By Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133

In shopping terms, its 4 weeks till Christmas. Have you thought about gifts for those loved ones and fishing friends of yours? If not, its time to start looking and gathering information. Every angler has a certain style of fishing and each individual’s preference for items such as lures, rods, reels and other fishing related gifts, can vary.

When shopping for your favorite angler first consider his/her age, fishing experience and the anglers wants and needs. There’s nothing worse than expecting one thing for Christmas and getting another. Usually, you have to act like you like it, and that you’ve really been needing one. Sadly, you end up returning it, giving it away, or never using it at all.

Plan ahead, its no secret among adults (and some kids) what one person is getting another for Christmas. When inquiring or dropping little hints of your own, be specific. Give details on certain name brands, styles, colors, and sizes of various, desirable needs. This could be rods, reels, lures, fishing line, boat or tow vehicle accessories, or tackle boxes.

There are hundreds of gifts for the avid angler. Consider cost. Does he have a boat and all the necessities? Although boats are expensive Christmas gifts, winter sales show boat prices and end-of-the-year close-out bargains, are at their best. Even a down payment or just a shopping trip prior to Christmas for possibly a new boat, is a great gift.

What would the angler like? What does he/she really need? Would he/she prefer one fishing reel, that costs $150.00 or 3 less-expensive reels that cost $150.00? Or how about six specific rods for $200.00 or one expensive rod for the same price?

Many anglers fish bass tournaments year-round and there are dozens of necessities that go with this growing sport. There are very durable weigh-in bags, that most anglers would love to have, usually costing about $20. Rain suits are needed by all year-round. Many anglers go through plastic rain suits, that usually tear up within a year. Buying a good, long-lasting rain suit, keeps an angler drier and is a better investment. Its winter consider that most anglers need gloves, hats, helmets, face shields, goggles, toboggans, jumpsuits, coats and insulated, water-proof boots.

Some anglers are hard to please, and most gift buyers assume, only that particular person can shop for needed items. Some anglers have it all. Plenty of tackle, dozens of rods and reels, a new boat and tow vehicle, what could you possibly buy this angler for Christmas? Nothing, or just give him/her money? Wrong.

Any angler can be surprised, with a Christmas gift, that even he/she would not have expected to get. There are many choices, besides the aforementioned items, most anglers either already have, or should have replaced many Christmas’s ago. There are still many things for the gift buying person to consider. Some gifts are very inexpensive, others take time (or payments) to pay for later. Don’t go overboard, stay within your budget. Here are a few suggestions from someone that knows.

1. Small hand warmers make great stocking stuffers. So do gloves, fishing lures, fish weighing scales, culling beams or fish culling systems, length boards and maps of their favorite lakes.

2. Coats, jumpsuits, goggles, sunglasses, face shields, motorcycle helmets and toboggans, are very needed items especially during cold or rainy weather. Most anglers already own these items. But all anglers need two of each, to either share with partners or to a have spare of their own, when these items get lost, broken or wet on rainy days.

3. An angler’s boat is his/her castle. You can’t have to many needed items aboard for any outing, year round. But first you have got to have a boat. Can’t afford a new boat? Not even a good, used boat? How about giving an angler a gift certificate, like the down payment on a new or used boat, or the first month’s boat payment. These can be used later, like at upcoming wintertime boat sales in January and February at boat shows.

4. Even new boats and tow vehicles always need some little thing to spruce them up a bit. Talk with the angler before Christmas to discuss the many needs or replaceable items.

5. Boat bumpers, are not expensive items and can be used by anyone owning a new boat. These keep the boat from getting scratched when tying up to boat docks and helps when selling the boat later.

6. Docking ropes, throw cushions, new fire extinguishers and even replacing those old, wore out life jackets, are great considerations when shopping for the picky angler. Always buy XLarge or oversized quality, life jackets. During winter wearing a lot of clothing, creates a much bigger person and medium or large size jackets are usually to tight for most, average sized adults.

7. Landing nets are serious items and most serious anglers have one, especially tournament anglers. But nowadays, you need a big hooped, long handled, rubber coated, hook proof net. These nets are very much needed for today’s fast paced bass tournaments.

8. Most new boats of today have fish finders, windshields, water temperature gauges, water pressure gauges for the outboard motor and quality trolling motors. Some don’t and usually these are not real expensive gifts. Some anglers just need these items replaced on older boats and are glad to update, especially if they can’t afford a new boat.

9. Boat carpet, new seats, boat or motor repairs may be needed. Updated or wore out items, like new boat numbers, running lights, anchors, summertime night fishing lights, insect repellents, fog lights, a dash mounted compass, spot lights and even a good wax job or buffing, can do wonders for a boat badly in need of repair or updating. These can be installed at professional boat repair shops or by quality boat dealers and should be discussed with the angler prior to Christmas as considered gifts.

10. So what’s left? Its all up to your imagination or what the angler needs. Tow vehicles could use some new lights, mirrors, light connectors, a new towing ball, tires, custom rims, stereos, window decals of the anglers sponsors, or a new, professionally mounted boat hitch. Some anglers have never been on a professionally guided fishing trip, this makes a great gift for Christmas or any future, celebrated occasion.

Take it from one that knows. Buying or furnishing an angler with any of these fishing related items right now, will show more appreciation later. Don’t wait too late, like during some of your previous, last minute, Christmas shopping sprees. Times, like when you hurriedly ran out and grabbed a pair of socks, a new tie or a flannel shirt, knowing the gift was not really wanted. Think ahead, your favorite angler will love you for it. But hurry, its less than a month till Christmas.

This article provided by:

Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service

Birmingham, Alabama (205) 787-5133

Website: www.fishingalabama.com

Over 30 years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers