both smaller and larger models—each one built to handle the outdoors.
YETI: It’s been a dream working with the YETI team. If “buy right, cry once” was a company, it’d be YETI. Everything they make is built to last—and then some.
MyCaptain: MyCaptain’s focus is helping folks find great guides while supporting conservation. Stay tuned in 2026 for some exciting things from their team.
And finally, a big thanks to the amazing team at Florida Fishing Products for their continued support and commitment to making gear that’s built for real anglers. They are the official reel of the Drifter Fish Club and we have been using and testing their reels for 5 years and love their product and mission to help with conservation in our fisheries.
[DISCLAIMER]
Sometimes the best gifts can’t be wrapped or placed under a tree.
The gear we use is just a tool—it helps us do the things we love, with the people we love. But at the end of the day, they’re still just things.
As the holiday rush kicks in, don’t lose sight of what truly matters.
Be generous with the people you love.
Be adventurous with your life.
GIVE BACK
Consider donating to American Saltwater Guides Association or Captains for Clean Water. They are working to help educate, mobilize, and protect the places we love to fish.
Shop American Saltwater Guides Association HERE.
Shop Captains for Clean Water HERE.
NEED A CARD? SUPPORT AN ARTIST – Oona Seas
Stocking Stuffers
FLIES, FLIES AND MORE FLIES
You can’t go wrong with grabbing some flies to stuff in a stocking.
SWC STALKER MASK
This face mask feels good and features mouth ventilation. This will be a great addition to anyone’s list.
LINK
YETI WATER BOTTLE
Durable design and plenty of color ways to choose from. The straw tops are great for boat rides and couch crashes.
EVERY MAN JACK TRIMMERS
This one might be a little unexpected but this is the perfect kit for combing EP Flies and trimming them down. Also, a little mustache trim on the road is a bonus.
FLY TYING KITS
This is a fun, creative gift for the fly tiers (or aspiring fly tiers) in your life. Strike Zone’s kits not only give you all the materials you need but include a video with instructions.
BOLD BEAN INSTANT COFFEE
This is instant coffee that they will actually like. It tastes really good, can be mixed in hot or cold water, and super portable. Perfect for on the boat or on the road. We use this a TON. Pro tip: use it to make affogatos
TINY HAND
You know what they say, “Tiny hands make bigger fish.” This was gifted to me by the one-and-only Paul Puckett, and is the perfect gift for the disappointed angler.
SA FLY LINE DRESSING
Most people have really nasty fly line, and could really use a good kit. SA makes the perfect kit for cleaning your line and stocking your stuffing.
DOA JERK SHRIMP
DOA is known for making some great lures. Swing by or call Strike Zone to load up on some great lures for the holidays.
STRIKE ZONE FLY KIT
You can never have too many flies, and it is good to keep testing different patterns. Strike Zone has some great pre-made kits that make perfect holiday gifts.
SOMETHINGS FISHY SPRAY
I was given this as a sample and now keep it in my bag at all times. The perfect stocking stuff for that stinky somebody.
FISHPOND FLY PUCK
These are water tight “pucks” that can be used for flies, pouches, or anything else that you want to keep light, portable, and waterproof.
CHUMS SUNGLASSES RETAINER
For the past year I have been using this style of sunglass retainer. They make sliding glasses on over hats really easy and have a great look.
STRIKE ZONE FLY PAD
Simple and smart — a foam pad that holds your flies while they dry. Stick it anywhere on the boat and keep things organized.
(Available in store)
YETI FLASK
YETI delivered an amazing product once again for the field or water. This flask is durable, comes in lots of great colors, and is customizable if you want to go all out. Cheers.
PAUL PUCKETT “FISHY MERCH”
Support a great artist and bring a little fishy holiday fun. Shirts, hats, coffee cups, or go all out with a print.
LACROSSE BALL FOR BAD BACKS
We don’t like to admit it, but we are getting older. A great way to address lower back issues and tight muscles is a lacrosse ball. Portable and effective. Learn more by checking out the Supple Leopard book which I used to rehab two herniated disks.
FROGG TOGG CHILI MINI
Great for hot days. Add a little water, throw in the cooler and enjoy. I have been a big fan of these.
STICKER PACKS
“Medium” Gifts
CAMP SNAP CAMERA
This has been one of the Best Purchases of 2025. Camp Snap gives a cool, nostalgic feel to photos and helps get you off your phone. We bring them on all of our trips.
SWC OYSTERMAN HOODIE
This is not an exaggeration…this is what we wear and use 90% of the time for a reason. Absolutely the best fishing hoodie in the game.
STRIKE ZONE FISH TOWEL
The perfect towel for the boat. Great for slime, marsh mud, and beer spills.
(Available in store)
STRIKE ZONE REDFISH HAT
Look good and support a great local shop. These Redfish hats are a great holiday gift.
CASEY ANDERSON X BAJIO HATS
Support our good friend Casey Anderson who designs all the rad hats for Bajio. They have a great selection of species and colors.
PBO SUNGLASSES
I have been testing and loving these glasses all year in a lot of different settings. The Square Grouper frames with Andros Lenses are my current favorite.
UMPQUA BOAT FLY BOX
This year I stole my father’s Umpqua Boat Box for one of our trips and loved it! This is a great upgrade for those who need to better organized their rat-nest of a fly box.
BADFISH T-SHIRT
Badfish is a great small business with lots of fun shirts, towels, hats, etc/ Get the special Jet Ski hater this shirt for the holidays.
BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
- Field & Stream
- Fly Fishing Journal
- The Drake
- Wild Sam
- Rivers Always Reach the Sea
- Jimmy Carter Rivers and Dreams
- The Gulf
“Big Daddy” Gifts
TURTLEBOX RANGER
The best outdoor speaker company just released two new sizes. The Ranger is the perfect small speaker for the boat, golf truck, or house. Want to go big? Check out the Grande.
YETI PANGA 28L
I have used this bag for the last eight years, and it is an essential item for me. We have tested plenty of bags and this has continued to be the staple product for us when wading, hopping on boats and even travel.
FISHPOND THUNDERHEAD
As I mentioned in the podcast, I have converted to fanny packs and am not going back. This pack is waterproof and great for lightweight, minimalistic, wade fishing.
KNIFE & TOOL SHARPENER MK.2
Give the gift of a sharp blade. This tool is easy to use and great for all type of knives.
BENCHMADE NARROWS KNIFE
Chase’s favorite knife. So light you will forget it in your jean pockets and send it through the watch a few times.
DARK ENERGY POSEIDON PRO
When we travel it is nice to have a few backup charges in your bag. This battery pack is tough, durable, and water proof. I have used it for nearly two years and it is an essential in my bag.
RIVERSMITH PACK OUT BAG
I won this in a raffle last year and have it attached to my backpack. It has two compartments and a trash bag attachment. It is my go to in airports and plain rides as well.
GRUENDENS BIBS
These bibs are perfect for warm and cold conditions. Easy to take care of, and great quality.
OLUKAI MAKIKI
I have been wearing these the past six months and love them. Good on the boat but designed for much more.
DRIFTER FISH CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Drifter Fish Club is a community of anglers and adventurers who believe that life’s best moments happen on the water—not behind a screen. Each month, we host curated fishing trips across the world, bringing together small groups of people who share a love for travel, good company, and meaningful experiences. Members get access to hosted adventures, private gear drops, and an insider network of guides, artists, and storytellers who make the journey unforgettable.
At its core, Drifter isn’t about buying more stuff—it’s about living the life.
Learn about Drifter Fish Club HERE.
