Dads can be impossible to shop for. But you’re in luck if he enjoys fishing, because we here at Sport Fishing have you covered. We’ve assembled the latest and greatest tackle and accessories to ensure you see a big smile this Father’s Day.
Pelagic Exo-Tech Hooded Fishing Shirt
There’s no such thing as too much time on the water—unless it turns you into a sunburned mess. Give Dad the gift of unlimited time in the sun with Pelagic’s Exo-Tech Hooded Fishing Shirt. This full-coverage sun hoody offers a built-in gaiter that keeps Dad completely covered so he can worry about catching fish—not covering himself in sunscreen. Zippered pockets make this a little more useful than the typical sun protection garment. $99
Cheeky Limitless 475 Fly Reel
Cheeky was one of the first fly reel manufacturers to embrace super large arbors on their reels, and that devotion is on full display in the Limitless 475 fly reel. The giant spools pick up line fast, and offer plenty of backing capacity so you can go after bruisers like tarpon, giant trevally, or roosterfish. A silky-smooth drag system offers little start-up inertia to protect the light tippets needed when targeting spooky fish like permit. The fully-sealed drag also sheds waves easily; mine has survived plenty of immersions in the pounding surf chasing stripers. $499
Grundens Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket
Because they were built so tough, Dad probably has some of Grundens’ PVC foul weather gear from half a lifetime ago stashed somewhere. While those garments are great at stopping water, they weren’t as good about letting perspiration out. Grundens’ latest generation of jackets harnesses the power of Gore-Tex, keeping Dad dry from the inside out. The waterproof/breathable Buoy X jacket has neoprene cuffs that keep water from running down your sleeve and have thoughtful features such as dual chest pockets, an interior security pocket, and a kill switch anchor. $499
Orvis PRO Approach Hiker
I like to go barefoot whenever possible, but doing so can lead to cut feet. Protect Dad against sharp corals, pointy rocks, and other underwater hazards with Orvis’ PRO Approach Hiker. The mid-height offers plenty of support, and combine with the laces to prevent rolled ankles. A non-marking Michelin outsole offers superior traction, but won’t scuff up boat decks. Built-in, zippered gravel guard with hook-and-loop closures help keep sand and other debris out. The “Salt” variety of this boot was built with the briny angler in mind, but given its roots, they will likely be just as at home wet-wading a trout stream. $229
Benchmade 15700 Flyway
Benchmade calls this one the “Flyway,” but the lines are that of a classic bird & trout knife. I’ve used the scalpel-sharp blade to break down bucketfuls of porgies (fish tacos anyone?), and I can’t wait to take it to a mess of stocked trout. CPM-154 steel delivers a good mix of edge retention and sharpening abilities, while shrugging off corrosion. The G10 handle provides plenty of grip even when wet, and the dual-colored Boltaron sheath is at home in a tackle bag. Give your Dad one and he just might you make you a fresh fish dinner in return. $200
Bluefin All Over Fish Camo Second Skin Solar Tee
Bluefin’s All Over Fish Camo Second Skin Solar Tee is meant to handle fishing in the summer heat. The shirt includes a cooling system, moisture-wicking fabric technology, UPF 50-plus sun protection, anti-microbial treatments, and vented mesh under the arms for breathability. This shirt really takes away the need for sunscreen on your arms. And you can’t go wrong with the blue all-camo look. All Bluefin designs are dye sublimated for optimal heat dispersion. Hand printed in Miami. $51.00
Thermacell LIV and Portable Units
Coastal living means dealing with mosquitoes. Fortunately, the engineers at Thermacell have devised a few methods to minimize the interactions you have to have with the biting insects. Get Dad a LIV system and place a veritable shield around his backyard. The hard-wired unit installs in much the same manner as low-voltage landscape lighting, giving Dad control over bugs with the push of a button. Throw in a couple of portable units too, so he can avoid bites while on the water as well. The MR450 Armored unit uses butane cartridges to provide 15 feet of protection, or choose the EX55 and power up to 20 mosquito-free feet via a battery that charges through a USB connection. $35 and up
Engel BP25 Roll Top Performance Backpack Cooler
Give Dad the ability to take cold beverages on the go with Engel’s new Roll Top Performance Backpack Cooler. Engel says the all-welded construction of the BP25 ensures there will be no air or water leaks, keeping the contents cooler for longer—up to 3.5 days. The roll-top, in the same style as kayaker’s dry bags, is easy to open but maintains a watertight seal. The shoulder straps make it easy to carry, even when full. An integrated bottle opener, a water-resistant front pocket, D-rings and side straps provide extra utility. $189
Daiwa Kage MQ LT Spinning Reel
