Believe it or not it’s the holidays again and if you are like most you haven’t purchased all your gifts yet. Let me help you with some great ideas for any fishing fanatic, frequent traveler, or any Joe Bag of Donuts, including yourself.

Everyone loves pictures and when you get a good one you want to show them off. I found a great product called Mixtiles, and the greatest thing about them is they don’t damage your walls. They stick, restick and stick again. If you are like me, you probably like to change things up all the time, I drive Pete crazy. Framing isn’t cheap, with Mixtiles you can save hundreds of dollars and after the first three tiles each additional one cost just $9. But never pay that price -- there are ALWAYS deals going on, you can get the price down to just under $6 depending on the deal. Each tile is 8 x 8 and it is so fun to make a collage on the wall and then when you get more tiles you can rearrange that collage or make another. Remember, you won’t be damaging your wall.

Mixtiles fishing scenes for nonstick wall art

A great present for someone who is sick of fishing from the bank or the back deck of somebody else’s boat is a boat of your own. We prefer Bass Cat, not just because of the great product and high performance but because of the outstanding service the company provides. Rick Pierce, the brand’s President, treats you like family and somehow remembers each boat owner and what boat they last purchased. You better get your order in NOW otherwise you might not see your new boat until next holiday season.

On our last trip to Panama the group went out to dinner and my new friend Carl Vicars stuck something that looked like a pocket-sized voice recorder in the napkin holder and left it there. I’m nosey, so I immediately asked about it. He told me it was an Insta360 X2 camera which records 360 degree or wide-angle photos and video. He says the battery life is outstanding, the media software and the phone app are easy and it’s waterproof. He says the video quality is better than the GoPro and there should be no reason I shouldn’t purchase one, so I did and you should consider one too.

Instra360 X2 camera better for fishermen than a GoPro?

Of course, I always encourage people to choose experiences over things. Consider purchasing a trip with Half Past First Cast for any and all of the adventures we're going on next year. Travel when you have time off if our dates don’t work for you. I will help with all of the planning and get you there. Think about Anglers Inn, Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, Casa Vieja Lodge or Bear Trail Lodge. You can’t go wrong and I promise you, you will thank me later.

Every angler needs more tackle – no one is going to tell me that statement isn’t true. Your best bet is to purchase a gift card unless the recipient provides you with a specific list, because all anglers tend to be pretty picky. Our website has many ideas from rods, reels, baits and all terminal tackle. If you are going on one of our adventures to Anglers Inn, we’ve even outlined the basics so that you are covered for all conditions. Please try to remember when purchasing tackle from Tackle Warehouse to scroll to the bottom of our homepage and click the TW link. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it helps out the site.

Some of my favorite memories are of those being at various lake and Lake Bound has become my go-to gift site. We have purchased barrel ends for wedding gifts, blankets for hostess gifts and we have been gifted coffee mugs as “just because” gifts. We have so many epic memories at Lake El Salto that we shared the map with Lake Bound and asked them to map our happy place. Now you can get El Salto items from them, too. If you can’t find your lake on their site don’t worry. Just provide a picture from Google Maps and you are in business.

WeAreLakebound blanket of Table Rock Lake

New Years resolution time is here and I would bet that most have “lose weight” and “get in shape” on their list. Purchase a gym membership, not only to get in shape for your health but also to build endurance for all different kinds of fishing. If you aren’t paying for a membership you probably aren’t going to keep this resolution. There are so many deals out there, so don’t procrastinate. That’s right -- faster, stronger, happier. If they exist in your areas, check out my favorite gym of all time, Orange Theory Fitness.

Orange Theory Fitness will help you get into shape for hard core fishing

A photo is a always great gift but a laser-engraved wood carving of a personal best would be particularly amazing. There are many companies that do this type of work and the reason we chose Hint’s Laser Engraving was they have a heavy emphasis on outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. Pete and I have one with each of us holding our big wild rainbow trout we caught in Alaska. If you choose to purchase one of these fabulous items the owner has reached out to us and offered our readers a deal: 15% discount on any purchase when you use promo code “HPFC.”

Every traveler needs quality luggage. Check out eBags, who happen to be having a 25% off holiday sale. Whatever you need they have it and more. Large and medium checked bags, carry ons, all different backpacks, packing cubes, toiletry kits and even portable batteries. They come in a variety of colors, which is nice. That way even if Pete and I have the same bag we know whose is whose. Going from country to country on our Africa trip and being limited in weight made being organized a priority. On just about every trip we have at least one eBag product, usually more.

ebags travel organizers make a great gift for international angling

Everyone drinks coffee (except me, but I am the exception to many rules). Lately Pete has been drinking blends from Black Rifle Coffee Company. A subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. Whole and ground beans as well as single serve pods are available. Although I don’t drink coffee and usually don’t like the smell, this coffee smells good. Black Rifle is veteran owned and operated and of particular importance to us has been very supportive of the fishing community.

Black Rifle Coffee Company supports the fishing community

My closet is full of clothes: dressy, casual, workout and fishing but somehow I always have nothing to wear (hehehe, bet you have heard or spoken those words before). Buying men clothing is easy but it’s not quite as easy for women. That’s why I’ve been polling other lady anglers for their recommendations. I am partial to brands like Fishewear, AFTCO, 5.11 Tactical and Salt Life because of color, style, price and most importantly fit.

If I haven’t provided you with enough ideas and you couldn’t find at least one gift that your recipient would enjoy receiving than perhaps you should go purchase an Elf on a Shelf.

Happy Holidays and health and happiness to you and your family in the coming year.