10 Awesome Holiday Gift Ideas for Anglers

Was it the Rudolph sweatshirt complete with flashing light for a nose? Or maybe it was the turtle-shaped Chia Pet? Jelly of the month club membership? My guess is that you've probably received at least one holiday gift that made you cringe a little when you opened it. So, to all of you who have an angler on your holiday gift list, please pay attention! Avoid becoming a "less than great" gift-giver by checking out these 10 awesome holiday gift ideas.

1. Fishing Adventure Coupon. The holidays and fishing have one major thing in common — they are both about spending quality time with family and friends. Which means that it would make perfect sense to give the gift of a family fishing trip. You can customize a present for Mom, Dad or anyone else in the family simply by downloading the Take Me Fishing “Fishing Adventure Coupon” and placing it inside of a tackle box or in a small gift bag with a few lures.

2. Leader Line. Leader line is a gift that every angler will use. Having a few extra spools on hand is always recommended — especially for anglers who fish areas with plenty of structure. Leader line can get frayed after rubbing against scales, gills, sharp fish teeth, pilings, rocks, etc. If the gift recipient tends to do quite a bit of inshore saltwater fishing, as an example, you can buy an assortment of fluorocarbon leader material spools in 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb and 30 lb test weights.
   

3. Headlamp. The best fishing often takes place at dawn, dusk and after dark, so make it easy for the angler on your holiday list to rig lines and bait hooks by buying them a headlamp. They are also helpful for completing boat repairs in dark places. Most headlamps come with an adjustable elastic band that stretches around your head, but you can also find headlamps that are built into a hat.

4. Rain Gear. Every angler needs quality-made rain gear to keep on board the boat or inside of a backpack in the event of foul weather. However, when it comes to buying rain gear as a gift, be sure to do your research and buy a brand that is known for quality -- particularly if the gift recipient fishes saltwater spots. Whenever I buy rain gear as a gift for a fellow angler, I look for a brand that has corrosion-resistant zippers. After all, the gear won't be of much use if the zippers refuse to budge after only a few uses.
   

5. Multi-tool. A multi-tool can make a useful stocking stuffer gift for an angler. Good multi-tools are constructed from high quality materials that are corrosion and rust resistant. When buying a multi-tool as a gift, check the manufacturer's warranty. The best multi-tools will come with a warranty that spans several years.

6. UV-Protection Face Mask or Headwear. You may have wondered why some anglers wear a "face mask" or headwear that covers most of their face, neck and head. The answer is pretty simple, the headwear helps to protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun. For avid anglers who fish several times a week, this type of protection is important in preventing premature aging and skin damage. UV-protection headwear can be found at sporting goods stores and online.
   

7. Reel Lubricant. Reel lubricant is another great idea for a stocking stuffer. Anglers should always use a lubricant that is specifically made for fishing reels, and should lubricate all moving parts at least once or twice per year depending on how often the reel is used.

8. Circle Hooks. Much like leader line, anglers will go through packs of circle hooks often. When fishing with live bait, anglers use circle hooks that match the size of the bait. If you are unsure what size bait your gift recipient generally uses when fishing, you can always ask a clerk at the tackle shop or outdoor sporting goods store if they sell variety packs that come with hooks of various sizes.

9. Tournament Registration Fees. Does the angler on your holiday gift list enjoy the thrill of tournament fishing? Find out the name of his or her favorite tournament and then call the tournament organizers to see if you can pre-pay the registration fees as a gift. Ask the tournament organizers for a receipt or printed payment confirmation and then place it inside of a holiday card. Keep in mind that fishing tournaments will have different processes and rules, so always check with the tournament organizer first to verify that registration fees can be gifted.

10. Gift Certificate for Fly Casting Lessons. If you know an angler who has been fishing with spinning or bait-casting gear, but who has been talking about learning to fly cast, buy them a gift certificate for fly casting lessons from a local instructor.

Have you ever received a fishing gift that you thought was exceptionally useful or appreciated? If so, be sure to share it by logging into the Take Me Fishing Community and posting in the online forums.