So the holidays are rapidly approaching, and it’s time to face one of the most difficult aspects of the season: selecting what to give as a gift! So we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to assist you in choosing the ideal presents for fishermen. Nothing beats being an angler when it comes to gift-giving season! The holidays are around the corner, which means it’s time to go shopping for your favorite fisherman or woman.
It’s also time to start making your list if you’re the one who baits the hook in the family on early mornings while everyone else sleeps in. I started out wanting to write a short essay about my fishing gear, but I quickly learned that such a list would be too long for a single article. After all, my checklist at the local sporting goods store is primarily concerned with fishing and camping. So, to make things easier for myself, I’ve chosen items from my own list or ones I’d suggest to a buddy if they asked me.
Gift Ideas!
I’ve compiled a short list of interesting items that I believe would make wonderful present ideas. The first three of these goods should be accessible at any fishing or tackle shop on the internet or in your local mall. A few more present suggestions may be found through a local artist or on the internet. You’ll notice what I’m talking about below.
Fish Finders
Raymarine Dragonfly/Dragonfly 7
The Garmin Stratus 7200 is my personal favorite fish finding device for 2014. Even though it’s a little pricey, you won’t make a mistake with this beauty. You’ll see clearer and more detailed CHIRP SONAR pictures thanks to the updated version, which has an even bigger 7 inch screen. It also has traditional SONAR functionality as well as GPS and three buttons allow you to operate the entire system from afar.
Raymarine’s easy-to-use package gives you powerful, simple, and enjoyable fish finding abilities.
Deeper Portable Fishfinder for Android and iOS
I’d want to get a Deeper fish finder as a present – it’s really one-of-a-kind and so portable that you can take it almost anywhere. We’ve discussed many different types of portable fishfinders on Fish Finder Source, but Deeper truly surpasses them all. It’s simply a tiny sphere that you affix to your fishing line and communicates SONAR data from your Android or iOS phone/tablet via Bluetooth.
This model is designed to work in water temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, all the way up to a depth of 130 feet. It’s suitable for most excursions because it works in water temperatures as cold as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and down to a depth of 130 feet. It links to a free app that includes SONAR data, a fishing calendar, weather reports, and other features.
Lowrance Hook-5
Another fantastic present to fill the empty spot on your loved one’s boat is the Lowrance Hook-5 HDI. It can do everything from standard SONAR, 3D SONAR, and GPS chartplotting. It’s a little pricey, but it’s less expensive than the Dragonfly. The 5 inch screen on this model is generous, and you’ll be able to see a clear image from close up. This is a very versatile and adaptable mapping software.
Its flexibility comes from its ability to be used on many devices, which means that it can be downloaded for free onto your phone or tablet as you move about the lake or river looking for a good fishing spot. This program has several mapping packages, ranging from a basemap all the way up to Navionics Gold, the king of maps.
Lowrance Hook-5 Sonar/GPS Mid/High/Downscan Fishfinder
Garmin GPSmap 741xs
Here’s something on my personal list – I hope my wife reads this article! The Garmin GPSmap 741xs Fish Finder is a simple to use, fat finger friendly, fish finder that works with touch screens and computers. Today’s pinch and zoom screen on tablets and phones quickly won me over. The overall use is so straightforward that it makes me wonder what other fish finder manufacturers were thinking during the years. The unit includes advanced features in addition to the display that you would expect at a price range of $1,000 or more.
Although it’s a little more expensive than other options, the Z-Wave Plus technology makes it worth every penny. The installation is simple, and there isn’t much of a learning curve. The easy screen aids in this regard as well. There is no sense that you must relearn an entire new piece of equipment because it comes ready to go right out of the box.
Connections for an external GPS antenna, radar, future expansion, and even wireless and Bluetooth functionality are included in the package. My experience with fishing and boating expos as well as a day on the water with a buddy who installed one on his bass boat serves as proof.
