The holiday season. It’s here. Yes, already.
While some anglers buy gifts throughout the year in advance preparation (can I get an eyeroll?), most of us wait until November to begin our lists. We’re here to jumpstart that process.
Below are 21 fishing gift ideas — ranging in price from $29.99 to $349.99 — from some of your favorite brands, as well as 15 lower-priced stocking stuffers that also make good options for fishing buddies.
Okuma Voyager Travel Rods
Available in different size ranges and actions for boat, inshore and freshwater fishing, Okuma’s Voyager rods break down into three or four pieces for easy transport. The boat rod series includes five models (three casting, two spinning) with European spigot-ferrule connections in medium light/medium or medium/medium heavy in 6-foot-6-inch and 7-foot lengths. Inshore/freshwater versions come in three casting and two spinning models and separate into four sections. They come in medium light, medium, medium heavy and heavy and 7-foot-2-inch or 7-foot-5-inch lengths. Prices range from $199.99 to $229.99.
YETI Camino Carryall 35
Yeti’s new and improved Camino 35 Carryall is made from the same waterproof, durable, and easy-to-clean material as the Panga Duffel. This tote keeps wet boots and wading accessories contained and any dry gear protected. (I use one to keep my kayak electronics contained and accessible.) Camino features an EVA-molded bottom and deployable dividers as well as stash pockets and a hitch point for Yeti bottle openers or dry gear cases. Available in charcoal, navy, highlands olive or harvest red, the tote costs $149.99.
Penn Spinfisher VI
The Spinfisher series, originally launched in 1963, received an upgrade in 2018 with the VI series. The current models are IPX5 sealed and feature proprietary machined CNC gear technology and HT-100 carbon-fiber drag washers. The reels comes in nine sizes from 2500 to 10500, and in four Live Liner models from 2500 to 8500 sizes. The Live Liners come with an innovative rear drag adjustment. Bail-less models come in 4500 and 6500 sizes; long-cast models come in 5500, 6500 and 7500 sizes. Gear ratios span 4.2-, 4.7, 5.6- and 6.2-to-1, depending on reel size. Spinfisher VIs cost $159.95 to $269.95.
XtraTuf Duck Camo Legacy/Salmon Sisters Legacy
For men, XtraTuf offers a waterproof legacy boot with camo lining. The 15-inch-high brown duck boot is made with the company’s signature triple-dipping technique, which creates a barrier that’s resistant to many organic and inorganic acids, chemicals and contaminants. The latex neoprene is ozone resistant, and is softer, lighter and more pliable than ordinary rubber. Cushioned insoles with arch support help fight fatigue and stress on the legs and back. The non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole provides traction in extreme conditions. Available in whole sizes 7 to 15, they cost $145. For women, the Salmon Sisters Legacy Deck Boot now comes in a seasonal puffin print. The boot features the same commercial-grade performance and safety features of the classic Legacy Boot, but with pull tabs and a twin-elastic gore for easy on/off. Available in whole sizes 6 to 11, they cost $130.
Costa Antille/Caleta
Named after the 1,500-mile Caribbean island chain, the Antille frame (top) is made from 97 percent recycled fishing nets. This men’s hybrid-performance frame style features vented nose pads and additional eye coverage. It comes in net black with gray, blue-mirror or green-mirror glass lenses and costs $206 to $226. The women’s Caleta takes its name from the small coves of Chile. Wide, keeper-ready temples help reduce light leak and add a bit of style. Caleta too is made from recycled fishing nets. Available in net plum with gray glass lenses or net black with blue-mirror lenses, Caletas cost $206 to $226.
Garmin GPSMAP 79
The GPSMAP 79 series of handheld navigation units introduces an all-new floating design and optional built-in BlueChart g3 coastal charts. The handhelds feature a three-axis, tilt-compensated compass and an optically bonded, transflective color display with 2.5 times higher resolution than previous models. Users can expect up to 19 hours of battery life while using GPS, and they can store up to 10,000 waypoints and 250 routes using the 8 GB of built-in memory. The GPSMAP 79s ($299.99) comes with a built-in worldwide basemap and support for downloadable marine charts. The 79sc ($349.99) comes standard with g3 cartography.
