Gifts for Anglers Chasing Canadian Smallmouths
[With Black Friday just a few days away, it’s a good time to start thinking about gifts for anglers of all stripes. We’re putting together a set of recommendations and this is one installment in that series.]
On our first of what will likely be many trips to Ballard’s Black Island on Lake of the Woods, we absolutely wrecked the giant smallmouths, but as Hanna has chronicled previously our packing process was a little bit subpar. We had everything that we needed, but not necessarily in the right quantities. When we head back, we’ll tweak them a bit to improve an already-great trip.
I cannot recommend enough that you make this trip, whether you’re a veteran smallmouth hunter or a first-timer. It’s easy to get there, relatively inexpensive, provides a great multispecies opportunity, and the food is superb. Contact Hanna to get a trip on the books, and then consider the following items as gifts for your travel companions:
Stanley Racket Blade Vibrating Jig
MSRP: $7.69
We got an unbelievable vibrating jig (aka, Chatterbait) bite for smallmouths at Lake of the Woods. They outproduced spinnerbaits, swim jigs and square bills in the same waters, and a baitfish-colored Racket Blade far outproduced the rest – until we finally lost our one and only to a toothy critter on the last morning. There was something about the blade attachment system that made a huge difference, not just with the brown fish, but also with northern pike and muskies.
MSRP: $5.24-7.59
From my first trip to LOTW in the early 80s I recalled this as being the best crank for those waters, and it was clearly a winner this time back. Hanna not only caught smallmouth on it, but also her personal best northern pike. They’re hard to throw so you’ll need spinning tackle and 8-lb. fluorocarbon, but it’s worth the effort and the risk. Buy a few, especially in the #7 size, in crawdad, perch and shad and you’ll be covered.
AFTCO Reaper Hooded Sweatshirt
MSRP: $79.99
I’ve recommended this combination hooded-sweatshirt-and-gaiter several times before and I still believe it’s a must-have for any angler north of Florida. Whether it’s cold, rainy or buggy, it will keep you comfortable. It’s not just the concept that makes it work – it’s the fact that AFTCO plugged in so many quality components and features – like a cinch-down hood, closures on the “kangaroo” pocket and for the slobs among us, stain release technology.
MSRP: $149.95
I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend that you bring at least one flannel shirt to the north country, and if you really want the good mojo it’ll be the Kenora Dinner Jacket from the brand worn by Lake of the Woods guru Jeff Gustafson. Simms makes gear specifically for anglers, and this heavy duty shacket is no exception, with a sunglasses holder, shoulder cushioning meant to dull the stress of wearing bibs, and a soft inner fabric.
MSRP: $44.98-99.99
The traditional Lund-style boat that Ballard’s and other lodges use is open, which means that if your tackle bag isn’t waterproof and you get hit by a downpour, your stuff is going to get wet. Prevent your gear getting ruined by corrosion with one of these bags, which can double as your carry-on if you fly to Minnesota. It’s zipperless with durable straps and a rigid body. You’ll find yourself taking it not just to Canada, but to El Salto or Picachos, as well as to Panama as a boat bag.
Shimano Convergence D Four-Piece Rods
MSRP: $79.99
Ballard’s, like most lodges, provides gear, but like many anglers I prefer to have my own rods, and I’ve become particularly picky about travel rods in recent years. Some have withstood my abuse (and that of the fish) while others have failed. Shimano traditionally makes great products, and at $80 apiece you can get one casting and one spinning rod for $160, or outfit yourself with two apiece (enough for the trip) for just over three bills. You can carry them on the plane or stuff them in a backpack and be good to go.
