Gear

Fishing Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Stocking stuffers to wish-list toppers

By Chris Woodward

Updated: November 12, 2018

The year-end giving season always catches me unprepared, and occasionally uninspired. Give me a list, though, and I can match up most of my relatives — particularly those who fish — with a thoughtful present.

To help our readers who might be equally challenged, I present this (hopefully) helpful selection of 24 ideas, from stocking-stuffer tackle items to gear that deserves the full gift-wrap treatment.

REELS

Shimano Stella C4000

The C4000 size of Shimano’s flagship Stella spinning reels now features the MicroModule II gear system, with gear teeth designed to reduce vibration, and SilentDrive, new enhancements to reduce handle play and noise. The C4000 holds 230 yards of 15-pound braid and offers a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio. It weighs 9 ounces and costs $709.99. Jon Whittle

Accurate Tern

Accurate used its TwinDrag technology to design the star-drag Tern. The system features one washer on each side of the gear with friction plates instead of a stack of washers on one side. The aircraft-aluminum Tern comes in three sizes — 300 ($279), 400 ($289) and 500 ($299) — with either a high-speed 6-to-1 or a powerful 4.7-to-1 gear ratio. Jon Whittle

Okuma Tesoro 5S

Tesoro 5S star-drag reels feature forged, then machine-cut, aluminum frames, side plates and spools, as well as Okuma’s mechanical stabilizing system for zero flex. The 5S and its sister sizes (10S and 12S) also offer a high-speed 6.2-to-1 gear ratio, corrosion-resistant coating and an aluminum swept handle. The 5S holds 465 yards of 50-pound braid and costs $299.99. Jon Whittle

Penn Spinfisher VI 2500

The latest version of Penn’s popular Spinfisher reels now features an IPX5 waterproof rating and machined CNC gear technology. The VIs come in 11 sizes from 2500 (pictured) to 10500; the new 2500 size will be Penn’s smallest-ever sealed reel. It holds 220 yards of 8-pound braid, features a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio, and weighs 10.7 ounces. The 2500 costs $139.95. Jon Whittle

RODS

St. Croix Mojo Yak

St. Croix designed its Mojo Yak rods for anglers negotiating the tight space of a kayak cockpit. The rods’ shorter, split-grip handles are finished with rounded butt sections so they slide easily across fabric. The six spinning and two casting models measure 7 feet to 7 feet 6 inches, and come in medium-light, medium and medium-heavy power. The rods feature Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with aluminum-oxide inserts, are made from SCIII graphite and start at $150. Jon Whittle

G.Loomis E6X Inshore

G.Loomis redesigned the E6X Inshore series to improve durability and balance. The 14 models — three casting and 11 spinning — come in actions and powers to target most popular gamesters, from trout to tarpon, with lures or live bait. The rods feature full-cork grips and G.Loomis’ multitaper technology. They cost $189.99 to $229.99. Jon Whittle

Okuma PCH Custom

Okuma blended unidirectional fiber over 24-ton carbon in the extended tip to boost lifting strength and power in the 12 casting models in its PCH series, which measure from 7 to 9 feet (7-foot, medium-power pictured). All use Fuji K-guides with Alconite inserts, or ALPS HXH guides with zirconium inserts and ALPS CAH reel seats. Prices start at $199.99. Jon Whittle

Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning

Penn’s Battalion rods come in a variety of actions and balances for inshore and nearshore fishing. The 7-foot, medium-light graphite rod pictured features extra-fast action and aluminum-oxide guide inserts. It’s rated for 8- to 15-pound-test line and 1/8- to ¾-ounce lures. The cork grip is available in full and split versions. This rod costs $99.95. Jon Whittle

LURES

Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC

Yo-Zuri designed this minnow-style bait for long casts and harsh conditions. Available in 6- and 6¾-inch lengths (weighing 1¼ and 1¾ ounces) and 13 colors, the floating LC lures feature an all-new weight-transfer system and 3x treble hooks with heavy-duty split rings. The Hydro Minnow LCs cost $9.99 and $11.99. Jon Whittle

Halco Max 190

Halco’s award-winning lipless minnow in the 190 mm (7½ inches) size can be cast and quickly retrieved or trolled at up to 14 knots. The Max 190 dives to 6 feet and is forward weighted for long casts. It weighs 5¾ ounces, comes with two 7/0 in-line single hooks and is available in six colors. The Max 190 costs $26.99. Jon Whittle

Savage Gear 3D Mack Stick

Savage Gear based its 3D Mack Stick on a real mackerel scan and built the slow-sinking ABS-reinforced body to withstand brutal offshore predators. The 5-, 7- and 8½-inch versions weigh 2, 3 and 5½ ounces respectively. The lures come equipped with extra-strong ST66 treble hooks; Savage Gear also supplies in-line singles. The 3D Mack Sticks cost $17.99 to $21.99. Jon Whittle

Z-Man HeroZ

Z-Man’s 10-inch HeroZ jerkbaits offer increased durability with their 10x Tough ElaZtech construction. Extremely buoyant, they can be used for everything from topwater to deep jigging. Pair the bait with 8/0 HeadlockZ HD jig heads or 12/0 ChinlockZ weighted hooks for casting, trolling or jigging. Available in eight colors, they cost $11.99 for a pack of three. Jon Whittle