Gill Langland Technical Hoodie/XPEL Tec Hoodie
Gill Fishing’s Langland Technical Hoodie for men repels water, stains and odor due to its exclusive plant-based XPEL technology. Highly breathable with thermal protection and four-way stretch, the Langland comes with multiple fishing features such as an internal zippered pocket inside the front kangaroo pouch, an adjustable hood, and integrated thumb loops. Available in sizes XS through 4XL and in grey marl and steel, it costs $89.95. The women’s XPEL Tec Hoodie offers 50+ UV protection and repels water, oil and blood while controlling odors. Available in sizes 4 through 12 and in palm print, ice, pool blue or white, it costs $54.95 (available early 2022).
Calcutta Squall Tactical Tackle Backpack
Calcutta’s Squall Tactical Tackle Backpack comes with three 3600 double-latch tackle trays and will hold up to six 3600-size trays. It also features two leader-spool pockets with built-in dispensers, a molded plier lanyard and an EVA molded front. The thick-padded backpack straps make carrying gear comfortable. Made with reinforced stitching, quality zippers, and other components, the pack comes in Mossy Oak’s Shoreline camo pattern and costs $99.99.
Frabill Universal Bait Station
The universal bait station from Frabill features a side-mounted aerator and insulated construction to keep bait cool. The waterproof nonslip base helps anchor this soft-sided cooler in place on deck. The quick-access bait door makes grabbing a fresh bait easy. The station holds up to two gallons of water. Without water, the bag holds up to four Plano Stowaway tackle boxes and can be used as a food or beverage cooler. It costs $59.99.
Huk Icon X Puffy Jacket/Folly Crew Fleece
The men’s lightweight, full-zip Icon X Puffy Jacket is constructed with stretch insulation, making it Huk’s most versatile cold-weather jacket. The polyester shell is wind- and water-resistant. The jacket features a chest zip pocket and two handwarmer pockets, and is compatible with the Zip-In Layering System. Available in S through 3XL, it comes in black and costs $150. The women’s Folly Crew Fleece pullover is made from cotton and features two-way stretch. The shirt comes in sizes XS through XL and in dusk blue (pictured), rose violet, barely pink, and ivory. It costs $60.
Shimano Spheros SW
Shimano redesigned the Spheros SW series of saltwater spinning reels to conquer offshore and inshore species. The new versions feature Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology, which improves pinion-gear support and enhances the overall drive-gear design. Spheros SW delivers more winding power under load. The reels also come with X-Protect and X-Shield for improved water resistance, resulting in an IPX8-rated body. Available in seven different sizes — from 5000 to 20000 — the Spheros SW series provides dependable performance for anglers targeting prized game fish from snook to bluefin tuna. The reels cost $139.99 to $199.99.
Bubba Seaker Duffel
The Bubba Seaker Duffel is water-resistant and durable and provides 62 liters of storage with multiple pockets. It also features a waterproof pocket for a phone or other valuables and several areas for attaching gear, including a coated carabiner and daisy-chain loops. Carry it with top- or side-haul handles or adjustable, padded backpack straps. Engineered with a cut-resistant, EVA-molded, the Seaker costs $229.99.
Salt Life Lunker Performance Shirt
The Lunker long-sleeve, woven performance fishing shirt is made from a UPF30-treated, wicking fabric that pulls moisture from your skin and evaporates it through the shirt. The vented back yoke with mesh promotes breathability; sleeve cuffs with plackets easily roll up. Available in sizes S through 2XL and in khaki, the shirt costs $72.
Grundens Freeboard Chukka
Grundens’ Freeboard leather chukka features a rubber freeboard overlay for additional waterproofing and protection, full-grain leather upper and a siped natural-gum-rubber outsole with Chevron deck tread for grip on wet surfaces. Available in deck brown or anchor (gray/black) and in men’s sizes 8 through 14, the chukkas cost $139.99.
Toadfish Stowaway Travel Rods
The Stowaway Travel Rod is a three-piece multiaction spinner with interchangeable midsections and tips, allowing anglers to mix and match pieces to create four different rods. The high-carbon graphite blanks provide sensitivity, and spigot-ferrule connections create a firm feel. Other features include patented Toadfish reel seats with rubber inlays and Kigan 3D stainless-steel guides. Stowaways are available in two sizes: 6-foot-8-inch medium/medium-light and 7-foot-2-inch medium/medium-heavy, both for 8- to 20-pound braid. For every Stowaway sold, Toadfish also replants oyster beds to clean up coastal waters. Stowaways cost $178 and come with a travel tube.
Bajio Boneville/Casuarina
For men, the Boneville is a large-fit frame with a full-wrap design. The sunglasses feature non-slip rubber nose pads and rubber temple tips. Made from a plant-based material that is biodegradable and 10 times stronger than petroleum-based frames, Boneville is available with glass or polycarbonate lenses in six colors; all are polarized and offer LAPIS technology that blocks blue light. The women’s Casuarina frames feature a medium fit and medium wrap design. They’re also made from plant-based material and come with the same technology. Both frames cost $199 with plastic lenses and $249 with glass.
Plano Atlas Tackle Backpack
Plano’s Atlas Tackle Pack blends the light weight of a soft tackle bag with the strength of a molded box. The waterproof base is surrounded by durable EVA panels. Plano also created a magnetic Dropzone on top of the bag that automatically anchors metal tools and hooks in place. Other features include rod holders, tool holders, water-resistant cellphone storage, internal zippered mesh pockets and molded clamshell side pockets. Available in December, the pack costs $199.99.
Shakespeare EZ-Grow Kit
Need another gift for the kids or grandkids? The EZ-Grow kit matches the size of the tackle to the size of the angler and eases a child’s transition into larger gear as he or she grows. The combo features a telescoping rod that expands from 2 1/2 feet up to 4 1/2 feet; the spincast reel comes with an oversize knob attachment and an extended push button to assist young anglers with casting and retrieving. Both features can be removed and adjusted. Available with or without a rear drag and in blue, orange, purple or seafoam green, EZ-Grow costs $29.99.
Rapala Salt Angler’s Curved Fillet Knife
Made for filleting and steaking big gamefish, the Rapala Salt Angler’s Curved Fillet Knife features a no-flex, razor-sharp blade with an ergonomic co-molded handle. The polished, progressively tapered, corrosion-resistant blade is made by Marttiini with European stainless steel. It takes and holds an ultra-sharp edge. The vented sheath allows for quick drying. The knife is available in two sizes, with a 10- or 12-inch blade, priced at $44.79 and $46.09 respectively.
AFTCO Tactical Camo Zip Up Jacket
The Reaper windproof zippered jacket now comes in tactical camo colors. Made with Hexatron tricot backing and a 90 percent polyester, 10 percent Spandex 3L ripstop stretch, coated shell, the jacket features an integrated face mask, laser-cut vented underarms, lycra cuff stretch gussets with thumbholes, zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket. Available in navy digi or green digi camo and in sizes S through 2XL, it costs $129.
Deeper Smart Sonar Chirp 2
An updated version of the original Deeper castable sonar, the Chirp 2 detects fish as close as 6 inches from the surface and as deep as 330 feet. The sphere maintains connectivity to your smart device, via built-in WiFi, within a distance of 394 feet. It features three beam angles and works up to 15 hours on a charge. Made for fresh- and saltwater use (with proper rinsing and care), it’s water resistant to a depth of 3.2 feet. $279.
Stocking Stuffers
Designed with a lifelike baitfish profile, Berkley’s Gulp! Paddleshad tempts a long list of species. Available in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch sizes and in 15 colors, this lure expands the strike zone. $6.99/bag.
Plano’s Edge line of storage solutions includes a new Flex Crankbait 3700 box to store any size hardbait. It comes with 28 flexible pods, a WaterWick divider, Dri-Loc O-ring seal and Rustrictor technology. Available in December. $39.99.
Toadfish Rocks tumblers feature SmartGrip technology that make them hard to tip but easy to lift. These 10-ounce cups are made from stainless-steel and offer double-wall vacuum insulation. Available in three colors. $24.
