Holiday Fishing Gift Ideas
By Tom Keer
Nov 30, 2016
At first blush it may seem difficult to buy holiday presents for fishermen. The fact is that they're about the easiest group on your list for whom to buy.
We're right in the middle of holiday shopping. If you're an angler then you already have holiday fishing gift ideas for your spouse, child, or buddy. But if you don't fish then it can be tough to find the perfect present for your favorite fisherman. Here are four ideas to narrow down the choices.
1. For how long has your angler been fishing? Odds are if it's been a short time then hardgoods are a solid bet. Rods and reels get the nod, beginners need to assemble a variety of lengths and line/lure/line weights to suit the variety of species and fishing conditions.
2. Replacements are always welcome. Anglers who have been fishing for a while probably have enough rods and reels, but because they spend a lot of time on the water their gear wears out. New waders, line, favorite lures, new lures, hooks, split rings, and soft plastics are good ideas. Take a look through their tackle box to see what is worn out. Lures with chipped finishes, rusty hooks or pliers, and frayed line all need to be replaced.
3. What do you get the angler who has everything? Anglers who have spent a lot of their life on the water acquire tremendous amount of gear. Chances are they have what they need, so here are two ideas. The first is to read up on new tackle for 2017. Since the tackle is just hitting the market the chance is slim that they have it. The second is an experience. Maybe they've always wanted to catch a particular species of fish or visit a specific place (like Alaska or Florida). Those experiences provide great memories, particularly if you can find a way to go, too.
4. A trip down memory lane. Older anglers might like to remember their early fishing days while younger anglers may want to connect with the past. Think of antique rods, reels, lures, advertising posters or pictures from back in the day. Many older tackle companies have gone out of business, but if you need a simple idea then you may want to check out Al's Goldfish. Founded in 1952 the company still produces Made in America lures, is one of Field and Stream's top lures of all times, and consistently puts fish in the net.
It's easy to buy a gift for an angler. Just make sure it has something to do with fishing!
1. For how long has your angler been fishing? Odds are if it's been a short time then hardgoods are a solid bet. Rods and reels get the nod, beginners need to assemble a variety of lengths and line/lure/line weights to suit the variety of species and fishing conditions.
2. Replacements are always welcome. Anglers who have been fishing for a while probably have enough rods and reels, but because they spend a lot of time on the water their gear wears out. New waders, line, favorite lures, new lures, hooks, split rings, and soft plastics are good ideas. Take a look through their tackle box to see what is worn out. Lures with chipped finishes, rusty hooks or pliers, and frayed line all need to be replaced.
3. What do you get the angler who has everything? Anglers who have spent a lot of their life on the water acquire tremendous amount of gear. Chances are they have what they need, so here are two ideas. The first is to read up on new tackle for 2017. Since the tackle is just hitting the market the chance is slim that they have it. The second is an experience. Maybe they've always wanted to catch a particular species of fish or visit a specific place (like Alaska or Florida). Those experiences provide great memories, particularly if you can find a way to go, too.
4. A trip down memory lane. Older anglers might like to remember their early fishing days while younger anglers may want to connect with the past. Think of antique rods, reels, lures, advertising posters or pictures from back in the day. Many older tackle companies have gone out of business, but if you need a simple idea then you may want to check out Al's Goldfish. Founded in 1952 the company still produces Made in America lures, is one of Field and Stream's top lures of all times, and consistently puts fish in the net.
It's easy to buy a gift for an angler. Just make sure it has something to do with fishing!
Tom Keer is an award-winning writer who lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He is a columnist for the Upland Almanac, a Contributing Writer for Covey Rise magazine, a Contributing Editor for both Fly Rod and Reel and Fly Fish America, and a blogger for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing program. Keer writes regularly for over a dozen outdoor magazines on topics related to fishing, hunting, boating, and other outdoor pursuits. When they are not fishing, Keer and his family hunt upland birds over their three English setters. His first book, a Fly Fishers Guide to the New England Coast was released in January 2011. Visit him at www.tomkeer.com or at www.thekeergroup.com.
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