For some reason, anglers are an enigma to outsiders. Once they know that we fish, all other gifts are out of the question. It must be a fishing related gift. In some ways that’s 100% right. Whether you like the gift or not, you’re sure to have received these holiday gifts in your angling history at least once.
1) The “Funny” Fishing Shirt
The one present you’re sure to open up this holiday is the hilarious fish shirt. From witty sayings, snarky drawings or “the secrets to fishing,” these shirts are the kind you wear as undershirts, or only if the person that gave it to you is going to be around. If you’re anything like me then you’ve got a pile of these shirts somewhere.
Instead of burying them in your drawers and never seeing them again, there’s a way you can use these as an essential part of your fishing set up. I keep a handful of these shirts in my truck at all times, just in case someone that I’m fishing with, yes, including me, falls into the drink and forgot to bring a change of dry clothes. Not only are these shirts usually too big for me so they fit every one of my buddies, but they’re also hilarious when someone else is wearing them.
2) The How To Book
This is one of the better presents you can get this holiday, except maybe for the next gift in this list. The how-to book should be an essential part of your offseason strategy if you want to make your next season the best one ever. Not only is this great reading material and can entertain you all winter long when you’re staring at the ice all around you and trying to will it away, it can also make you a better angler.
Whenever you’re reading a new how-to book, keep a paddle and a rod close at hand, just in case you need to act out a new skill or technique. Instead of trying to imagine all in your head how your body should move, then you can have a more hands on attempt at getting it right before you ever hit the water. You might look weird trying a new paddle stroke in your office chair, but hey, you’ll be a better angler for it.
3) The Outfitter Gift Card
The Holy Grail of holiday gift giving. The gift card. Yes, this requires the least amount of effort for all involved, some people think gift cards aren’t “special” or “meaningful,” but really, how meaningful is a bunch of lures you’ll never use? Instead, think of how meaningful a giant fish that is caught with a lure bought with a gift card? There you go.
Instead of getting a bunch of lures with a gift card, ones you’re going to use, abuse and lose, instead I usually try to get something a little more heirloom. I get a new piece of safety or outerwear that will last multiple seasons. One that I couldn’t have afforded without the help of a gift card or two. That way, each season, when you post a photo of a giant fish or a great trip,, you can point to it and say to your friend or relative, “hey, you bought me that jacket.” Talk about meaningful.
4) The Box Of Assorted Lures
The only reason that a box of tackle isn’t better than a gift card to go pick out your own tackle, is because you didn’t pick it out. You’re either about to get a mystery box of great lures, or a bunch of tuna lures that you can’t really throw in your local trout pond without attracting some attention.
There’s always a chance though that the person buying this assorted wonder has visited a tackle shop with a veteran behind the counter. One that’s seen the deer in headlights look of a non-angler trying to buy a box of tackle for someone on their list. If you’re lucky, this magical fishing guru will swoop in on your friend or relative and help them (you) with finding the best tackle. They’ll hand pick every lure that will help you catch fish next year. That’s why, even though it’s a risk, you always secretly hope for a mystery box of tackle. Besides, the tackle box itself is usually pretty good, so at least there’s that.
5) The Fishing Film
This one may not help us catch fish, but I’ll take a new fishing film any day. Not only can a great fishing film take care of your winter woes, but it can also get you pumped up enough to finally plan that trip you’ve always wanted to take but never thought you could. Because trust me, completing that dream trip is much easier if you just commit right now and figure out the how later.
Remember though, that no matter what you get this holiday, the most important thing is what you give. Spend some time and find a way or a gift that will get more people out there on the water with you. Instead of blowing your holiday bonus on a new kayak, how about a buying duplicate set of budget gear so you can take someone new fishing with you every time you go. The coolest thing you can get for a gift is a new fishing buddy.
