Gifts for the Swimbaiter in Your Life
[With Black Friday rapidly approaching, 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.]
Buying gifts for swimbaiters is tough for several reasons. First, it’s a very personalized niche, and most of the addicts I’ve met have very specific tastes. Second, the items tend to be on the expensive side, so if you make a mistake it’s especially costly. Finally, some of the really good stuff is produced in small quantities, and distributed through hard-to-win “drops.” You probably don’t want to camp out on Instagram hoping that your gift recipient’s favorite builder releases the latest hype bait. With that in mind, this is not a comprehensive list, but it’s all readily available. I’d be happy to have any or all of it.
Swimbait Storage
Lakewood Swimbait Hanger Tackle Box
MSRP: $249.99-299.99
Swimbait guru Mike Bucca and the crew from Swimbait Universe had a hand in developing these boxes that’ll keep big, expensive baits straight and protected. It locks them in place, offers a tool pocket and additional compartments for accessories. It even floats, so if your $10,000 box of gliders goes in the drink you won’t have to work hard to get them back (unless someone else gets there first and subscribes to the “finders keepers” mentality).
All-Around Swimbait Rod
Dobyns Mike Bucca Bull Shad Rod
MSRP: $199.99
Based on these first two recommendations, it should be obvious that I respect the hell out of Mike Bucca, and Gary Dobyns isn’t too bad, either. I bought this rod right after the Swimbait Universe Gathering and I’ve had a lot of fun messing with both hard and soft swimbaits on it. If it won’t fit in your rod locker, consider the Champion 796 or 806 in its place, and if price is a concern you can get a lot of mileage out of the Fury 806.
Rod for Truly Massive Swimbaits
MSRP: $349.99
I don’t own any truly massive swimbaits – yet – and that’s partially because it requires not only a different mindset but different gear. Just as you can’t throw your 2 ounce gliders on a medium-action spinning rod, you can’t throw your 10 ounce swimbaits on an all-around swimbait stick. This one is rate for 6 to 16 ounce monsters, and after talking to Leviathan founder Eric Gomez I’m convinced that it’s made specifically for that all-in style of fishing.
Travel Swimbait Rod
F5 Custom Rods Mini Mag Conceal Carry
MSRP: $299.99
F5’s three-piece Departure Series was my first swimbait travel rod, and this one was my second. It’s five-piece build is much easier to store and travel with, as it fits in just about all suitcases (or backpacks) and standard multi-piece rod tubes. Unlike many travel rods over the decades, it’s made with quality components, including a Fuji reel seat and guides. It’ll handle rods up to 4 ounces, so while it won’t cover the true gargantuans, it’ll be perfect for just about everything else.
Reel for Swimbaits
MSRP: $289.99-$309.99
I’ve used this reel for giant crankbaits like a 10XD and after years of hard cranking and just about zero maintenance, it still feels like it could survive a bombing. I like the less expensive Curado 300K as well, but there’s something special about the Tranx that makes me believe it could handle a rampaging tuna or mahi or golden dorado with equal ease. So far I’ve only bought the one with the double-paddle handle, but some swimbaiters may prefer the “power handle.”
Accessory for Nighttime Anglers
Hook Rash Swimbait Night Tracers
MSRP: $8.99
Does your favorite big bait angler tend to chase giants when the sun goes down? Swimbaiting tends to be a visual affair, and when there’s no moonlight or minimal dock lighting that makes it tough to see the strike or to know that your lure is working correctly. With a pack of these, you can keep track of what your bait is doing at all time. That should lead to more fish in the boat and less frustration.
Inducement for Those Still on the Fence
MSRP: $19.99
If you want to watch some Grade A fish porn, or convince someone else that the big bait lifestyle is worth living, this old-school DVD is the gateway drug. It’s over a decade old, and the variety of baits and tackle available has grown exponentially since then, but this should be the final proof that swimbaiting is not just a west coast thing.
