Whether you’re shopping for a novice angler or picking a gift for the angler who has everything, there is no shortage of unique fishing gift ideas. After a hiatus through the pandemic, innovation is back in the fishing industry and anglers are the fortunate recipients of great new ideas and improved technology. We’ve tested and reviewed the gear below in our wish list, so your favorite angler gets a great gift they’ll use all year. And while this list is tailored to the holiday season, bookmark this guide for birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and any special occasion year-round.
Cool gifts under $50
Diamond Braid Apex Micro Braid
$44.99 | melontackle.com
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Diamond Fishing Product is world-renowned for the highest quality and best-performing monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided fishing lines. Now they’re taking their standards to the inshore scene with Diamond Apex Micro Braid. Launched at ICAST 2024, the eight-carrier braided fishing line uses a proprietary braiding process and polymer coating to improve strength and reduce diameter. For example, the 30-pound sample I have been using for redfish and striped bass has a .25 mm diameter compared to .30 with other braids. The result is longer casts and greater sensitivity for throwing small lures with light rods and reels.
Nomad Vertrex Max
$17.40 | nomadtackle.com
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NOMAD TACKLE AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP FISH USA
The hottest trend in saltwater is vibe fishing and Nomad’s Vertrex Max is the ultimate at soft-sided lipless crankbaits. Nomad Design developed vibe fishing, working a lipless crankbait slowly along the bottom with deliberate pauses and exaggerated hops and dives. The Vertrex Max is designed to sink fast to work the bottom of the water column. The Vertrex Max is a combination of transparent soft plastic and internal weights with life-like colors and shape. To survive a fight with a tarpon or redfish, the Vertrex has through wired 4X strong treble hooks. The Vertrex Max rounds out the Vertrex collection for vibe fishing at any depth.
Z-Man Graph ShadZ
$6.49 | zmanfishing.com
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Z-MAN FISHING BASS PRO SHOP FISH USA PUBLIC LANDS
The race is on to create fishing tactics and lures to complement the latest forward-facing sonar. Z-Man is cutting the learning curve with the new Graph ShadZ fishing lure. The lure is designed with flat sides and an internal air pocket to increase sonar reflectivity so the lure shows up clearly on my sonar display. To stay in the strike zone, the Graph ShadZ has an internal line tie that keeps the line at a 90-degree angle to the lure. Then, the buoyant tail matched to the molded jighead horizontally positions the lure in the water. When I spot fish on my forward-facing sonar display, I cast the Graph ShadZ and watch as the fish move toward the lure.
Gifts for the fisherman who has everything
Smith Hookset
$305 | smithoptics.com
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SMITH OPTICS AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY ORVIS
Smith sunglasses have become the go-to shades for professional anglers who make a living by seeing fish beneath the water. Smith’s high-tech ChromaPop lenses offer just the right level of tint to cut glare and improve clarity. Now their full-wrap Hookset glasses include PolarChromic, a polarized tint that gets darker as the sun gets brighter. I can go from full sun into the shade and the sunglasses adapt to provide the highest level of glare-cutting performance.
Not only do the ChromaPop lenses improve vision, but they don’t cause eye fatigue by forcing my eyes to compensate for darker conditions. See more of my top picks for the best fishing sunglasses.
Humminbird Helix 9 Mega Live
$1,599.99 | humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com
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For a splurge gift for a special someone on your list, Humminbird’s Helix 9 Mega Live fish finder is one of the most advanced sonar and GPS combos available for a fishing kayak. Humminbird has been a leader in side and down imaging and their MEGA Live is the next level of sonar performance. I can configure the transducer to cover all the area around the boat, a swath in front of the boat or focus the beam on a specific area. Looking at the screen, I see a live view of the bottom, structure and fish swimming past the transducer. It’s like watching an underwater video feed. The Mega Live also includes Humminbird’s best GPS and basemap with options to upgrade charts and maps. As a next-level fish finder and navigation unit, the Helix 9 is compatible with Humminbird’s advanced charts and total-boat-control smartphone app.
Fenwick Elite Inshore
$269.95 | fenwickfishing.com
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PURE FISHING AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP SCHEELS
Over the past few years, Fenwick has kicked up its fishing rod game and the new Elite Inshore rods are a perfect example of the most advanced design and materials in an affordable rod. Saltwater anglers are getting in on the finesse fishing trend and the Inshore Elite rods include features that improve sensitivity and casting performance. The blank is built out of high-strength graphite with a reinforcing resin. Premium titanium guides are the lightest available with the highest strength. The reel seat is a work of art combining synthetic and natural materials to produce the best feel and transmit vibration to my hand. With the short foregrip, I can reach my finger to contact the blank and pick up the slightest bump or nibble. The spinning rod uses a space-age-looking reel seat that exposes the blank and still provides a comfortable fit in my hand. When I’m fishing small jigs and light lures for finicky speckled trout or striped bass, the tiny touches pay off big.
