Crazy cool new lines. Next-gen rods, electronics and watercraft. Smart accessories. Here’s a selection of holiday gifts sure to please the most-discriminating anglers on your list.
Seaguar Finesse Fluorocarbon. Even for anglers who seemingly have everything, you can’t miss by gifting the latest in fishing line technology. Seaguar Finesse Fluorocarbon is made using an exclusive double-structure process that combines two custom Seaguar fluorocarbon resins to create a line with smaller diameters and exceptional knot and tensile strength. It’s soft and supple with low memory, making it a great choice for finesse applications. It’s available on 150-yard spools and formulated in four sizes for finesse presentations including 5.2 lb., 6.2 lb., 7.3 lb and 8.4 lb.
Seaguar TATSU Fluorocarbon. Here’s a holiday gift your favorite fisherman will celebrate. Seaguar’s new TATSU is an amazingly strong, yet supple, fluorocarbon fishing line with extraordinary knot strength and exceptional castability. Known as R-18 in Japan, TATSU–Japanese for dragon–provides anglers with remarkable tensile, knot and impact strength through Seaguar’s superior, state-of-the-art double-structure process. Available in 4- to 25-lb. test in 200- and 1,000-yard spools, TATSU also features Level Wind Technology, a Seaguar exclusive. This process spools the line by laying it down side by side, never crossing itself, for maximum line strength without any line overstress or twist.
St. Croix Bass X Series Rods. When it comes to bass fishing, technique-specific rods are hot, but there can be a downside—most of these rods can come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully for both holiday gift givers as well as thrifty anglers, the innovators over at St. Croix rods have got the answer for those seeking tournament-level performance on a budget.
SEE ST. CROIX BASS X RODS IN ACTION HERE
The 14-rod Bass X series includes both spinning and casting models, all made from quality SCII graphite blanks and finished with premium components, and here’s the best part: All these rods seriously raise the performance bar in the $100 bass rod category. Witch Doctor Oracle Pitching Stick. Got a serious, hard-to-please bass angler on your list? Here’s a premium rod that Florida-based innovator Witch Doctor Tackle is touting as the best pitching stick ever made, the result of more than two years of testing and development. The Oracle’s fast-action, high modulus graphite blank sports a unique construction that transitions from 40-ton graphite in the rod blank, to 54-ton graphite in the rod butt. “Regardless of where a tournament bass angler is fishing, at some point they will be pitching a jig or Texas-rigged soft plastic bait. This is why we put so much time and effort into designing the Oracle,” said Adam Trieschmann, owner of Witch Doctor Tackle.“We wanted to create a super light, ultra-sensitive rod with beast-like power, and we accomplished that with the Oracle.” The Oracle Pitching Stick is available in two lengths, a 7’6” and 7’8”, both extra-heavy power.
Rapala Fishing Pro Series For PlayStation4 & Xbox One. Now anglers of all ages and sizes can become the next Rapala Pro Angler…in the comfort of their living rooms. GameMill Entertainment has revealed Rapala Fishing Pro Series, a new game for the PlayStation4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One. Compete in a variety of tournaments across North America to build your reputation and become the next Rapala Pro Angler! An authentic experience featuring real lakes and officially licensed Rapala equipment, Rapala Fishing Pro Series takes players on the hunt for dozens of the sport’s top fish species.
Storm 360GT Searchbait. Here’s a no-brainer stocking stuffer. A confidence bait designed to be fished by anglers of all skill levels, the Storm® 360GT Searchbait is ideal for the fishing fanatics on your holiday shopping list. The lure pairs a minnow-style soft body with a single-ball rattling jig head to deliver an incredible, lifelike action at any retrieve speed. And, fishing it couldn’t be easier. Simply tie it on, cast it out and reel it in with a steady retrieve—no added action necessary.
Rapala RipStop. This holiday season surprise loved ones with a lure unlike any other: the new RipStop is a fast-ripping, hard-stopping bait described as a cross between a hard plastic jerkbait and a soft-body swimbait. The bait’s never-before-seen rear plastic boot tail sets it apart from the competition. Not only does the boot tail create a hard-rolling, slashing action that mimics the live-minnow movements of a soft plastic swimbait, but it also causes the bait to stop on a dime when paused.
Terminator Walking Frog, Jr. If the anglers in your life enjoy a thrilling topwater bite, look no further than the new Terminator Walking Frog, Jr. to fill them with holiday cheer. When bass are feeding on small baitfish in thick vegetation and around cover, finesse is crucial. Tie on the 2-1/2-inch Walking Frog, Jr. for a smaller frog that walks across the water’s surface with a subtle action that invites trophy bass to attack.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack. One of the toughest bags out there and sure to be a constant companion of any angler lucky enough to receive one. The fully waterproof TIZIP zipper makes this neat bag completely airtight and submersible. The Thunderhead stores your camera, lures, flies, extra layers, snacks and more and offers up invaluable peace of mind; you know everything will be safe during (and after) those long days on the water.
Fishpond Burrito Bag. The perfect bag for marinated waders, and boots covered in river guac. The Burrito (MSRP $59.95) features a built-in roll-out changing mat designed for dirty and wet gear that rolls up and stays secure with a simple pull of a cord.
Midland X-Talker T75 Two-Way Radio. Stay in touch even when it’s time to unplug on the water. This innovative radio is a great tool for staying connected on the water or during backcountry trips. These compact wonders can be life savers while out of cell service, on remote float trips, or negotiating an adventurous camping weekend. The X-Talker T75 two-way radios (MSRP $89.99) have up to a 38-mile range and feature Midland’s signature Weather Scan technology.
Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals. These classic sandals (MSRP $110) are designed to provide pillow-top comfort and are built to last through the harshest conditions, delivering all-day comfort whether on a boat deck, traveling to and from remote campsites, or while on adventurous day hikes and float trips. The Z/Cloud features an injection-molded ladder lock buckle and non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole.
Aqua-Vu Micro Revolution Series. You can count the product designers at Aqua-Vu among the biggest fans of the fishing reel. The leading-edge angling optics company has applied the same familiar process to underwater cameras. The new micro Revolution™ 5.0 (MSRP $349.99) and micro Revolution™ 5.0 Pro (MSRP $449.99) have the ability to instantly retrieve dozens of feet of camera cable with the mere turn of a handle using the patent-pending micro Revolution Cable Management System. “For years, anglers who use underwater cameras have had to deal with extra camera cable lying on the boat floor or on the ice,” said Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, pro angler. “The Aqua-Vu micro Revolution makes this a non-issue; it saves so much time and energy by giving folks a smooth, easy way to pay out camera cable and instantly retrieve it—just like a fishing reel.” In addition, the razor-thin micro Revolution monitor has been completely re-engineered. A 5-inch high resolution LCD with waterproof viewscreen offers a brighter, more colorful smartphone-grade interface.
Old Town Predator PDL. Talk about a sweet high-tech gift that will keep on giving. This 13-foot, 2-inch craft is the most advanced pedal-powered fishing machine of its kind. It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable PDL Drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallow-water docking. The Predator PDL (MSRP: $2,799.99) features a specially-designed hull that combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability; carrying capacity is 500 pounds.
Yakima LongArm Truck Bed Extender. This smart design easily extends the length of any truck bed up to 4 feet; this light and strong, aluminum hitch-mounted rack is the ideal solution for hauling fishing kayaks, lumber, ladders and more. The LongArm is adjustable to three load-carrying positions and is rated up to 300-pound capacity in lower positions; total weight is just 12 pounds. Accessories include the LongArm Height Extension and LongArm Pad.
Frabill’s Conservation Series Nets. Help a loved one land the big one and ensure safe handling of our precious finned resources. These fine nets are available in a range of sizes to simplify the net selection process, and are packed with reliable features. They’re designed with safe catch and release in mind and feature 100-percent knotless “crankbait mesh” netting, eliminating injuries commonly caused by sharp knots. Tangle-free coating prevents hooks from entangling and the flat, linear bottom reduces fish rolling and supports the weight of the entire fish. This design is not only better for the fish, it also makes hook removal and fish handling a much easier task.
Raymarine Axiom Pro. Designed for the most discriminating anglers on the water, Raymarine’s new Axiom Pro features Raymarine’s HybridTouch user experience, combining multi-touchscreen controls with an ergonomic keypad for additional confidence in rough conditions. The Axiom Pro is available with a 1kW, high-powered CHIRP sonar and Raymarine’s built-in, advanced, RealVision 3D sonar. You can choose from 9-, 12- and 16-inch display sizes, and each model is available with Raymarine exclusive RealVision 3D sonar. Axiom Pro’s fish-finding capability is upgraded with an optional, internal 1kW CHIRP sonar. This powerful offshore sonar employs a wide spectrum of CHIRP sonar frequencies and enables anglers to see through dense schools of baitfish, identify thermoclines and simultaneously target gamefish in deep water. Axiom Pro models with RealVision 3D and 1kW CHIRP sonar start at $2,549.99, and are available through FLIR’s network of Raymarine dealers.