If Dad likes light tackle angling, get him one of Daiwa’s new Kage MQ LT spinning reels. With five available sizes, there’s a reel for everything from freshwater panfish to inshore favorites like striped bass or snook. The monocoque body design keeps weight down and provides for more space inside the reel, which allows for larger, stronger gears. Kage reels also utilize Daiwa’s Magsealed system, which keeps water outside where it belongs. Other favorite features from the Daiwa line are here as well, including Air Rotor and Air Bail, A7075 aluminum Digigear technology, and Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD). Fitted with a machined aluminum screw-in handle and a premium cork knob. $369 and up
Norsk Lithium Batteries
If your Dad is the type of guy that gets excited about batteries, he’s going to love the latest from Norsk Lithium. Norsk bills these unique batteries as “future-proof,” with their 100 percent serviceable battery case design. A certified NORSK Lithium technician can safely open the battery and repair, replace, or upgrade any part, then close it back up, returning the battery to good-as-new status. This allows Norsk to offer a 10-year warranty and stand behind it; not by offering replacements and chucking the old one in a landfill, but by repairing the battery and sending it right back to the customer. $899 and up
Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader Material
Whatever Dad fishes for, odds are pretty good that uses some sort of leader. So why not give him the best this Father’s Day and slip him a few spools of Seaguar Gold Label fluorocarbon leader material. The thinnest and strongest Seaguar leader material yet; Gold Label manages exceptional knot and tensile strength. But despite being so strong, it has the lowest memory of any material in Seaguar’s fluorocarbon leader line up. Available from 2- to 80-pound test in 25- and 50-yard spools. $18 and up
Shimano Tiralejo XX Surf Rod
Does your Dad like to hit the surf? If so, make his day by giving him one of Shimano’s new Tiralejo XX surf rods. Shimano builds these flagship surf rods using several of their angler-favorite and patented technologies to enhance power transmission through the rod blank for increased casting distance and accuracy. These two-piece rods are available in lengths ranging from 9 feet 6 inches up to 12 footers, with models capable of tossing baits weighing ¾ to 6 ounces. $489
Magellan Outdoors Multipurpose Fishing Wagon
The Magellan Outdoors Multipurpose Fishing Wagon is a great transporter of tackle. I wouldn’t use it as a beach cart, but I would use it for just about anything else. Pull this cart from your truck to your boat in the marina. Use it as a tackle wagon for the pier. Honestly, pull it from your house down to your dock—shorten your trips! It’s easy to use. The handle telescopes. An insulated 16-can cooler keeps your drinks cold. The five pockets provide storage for your gear. And the polyester fabric bed handles any larger items. The entire rig folds up to fit in your trunk. Weight is 36 pounds. Weight capacity is 225 pounds. Price $130
Bajio Stiltsville Sunglasses
Bajio’s Stiltsville sunglasses are built with a full coverage frame that will give your Dad the light-blocking performance he needs to spot fish even under the toughest conditions. The generous non-slip rubber nose pads and rubber temple tips keep them in place, even when Dad is powering through waves on the way back to the barn as the weather has started to turn. The Stiltsville can be had with either glass or polycarbonate lenses, in six lens colors. Whichever lenses you choose, they are polarized, have proprietary blue light-blocking technology, and an oleophobic lens coating to reduce scratching and make cleaning easier. $209 for polycarbonate lenses; $259 for glass lenses
Pelican G5 RF Field Wallet
The waterproof nature and rugged construction of Pelican’s G5 RF Field Wallet make it perfect for life on the water, but the other technologies make it an ideal companion for everyday carry. The solid aluminum RFID-blocking shell prevents your cards from getting electronically skimmed, protecting them thieves and scammers in whatever port you’re visiting. An O-ring seal gives the G5 RF Field Wallet an IP67 rating, which protects the contents from submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Inside, you’ll find an elastomeric strap and mesh organizer for your cards, cash, and keys—plus a rear rubber strap on the exterior for quick-access items. $46
Simms Splash Cast Jacket
If your Dad doesn’t stop fishing when the waves kick up, outfit him with the Splash Cast Jacket. Simms’ latest surf, shore, and kayak top improves on one of the company’s angler-favorite designs with a host of new features. The new jacket is built using Simms’ three-layer Toray fabric, which is tough, waterproof, and breathable. Seal-tight cuffs, a spray-stopping collar and an adjustable hood conspire to keep water out, no matter which direction it comes from. A large, waterproof front storage pocket offers a significant update to the original, with IP67-rated protection. $349
