Forget chocolate and perfume — the holiday season for anglers is all about opening up a new lure, fly, or terminal tackle piece each morning. Fishing Advent calendars have exploded in popularity in recent years, turning December into a daily surprise for tackle lovers. Whether it’s to build up your collection, try something new, or give the perfect gift to a fellow angler, here are some of the best fishing Advent calendars for 2025 and how to pick the right one.
- Mystery Tackle Box 12 Days of Fishmas Advent Calendar — Buy from Walmart
- Strike King 12 Days of Fishmas Lure Advent Calendar — Buy from Walmart
- Rapala Panfish Ice Box — Buy from Scheels
- 2025 Postfly Trout Fly Fishing Advent Calendar — Buy from Postfly
- Advent Calendar For Fly Fishing Enthusiasts Featuring Hand‑tied Flies — Buy from Etsy
Why Fishing Advent Calendars Are a Big Deal Right Now
Haven’t heard of a fishing Advent calendar? I hadn’t either, until recently a coworker from Europe mentioned them. Apparently they are kind of a big deal over there. While we don’t have the variety they do overseas, there are a number of fishing Advent calendars available here in the U.S. There’s a number of reasons they are exploding in popularity, including;
- Gear as a Gift, Not Gimmick: These aren’t novelty items — most calendars contain real, usable lures, flies, or tackle components, not cheap toys. Brands are emphasizing quality, not just holiday packaging.
- Variety: Rather than sticking to one style of bait, many Advent sets offer a wide mix: crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, flies, you name it. That means you can test out new techniques or fill gaps in your tackle box.
- Collectibility: Limited runs, exclusive colors, or themed calendars (predator fishing, fly fishing) make these fun not just for use, but to collect.
- Gift Appeal: For the angler in your life, opening a new piece of tackle every morning is a unique, thoughtful way to keep the holiday spirit going.
If you don’t think this is the right gift for your favorite angler, check out our roundup of the best fishing gifts.
Top Fishing Advent Calendars to Consider
Mystery Tackle Box 12 Days of Fishmas Advent Calendar
Why it’s a winner: This is one of the most iconic fishing Advent calendars. Over 12 days, the recipient unwraps hand-picked tackle — crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs — plus a limited-edition Fishmas decal and a mystery surprise in collaboration with MeatEater.
- Best for: Bass anglers and anyone who enjoys the thrill of “mystery tackle” + holiday fun.
- Value note: You get 35+ pieces for about $60.
- Heads-up: Some veteran anglers note the “mystery” can mean items they wouldn’t choose themselves — but that’s part of the fun.
Strike King 12 Days of Fishmas Lure Advent Calendar
Why it’s a winner: A fun and budget-friendly way to countdown to Christmas with real, trusted Strike King lures and terminal tackle. With 12 windows, you’ll reveal an assortment that’s worth more than the sticker price.
- Best for: Anglers who already love Strike King stuff or are looking for a reliable, no-frills Advent surprise.
- Value: The contents are advertised to retail at over $50, while the calendar itself is very affordable.
- Gift appeal: Perfect stocking-stuffer or extra gift for someone who loves fresh-water lures.
Rapala Panfish Ice Box
Why it’s a winner: Not an Advent calendar per se, but a practical and thoughtful gift for ice anglers. This box is molded to hold panfish jigs, spoons, and terminal tackle in place so nothing rattles around in the cold.
- Best for: Ice-fishing anglers targeting crappies, perch, or bluegills — especially on hardwater trips.
- Durability: Built from heavy-duty, cold-resistant plastic to resist cracking in freezing conditions.
- Organization perk: The foam insert keeps hooks separated so lures don’t get tangled.
2025 Postfly Trout Fly Fishing Advent Calendar
Why it’s a winner: This 24-day calendar is built specifically for trout fly fishers. Behind each door is a premium trout fly, selected by Postfly’s expert guides — including classics like Prince Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail, and more.
- Best for: Fly anglers who want to build their fly box or try a curated selection from guides.
- Collector appeal: The calendar art is designed by artist Josh May, making it a keepsake.
- Limited stock warning: These tend to sell out every year.
Advent Calendar For Fly Fishing Enthusiasts Featuring Hand‑tied Flies
Why it’s a winner: This boutique Advent calendar delivers 24 hand-tied flies — one for each day — plus a waterproof fly box on day one.
- Best for: Dedicated fly anglers who appreciate craftsmanship and want to try a variety of flies.
- Quality: Because each fly is handmade, there’s a premium feel to each reveal — not just mass-produced hooks.
- Keepsake potential: The calendar format makes it something they can revisit each season; also great for sharing stories about which fly produced the best catch.
How to Choose the Right Fishing Advent Calendar
Here are a few things to think about when deciding which calendar is best for you (or someone you’re gifting):
Type of Fishing
- Bass, predator, or general freshwater? Go for lure-heavy calendars.
- Fly fishing? Get a fly-based Advent calendar.
- Ice or vertical fishing? Look for spoons or jig sets.
Skill Level
- Beginners: Calendars that offer a variety of basic lures + terminal tackle are great.
- Experienced anglers: Consider calendars with high-quality or limited-run lures.
Budget
- Lower cost (~$20–$40): Mass-produced lure calendars.
- Mid-tier (~$50–$70): Expert-curated sets, often from known fishing brands.
- Premium ($80+): Hand-tied flies, boutique tackle, or signature lure sets.
Practicality vs. Novelty
- Do you want gear you’ll actually fish with, or more of a collectible/tackle box piece?
- Check reviews — are the lures durable, or do people call them “cheap filler”?
Shipping & Availability
- These calendars often sell out. Popular ones like Mystery Tackle Box or Postfly release early.
- International shipping or limited editions can make some calendars harder to get. We only included calendars that were readily available in the States.
Reel Holiday Fun
Fishing Advent calendars are a brilliant fusion of holiday tradition and angler passion. They add excitement to the countdown to Christmas, build your tackle arsenal, and make for unforgettable gifts. Whether you’re after a fly-fishing treasure trove, your next favorite flies, or a practical tackle build-out, there’s an Advent calendar out there that’ll hit the spot.
For Wired2fish readers, this isn’t just a fun gimmick — it’s a smart way to discover new gear, test different techniques, and invest in tackle that you’ll actually use on the water long after the holidays are over.