Rapala X-Rap No. 6 Twitchin’ Mullet

An extension of the X-Rap lure series, the No. 6 Twitchin’ Mullet was designed for inshore saltwater anglers. The 2½-inch lure weighs 5/16 ounces, produces an aggressive side-to-side action, runs to depths of 2 feet, and features VMC Coastal Black single in-line hooks. The Mullet comes in 17 colors and costs $9.99. Jon Whittle

GEAR

ANGLR’s Bullseye Fishing Tracker is a Bluetooth-enabled wearable button that logs catches and location data with a quick click and transmits the information to ANGLR’s free mobile app. Two clicks marks a waypoint. All collected data remains private by default. Anglers can choose to share details with the ANGLR online community. The button tracker has a two-year battery life and costs $29.99. Courtesy ANGLR

Weego has announced new and improved Jump Starting Power Packs with the Weego 44 (left) and Weego 66 (right). The units provide 10 percent more true cranking amps of power, with the 66 offering 660 and the 44 offering 440. The units also feature Weego’s AutoBoost technology, which enhances the jump-starting experience for extra-challenging, low-voltage tow-vehicle or boat batteries. The Weego 66 costs $199.99, and the 44 costs $149.99. Courtesy Weego

AFTCO Maxforce XH1 Harness

AFTCO’s Maxforce XH1 is 20 percent larger than its predecessor and accommodates the heaviest stand-up tackle. The harness features extra-thick, closed-cell bio-foam padding, a wider spread between the back and under-rear pads, and removable lumbar support. The harness’s interior is lined with moisture-wicking synthetic terry cloth. The adjustable belt fits anglers with waist sizes 30 to 50. The harness costs $136. Jon Whittle

Cuda Crimper Kit

Cuda put everything you’ll need for multiple trolling rigs into one nylon case, including an 11-inch crimping tool, and 415 crimps and accessories separated into pouches. The accessories include 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6 mm double copper sleeves; 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3 mm aluminum single sleeves; luminous thimbles; 80 mm luminous sleeve protectors; and a variety of loop protectors. The kit costs $93.99. Jon Whittle

Yeti Camino Carryall

Yeti’s Camino Carryall 35 boat bag is made from the same waterproof, durable material as its submersible duffel. It features a wide opening and a Hitchpoint Grid to attach anything — including a SideKick Dry (pictured) — with carabiners or MOLLE straps. The Carryall measures 97/8-by-147/8-by-181/8 inches, comes in storm gray, sky blue and Everglade sand, and costs $149.99. Jon Whittle

RAM X-Grip Phone Cradle with Twist-Lock Suction Cup

RAM’s spring-loaded X-Grip phone cradle with Twist-Lock suction-cup base ($56.99) lets anglers keep their phone secure and accessible on the water. Both ends of the RAM socket arm adjust to create the ideal viewing angle. The cradle fits a variety of phones with or without a case. Rubber-coated arm tips firmly grip the phone while leaving side ports unobstructed. Jon Whittle

Patriot 20QT Cooler

Patriot’s 20-quart cooler features extra-thick insulated walls, an embossed measuring ruler on the lid, molded side handles, and a stainless-steel locking handle. The cooler holds up to 24 beverage cans and up to 20 pounds of ice. Twenty percent of net proceeds goes to Homes for Our Troops. The 20-quart cooler comes in white, aquamarine, gray and tan, and costs $136.99. Jon Whittle

APPAREL

Bluefin USA Solar Tee

Made of 100 percent microfiber (men and youth) or 89 percent microfiber/11 percent spandex (women), Bluefin’s Solar Tees feature SPF 50+ protection. The long-sleeve shirts come with vented mesh underarms; they’re available in men’s S to XXL (four colors) for $41; women’s S to XXL (white, light pink) for $45; and youth S, M and L (white, light blue) for $35. Jon Whittle

Pelagic Chugger Fleece Hoodie

Pelagic’s Chugger fleece hoodie keeps cold beverages handy with a built-in koozie pocket. The fleece-lined polyester fabric of the hoodie is enhanced with water- and stain-repel technology. With the attached top-popping bottle opener, you’re totally self-sufficient. Available in sizes S through XXL and in black and navy, the hoodie costs $79. Jon Whittle

Salt Life Andros

Made in Italy, Salt Life’s Andros glass lenses offer crisp polarized optics. They feature Ri-pel hydrophobic coatings and anti-glare treatments. The wrap frames come in matte black with either copper/green or smoke/blue lenses. They cost $229.99. Jon Whittle

Costa Pescador

Pursuant to Costa’s Kick Plastic initiative, Pescador frames are made from recycled fishing nets. The large square frames pair with removable, rubber side shields for full coverage on bright days. Pescadors have a tumbled finish with textured detailing. The glasses come in net gray with blue or gray rubber, featuring blue-mirror or copper silver-mirror 580 glass lenses, and cost $269. Jon Whittle