Show Mom You Really, Really Care
OK, Mother’s Day is just about here, and if you’re like most of the other forgetful and occasionally ungrateful anglers out there you’ve probably forgotten to get her something. Big mistake, Junior. Remember, she brought you into the world and made you who you are today. You’re particularly lucky if she also likes to travel and fish. Assuming that is the case, here are some gift ideas that won’t break the bank, and will make her quite happy. We’ve tailored them to some of our favorite destinations.
If she’s headed to Mexico for bass…
This is the upper-mid range workhorse of the Shimano lineup, ready to handle just about any power technique and any sized bass – and it’ll also do triple-duty, working for her at home and if/when she decides to take a trip to the Amazon for peacock bass. It weighs a mere 6.5 ounces and comes in 6.2:1, 7.4:1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios.
If she loves fishing in the Keys…
Hanna loves the Sight Line roosterfish cuff that I bought her after our last trip to Panama, and the company makes something for just about every bucket list species on our list. This one is simplistic but distinctive and worthy of the Silver King.
If you’re all going to Guatemala for sailfish…
If she’s really into the sailfish game, the important thing is to be able to see the fish coming up in the spread to know which teaser or line they’re zoned in on. That requires good polarized glasses to keep you in the game and non-fatigued. These will make others think she’s an international celebrity – think Sophia Loren – without giving up a bit of functionality.
If the next destination is Panama for tuna…
The sun is going to be unrelenting so she’ll need protection, and despite the “camo” nomenclature this shirt is still remarkably feminine. It’s got a hood and thumbholes, and while we’ve found that the AFTCO garments shed blood remarkably well, the sublimated pattern hides any slight stains or residue. It’s nice enough to wear on the plane, comfortable enough to wear all day while sweating under the strain of a giant yellowfin.
If the family will be flying to Alaska…
Hanna has been wearing one of these for several years, in whether from cold to v-e-r-y cold. It’s small and lightweight so it packs easily, and unlike traditional garments it has some water-repellency to keep it from being drenched. It even comes in orange so if she gets lost in the underbrush along the tundra you’ll be able to spot her from the float plane.
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Of course, the best way to show mom that you care is to spend time with her in any of these places. If you’d like help setting up a trip, email Hanna at any time and she’ll give you unfiltered advice.
If that’s not feasible, and she already has something similar to these items, or you’re not sure what she wants – but she likes to fish and travel – think about the following:
Pay for an airfare upgrade;
Consider gifting her a lounge or Priority Pass membership;
If she travels internationally, encourage her to sign up for Global Entry; and
If her most-used airport offers it, get her a membership in CLEAR.
