OUT THERE GIFTS
What your favorite outdoors lover really wants
There has never been a better time to be outdoors in Western Pennsylvania. Santa says, “Get out there and enjoy yourself.” For several years, Pittsburgh river anglers have caught monster catfish using a new generation of upscale catfish-specific gear. Start with a stout pole that won’t snap when bent by a 40inch flathead. Anvil Rods’ 7-foot-6-inch
medium heavy-action rod with Eva foam grips and stainless steel doublefooted eyes will do the job. $84.99 at Reddi Bait in Bridgewater, the regional center for all things catfish.
How do you know if an outdoors lifestyle is right for you and your family until you’ve tried it? Before investing in gear, start slower and less expensively at
3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
The Edgewood- based company’s rental department lets newbies try out equipment for camping, backpacking, kayaking, paddleboarding and bouldering without the commitment to buy. And its consignment program enables people with good gear to resell it at a discount, which also gives the environment a break on use of its resources. Gift cards
in $25 and $10 increments are available at 1130 S. Braddock Ave. 15219 or 3riversoutdoor.com.
Several outstanding spawns have filled Lake Erie with more than 150 million walleye, savored by many as the best-tasting freshwater gamefish. Tell No Tales Charters in Erie offers a driftfishing walleye experience for 20 anglers at a time on its 44-foot headboat, Perch Pirate, moored at the Presque Isle Bayfront. They’re scheduling now for May-September 2022. $50 puts an angler on the railing for a half day with assistance from the captain and first mate. A fishing license is required and there are additional fees for optional rod rental and filleting. (tellnotalescharters1.com or 814-746-5809)
Keep the hunter or angler in your life warm, dry and comfortable wherever she goes. Rocky Women’s ProHunter waterproof insulated parka has a camopattern, wind-breaking design, front zipper storm flap, zip-off hood, drawcord waist, adjustable cuffs and easy-access inside security pockets. Available in three sizes for $67.99 at Walmart stores or Walmart.com.
Sometimes it takes a long, sturdy swish to scoop a big fighting steelhead from a Lake Erie tributary. The hinged
forearm brace on the YakAttack Leverage landing net extends to 49 inches for one-handed control and accuracy, and folds for compact carrying. The tanglefree, 20-inch rubber net bag was made for safe catch and release and it doubles as the perfect kayak net. $89.99 at Public Lands in Cranberry or publiclands.com.
Hunters know that safety and communication go hand in hand. The merged Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s offer the Midland X-Talker Outfitter 2-way radio pack, a high-performance two-way radio system for rugged conditions that cellphones can’t handle. It has an optimal 40mile range, 22 channels, precoded privacy channels and NOAA weather scan and alert technology. The pack comes with hands-free silent operation, rechargeable battery packs, headsets, belt clips and desktop/ wall chargers. $ 94.99 at Cabela’s in Tridelphia, W.Va., or cabelas.com.