We as anglers really love our “stuff”. Be it gear, gadgets, the latest & greatest, whatever it may be, our equipment is awesome. Of course, we never know what to get and if there is a bit of a budget constraint (should I buy this cool new what-cha-ma-jigger or maybe food for the family… hmmm… FACE SLAP-REALITY CHECK) we always opt for what is right… RIGHT???
Well then, why not add your fishing desires to your Christmas list. Heck, you can always go out and get new undies and socks, those are classed as essentials (for some) so get that pen out, start an email or word doc, fire up the text bubble because it’s time for YOU to ask for YOU!
Ho, Ho, Ho.
Garmin STRIKER Cast
We recently wrote up a web post about this great idea that Garmin has come up with. Why not allow shore anglers a shot at reading the depth of the water, seeing the fish AND creating a brand-new fishing map? And all from the confines of the shore. All of this and more BTW, can all be done with a cell phone (not included). You cast the STRIKER Cast out, and an accurate signal communicates with the operator’s cell phone.
Talk about a cool gift!
A Fishing Oriented Multi-tool
You will never catch our team on the water without our multi-tools. The problem with most tools though is their “multi” list does not really cater to anglers. One company however has at least added a couple of items to help us out. The best current models we have found so far are the Leatherman Charge, Surge & Wave (we miss the Gerber Fisherman… too bad it’s gone). Not only do these tools have the standard needle nose pliers, but they come equipped with a functional set of precision scissors as well as a fine diamond file to aid in touching up dull hooks (remember, you’re starting out with sharp hooks… RIGHT???). Those two features alone can help you immensely, the rest are a bonus!
https://www.leatherman.com/en_CA/home
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Navionics Boating App
This is the perfect gift for that angler who always carries their cell phone (again, not included) and ALWAYS takes it fishing. It’s called a boating app but trust us, it’s an amazing fishing app/aid. It shows high-definition 1′ (0.5 meter) contours on the SonarChart page with extraordinary bottom contour detail. For the angler looking for that perfect mapping option available on their phone, the Navionics Boating App is the real deal.
Maybe pair this baby up with the Garmin STRIKER Cast… just sayin’!
Check out this great app on the Navionics site
Inflatable Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
We are constantly wearing our PFD’s but as well, we are continually begging & hoping the Fish’n Canada audience does the same. The reason we feel comfortable on the water is simple, we wear the inflatable versions of modern-day PFD’s. An inflatable PFD is one of the smartest purchases for someone constantly on the water.
Comfort and safety, would you not want your loved ones to think the same way?
Go to the Stearns website for more info.
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Gift Certificates
For the angler that has it all and is super-hard to shop for, why not let them shop for themselves. Gift cards are one of the “bestest” Christmas presents we fish-heads can get. You certainly know that the money will be well spent, even if it is on gadgets & items you’ve never heard of (and scratch your head when you see them).
BOAT BATTERY CHARGER
This one is for that angler in your life that pretty much has a fully rigged fishing boat but is missing just one element.
The Power-Pole Charge may just be the cleverest of all boat charging systems available. Power Pole is no stranger to innovations with the invention of their shallow-water anchors so it should come at no surprise that they have reinvented the boat battery charger. In a nutshell, this charger manages all connected batteries (cranking as well as deep cycle) at the same time and sends the charge to the batteries that need it most.
Power Pole describes the Charge as a traditional battery charger, a charger-on-the-run, and an emergency start system–all in one compact unit.
It’s not cheap, but there is nothing else like it on the market.
https://www.power-pole.com/charge
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Polarized Sunglasses
If there is one “pet peeve” that we see in the fishing world, it is how people skimp out on their fishing sunglasses. Often, we see anglers dealing out all kinds of cash for rods & reels, only to buy a 20-dollar pair of crappy shades. Do your angler a favor and get them a good pair. Lens quality is second to none in the fishing tool department. If your angler has a need for reading glasses, brands like Onos offer built-in “cheaters” so that everyone can tie a perfect knot as well as see that trout or bass hiding near the bank!
Personal Protection
This is one they will never see coming, nor will anyone see you coming! What a perfect time to give your angler a buff or face mask that is catered to anglers. This baby will surely multitask as a sun protector, wind protector, a neck warmer, and of course, a face mask during these trying times. Although they may not be medical grade, they will surely suffice while outside in a boat 6 feet away from your buddy.
https://aftco.com/collections/fishing-sun-masks
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Hot Beverage TUMBLER or BOTTLE
Honestly, is there anything better than sipping on an early morning coffee or tea during that drive to your favourite fishing destination? The problem is that the paper Timmy cup sure does let the heat out in a hurry. If you are a slow sipper, savoring that beverage for the entire drive is only a pipe dream.
No need to drink cold coffee. Get your “fisher” a quality tumbler like a Pelican or Yeti. Yes, when you look at the price tag on some of these you may get sticker shock, HOWEVER, we can honestly say through experience, these babies are well worth paying the big bucks for.
https://www.pelican.com/ca/en/products/drinkware/tumblers
Action Camera
An “Action Cam” is truly the wave of the present and future on a fishing boat. Just because your angler friend/family member has a phone, chances are they will not use it like they would an action camera. As well, most anglers don’t “need” the latest models i.e. a GoPro Hero9 Black. You can save a nice chunk of money by dropping back a model or two (Hero8 or even 7 Blacks are great cameras).
What if they already have an action cam? Then get them a fast, good quality 128g micro SD Class 10 card, or extra batteries & charger, or maybe even a multi-plug/port AC-USB charging bar (then they won’t be taking up all those kitchen counter 110V outlets… some of you know exactly what we mean)
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BONUS!
STOCKING STUFFERS
As a little bonus, here are a few stocking stuffer ideas that we guarantee will be useful.
Rust Inhibitors
One of every angler’s worst nightmares is opening up their cherished tackle box only to find that all the hooks, terminal tackle, etc. have become victims of RUST. Trust us, this happens to the best of us. It is the most disheartening sight of the entire fishing season (well, aside from a hook pulling out of a monster at boat side). Any of the below are perfect in your angler’s stocking.
https://www.zerustproducts.com/products/electronics-tools-parts/plastabs/
Line Cutter
The most frustrating moment in an angler’s life is when they cannot cut line quickly and cleanly. They tie those beautiful fishing knots only to have an ugly, bulbous lump left on a long tag or a fray in the end of braid. Nip that problem in the bud with a quality line snipper. This little Boomerang fits nicely into a stocking.
https://www.boomerangtool.com/
Hand & Foot Warmers
There is nothing worse for that “cold weather” angler than having cold hands and or cold feet. Nowadays it is easy to keep our bodies and head warm however those extremities… not so much. After all, who has a “great feel” while out jigging late fall Walleye or float fishing for winter Steelhead or ice fishing for winter Crappie with a big bulky pair of mitts or gloves on?
Hand and foot warmers are an excellent addition to that diehard’s equipment list. Trust us, they work!
Check this great little tip out, it can be a day-saver!
Fishing Rod Protectors
Every angler we know has had a mishap in where they have broken a rod or two or more. It sucks! These rod sleeves are a fantastic idea. Pretty much every tackle store sells them in either spinning or baitcasting models. Maybe sneak a peek at your angler’s favourite fish’n stick (type and length) and stuff one or two of these babies in their stockings.
https://www.therodglove.com/site/home
Well, there you have what we feel is our “unique” Fish’n Canada Christmas suggestion list. Hope it helps even just a little bit.
Have a great Christmas to all.