More Good Stuff
Fishing Back Packs
I was torn between two versions of a backpack-style tackle box for this entry. If you’re like me, you’ve needed to pick up a few lures and other stuff and go strolling along banks in search of the next big catch. My old backpack tackle box was stolen recently, so I’ve been looking for a new one. I can’t choose between a bigger one with a higher price tag or a lesser one; thus, both are included. My first pick is the smaller and less-expensive variant. The Spiderwire Utility Box Sling Pack, which costs around $40 or less, is my favorite option. This pack is basic but has enough compartments and pouches to hold everything you need while going bank fishing or trekking to a lake.
My second pick is the Tackle Tek Recon Lighted Compact BackPack. This back pack comes with an integrated LED light system that allows you to fish all night long and has plenty of storage compartments and trays. It includes adjustable cushioned shoulder straps for extra comfort. A clear built-in pouch for storing items you don’t want to get wet was one nice feature. It also includes attachments for pliers and other tiny tools in the form of attachments, as well as a self-retracting lanyard. You may expect to pay $100 and up for a superior backpack like this one.
Costa Hammerhead Polarized Sunglasses
If you know me, you know that I frequently delay when it comes to things like sunglasses or reading glasses. I’m sure I’ll lose them, so why spend too much? Well, after testing a pair of Costa sunglasses, I can tell you exactly why. In my case, it was eye strain and headaches. If the Costa Hammerhead ones join the uncountable number of sunglasses I’ve lost over the years ,I still have my back up polarized fishing glasses on hand. The distinction is that I’ll acquire some more Costa’s or get them as a present from my wife.
They fit better, offer a clearer view of the water and horizon in all types of light, and are more comfortable to wear than my old bargain bin fishing sunglasses. Let me put it another way: I’m not buying flea market fishing glasses any longer! Costa Sunglasses can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. There are many price points and designs to choose from.
The Hammerheads are my personal favorite.
A Couple of Stocking Stuffers!
AC Shiner Balsawood Lure
I’m a sucker for cool fishing presents, and the AC Shiner hand carved balsa wood fishing lure fits the bill. The AC Shiner lures are stunning, handmade, and effective! My first one was purchased from Miss Pat at Friedman’s in Nashville, Tennessee. Since then, I’ve looked for AC Shiner lures as well as other handcrafted carved lures whenever I go out of town.
Craft shows and smaller businesses have provided me with some excellent options. You may get your hands on AC Shiner lures all over the country through online stores and a variety of shops around the country. Handmade carved lures can cost anything from $10 to $20, with a wide range in between. Some have reached as much as $100, but they’re more of art than anything else. If I ever buy a $100 lure, you can bet it won’t see the water too often. A $20 one that works is all I’ll need for the day!
Boat U.S. Membership
I’m going to be honest with you here; this should be at the top of the list. You’ll want a BoatU.S. membership if you own a boat, since it’s the better-known name for The United States Boat Owners Association, or BoatU.S. is an American organization of boat owners that offers support for recreational boat and trailer towing activities in several ways. There are different membership levels available based on the price point, ranging from under $40 per year.
There are also a number of fantastic periodicals to choose from, including one of my favorites! There is also a website with boat galley cooking advice. BoatU.S. provides discounts to members of the military, the Coast Guard, and boating safety organizations as well.
Tickets to the Show
Following the holidays, the nation is inundated with boat and fishing shows! One year, my stocking included a pair of admission tickets to the local Chattanooga Boat Show. Since my wife made it a point to ensure that I obtained a few passes every year, she has now made it a habit to check out both sets of vendors. It’s an ideal gift since I can look at the fishing merchants while my wife checks out the booths for everything from dock renovations and outdoor clothing to cruisers and huge boats.
We always have a good time and make it a date with dinner to go through the publications we’ve acquired. So support your local boat and fishing shows! Here are a few more options to get you started.
They’re just two examples of many things you could include on your list. And, in a personal note to my wife… Honey, you know I’m a sucker for any fishing gadget that comes along… except for that motion-activated wall mounted fake fish who talk. I believe those have come to an end now.