Shimano Curado BFS
$210 | shimano.us
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SHIMANO AMAZON FISH USA SCHEELS
Bait Finesse Systems (BFS) is the hottest trend and the ultra-light fishing tactic from Japan is making a splash in America. Shimano has been producing lightweight baitcasting rods and super-sensitive rods for the overseas market and now they’ve introduced an affordable BFS system for this side of the pond. The Curado BFS reel and matching rods are fine-tuned to dangle an ultralight crankbait, blade bait, topwater plug or tiny jerkbait in front of finicky bass. The Curado BFS low-profile baitcasting reel has a large arbor spool that allows me to spool with a super thin diameter fishing line. To control the spool, the Curado has a super-sensitive brake that combines magnetic and centrifugal systems to cast a light lure. Combined with the Curado BFS rods, the system is able to launch a little lure with accuracy and distance while having the backbone and drag pressure to fight a trophy bass.
Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
$198 | orvis.com
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When a premium tackle outfitter produces an entry-level product, consumers get a great deal on a quality product. Orvis’ Encounter Fly Rod Outfit comes from one of the oldest and most respected fly fishing houses at a price that beats the box-store equivalents. The package includes a sensitive and responsive four-piece fly rod, large arbor reel, backing, weight forward fly line and leader. All I need is a fly and I’m fishing. The combo packs into a carry case with rod tube ready for airlines and Ubers. The quality and convenience preclude calling the Encounter Fly Rod Outfit a “beginner’s” combo. The rod, reel and line are a great gift for anglers who are starting fly fishing or adding a travel combo without breaking the bank.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
$499 | garmin.com
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I like to fish alone in faraway places, so I never leave shore without my Garmin inReach Messenger Plus. The tracking and communication device fits in my pocket and connects to emergency services at the push of a button. With the subscription service, the personal locator sends text, voice messages and photos without cell service. The interface is easy through my Garmin Connect cell phone application. The satellite tracker allows folks at home to monitor my location and progress. I can communicate with other inReach users, too. When I’m paddling over the horizon and out of touch with the world, the inReach Messenger Plus provides peace of mind.
Connect-Ease Yak-Ease Power Pak Pro
$699 | connect-ease.com
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I recently rigged a Bonafide PWR129 with trolling motor, electric outboard, lights and electronics. The process took less than a weekend afternoon because I connected my electronics and lights with Yak-Ease Power Pak Pro. The pre-made switches and wiring are over-engineered with heavy-gauge wire and waterproof connectors and housed in a waterproof Pelican case. The system can accommodate a 12V battery with leads to USB and 12V outlets along with wires for navigation and deck lights. The unit also has a dedicated outlet to power multiple fish finders. Lighted switches on the outside of the Pelican case control power to my lights and electronics with a gauge to monitor battery power. The latest generation of fishing kayaks are designed for lights and multiple fish finder displays, and Yak-Ease Power Pak Pro is the best way to connect all the systems to battery power.
Best value gifts for anglers
Yak-Power 12 Volt Mobile Phone Charger
$69.99 | yak-power.com
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My smartphone is a valuable fishing tool, so I like to keep it handy and charged. The Yak-Power Mobile Phone Wireless Fast Charger has a locking cradle that I can open with one hand. The phone holder charges my phone with a USB port to power another electronic device. I have the charger installed with a T-bolt in my gear track and they offer a surface mount base. The ball-mount and gooseneck let me adjust the phone so I can see it from my seat or standing up. Using my smartphone for navigation, weather, communications and everything else drains the battery. The wireless charger keeps my phone secure and powered up.
Railblaza Gear Hub
$80 | railblaza.com
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Space for tackle and gear is a premium on a fishing kayak and the new Railblaza Gear Hub makes the most of every inch of storage. Four rod holders built into the corners of the crate provide vertical storage and take up less space than rod tubes mounted on the outside of the crate. The sides of the crate include gear tracks and tie-downs to add accessories and secure the crate to my kayak. The lid is waterproof and strong enough to sit on. Inside, I store eight 3600-size tackle trays.
12 Weight Back Channel Button Down Shirt
$109 | twelveweight.com
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12 Weight’s Back Channel was my number one shirt this summer. Long days on the kayak in the hot sun call for a fishing shirt that manages heat and moisture and looks cool. I favor loose-fitting button-up shirts because they provide more ventilation between my skin and the shirt and I can fold up the collar for an extra layer of sun protection. The Back Channel uses a stretchy quick-drying creped fabric front and back. Mesh side panels, a back vent and small vents near the collar increase ventilation and release heat. I like the hidden side pocket to hold my phone or sunglasses.
Simms Driftless Wade Pant
$129.99 | simmsfishing.com
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To go from paddling my kayak to wading in the water, I need a pair of pants that are comfortable wet or dry. Simms Driftless Wade Pant is made for wet wading, but the four-way stretch, quick-drying pants are perfect for kayak fishing. I like the drawstring in the waist to keep the pants up when the fabric is wet and weighted down. Buttons in the hem of the pant leg keep the pants cinched down to protect my ankles from the relentless sun. I can use the buttons to roll up and secure the pant legs. Gusseted seams in the crotch and knees prevent the fabric from bunching up when I’m sitting and pedaling.
Feature photo: iStock
