What to buy for the angler on your shopping list
Fishermen are notoriously hard to please when it comes to fishing gifts. Picking a gift anglers will actually want to use is no easy task for those who don’t fish themselves. And even for those who do, every angler has their own personal preferences when it comes to gear. But that doesn’t mean gift givers have to succumb to the easy way out and give a boring gift card. There are a number of great fishing gifts out there that almost any angler will love. Here they are
As shown in the examples below, there are many great Christmas gifts for anglers but, there is one that I would suggest that you stay away from!
Monthly fishing tackle boxes
They are kinda like the “Pie of the Month Club” but with fishing tackle. There are a few problems with these monthly tackle subscriptions. First, what you see is not what you get. Often, the tackle that you receive is what you would find at a clearance table at your local tackle boxes. Probably 50 percent of the tackle I received was not usable on our local waterways.
These companies that offer these subscriptions are your best friend when they want to sign you up but, when comes time to cancel, you get no response from them. Just crickets.
Emailing, calling and messages on social media all go to a deaf ears. The only way I was able to get their attention was to dispute the charges with the credit card company. And, as to this date I still get bugged by them for another subscription. I have emailed them back asking them to not contact me any further. NOPE, no response messages and emails. They just keep coming. I guess you just can’t fix stupid. So, BUYER AWARE of monthly tackle box subscriptions. They are not only a rip-off; they are like the cat that is still sitting on the porch of a house that has burnt down.
Subscription to a Fishing Magazine
Fishing magazines can give you a lot of information about the various aspects of fishing. If you have been looking for the best fishing magazines, I hope this list will help you.
Bass Angler — In-fisherman — Western Outdoor News — Bassmaster — American Angler — Bassin’ — Western Bass Magazine — Field and Stream (a classic).
Crossbody Tackle Bag
This bag sits comfortably across the chest for easy access to all your fishing accessories. No more looking around for what you need. It’s got room for lures, bait, a fishing knife, fish-finders, spare line, hook cutters, and pliers. There are extra pockets for smartphones and keys, too.
Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Sunglasses are important for fishermen because they protect they eyes from the sun’s direct rays and rays that reflect off the water. Not only that, they allow the fishermen to see through the glare on the top of the water and spot more fish.
2021 Fishing License
Everyone 16 years and older is required to have one and they cost just pennies under $50. All the local tackle shops as well as big box stores sell them.
Gift Certificates
Are the easiest. They don’t require much thought, right? These are perfect if you’re not sure what else to buy. And there won’t be any doubt that they will get what they want with it.
Bucket Wrap
For anglers accustomed to shore fishing, a bucket can be lots of things. Storage for bait, extra lures, or a cold place to store their catch. That leaves little room for the important things like lures and tools, which is where the Flambeau Bucket Wrap comes in. Fitting standard sized buckets, the Bucket Wrap adds tough nylon pockets and storage areas for all the essentials. No more will an angler have to struggle to hold on to all their equipment while walking to their remote hotspot. The Bucket Wrap also has a sewn in rod holder for portability. The Bucket Wrap is ideal for anglers who fish on piers.
Shimano Curado I Reel
Now we’re getting into the real meat of this list. This baitcast reel from Shimano is at the top of the list for every fishing enthusiast. This award winning reel is made from strong, lightweight aluminum and comes with Shimano’s renowned X-ship gearing system and SVS Infinity Brake system.
St. Croix Triumph Casting Rod
Mount that new Shimano on a St. Croix Rod and you’ll have a rig that every fisherman will envy. It is a one piece rod made from SCII graphite and comes in a variety of models, depending on your fishing needs. This medium action rod is the most versatile of them all. Personally, St. Croix Rods is what is on the deck of my bass boat.
Guided Fishing Trip on Clear Lake
For those who want to spend a little extra for a unique gift, consider a guided bass fishing trip on Clear Lake. The average cost is about $500 for a full day or $250 for a half day. The names of the local guides can be obtained from the local tackle shops.
Here’s wishing you all a blessed Christmas Season!
Thanks for reading and remember to keep it reel! — DON=4REEL Fishin’
“The finest gift you can give to any fisherman is to put a good fish back, and who knows if the fish that you caught isn’t someone else’s gift to you?” — Lee Wulff