Costa Slacktide. The all-new Slacktide is a true blend of performance and style. They are 99-percent polarized, as well as prescription ready, and lenses are available in both glass and polycarbonate. They’re ideal for spotting fish, cruising on the lake, and wherever your travels might take you. The frames are made from bioresin, a petroleum-free material, which speaks to Costa’s mission to Kick Plastic. MSRP: PC: $179 – $199 | GLASS: $239 – $259
Wiley X Offers Kryptek Camo Sunglasses. Crystal-clear vision. Military-grade eye protection. Great-looking and functional Kryptek camouflage. All can be found in three new sunglass models from Wiley X, and that’s a whole lot for outdoorsmen to like. Those with a passion for offshore angling will love the WX Omega Model #ACOME12 (pictured above), featuring Wiley X’s Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses with an Active Lifestyle Series frame dressed in Kryptek Neptune camouflage.
Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener. This fine sharpener would not only look good under the tree, it’s designed to be the company’s fastest and easiest sharpener yet. It combines powered flexible abrasive belt technology with a manual ceramic honing rod. It sharpens pocket knives, hunting knives, serrated knives, kitchen knives and more. It uses precision sharpening and honing guides to get the perfect angle every time, making it very fast and easy to restore a dull knife to a “sharp as new” edge with ease and repeatability.
Arctic Ice Chillin’ Brew Cooler Packs. Why bother with the hassle and mess of ice when you can keep everything in your cooler cold with the Chillin’ Brew series of reusable cooler packs? You’ll never again need to deal with soggy sandwiches or beer that just isn’t refreshingly ice cold. Chillin’ Brew’s freezing point of 28°F makes it uniquely suited for keeping any beverage at its coldest point possible, keeping your cooler contents colder than ice. Chillin’ Brew packs have been tested to keep coolers under 32°F for days; maybe even better, they are reusable for a lifetime, making them a very economical choice. Simply store in a freezer for ease of access; they re-freeze in about 6-8 hours, and are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Browning Epic 1AA USB Rechargeable Headlamp. Who wouldn’t like to receive a headlamp offering the latest in rechargeable technology? The new Epic Headlamp ($65) features brightness levels from 100 to 260 lumens and an effective distance of 75 to 115 yards depending on battery used. It uses the same lithium-ion rechargeable battery as the Browning Crossfire flashlight or one AA alkaline battery (both are included). A rubber cover protects the USB charging port. The built-in smart charger features a color-coded charging indicator.
DryGuy Force Dry. Dry shoes and gloves are key to maximizing any outdoor adventure and the DryGuy Force Dry provides a quick and efficient way to eliminate moisture from soaked gear. With the ability to dry a pair of shoes or gloves in about an hour, this handy and portable device is ideal for year-round use in rainy or snowy weather. In addition to fishing gear you’ll also ensure your ski boots, running shoes, and gloves are warmer, more comfortable, and smell better when dried between uses. The Force Dry gently circulates warm air for quick, efficient drying while foldable drying stacks make for a compact design that travels easy.
Thermacell MR300 Mosquito Repeller. Don’t let those tiny flying draculas ruin your next fishing trip. The redesigned grill of the MR300 ($24.99) allows for better airflow in an upright position, which will emit a more effective zone of protection if attached to your belt, vest or pack. The re-designed ignition system features a sliding on/off switch that eliminates accidentally turning on the unit.
Engel Tumblers ($12.49-$24.99). Hot coffee, ice-cold Coke or a tasty adult beverage during a long day on the water—Engel Tumblers are the way to go. Choose from the 22-ounce version or its 30-ounce big brother. They’re both built with high-grade stainless steel and spill-proof lids, complete with a convenient and reliable flip top for a sweet sipping experience every time. The Tumblers’ narrow base fits in a wide range of cup-holders on boats, cars, trucks, ATVs and off-road vehicles. [ORDER NOW]
Leatherman Signal. Here’s the answer for anglers looking to pack light and yet be ready for a variety of outdoor jobs and on-the-water emergencies. In the all-new Signal, Leatherman’s traditional functional tools pair with new preparedness features like a shaped diamond coated sharpener for maintaining your straight and serrated blade, fire-starting ferro rod, and an emergency whistle. Pack the compact and lightweight Signal (4.5 inches closed; 7.5 ounces) and you’ll always be ready for the expected (and unexpected) no matter where you are.