Pete’s Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Anglers
The ultimate Hallmark holiday is fast approaching, and if you want to show the traveling angler in your life that you really care, chocolates, flowers or a new necktie won’t cut the mustard. You don’t need to spend a lot, but be sure to get them something that will be useful – that way they’ll associate YOU with great times on the water.
We published Hanna’s red-themed list last week, but here are a few more ideas if you need to come up with something in a hurry:
AFTCO Reaper Windproof Pullover
The original Reaper quickly became one of my favorite cold-weather fishing garments, but since I got the windproof model in the fall I’ve virtually lived in it. It’s super-warm, comfortable and doesn’t get in the way of the extended butt handle of a swimbait rod. Moreover, with the side zipper, it’s easy to get on while still being form-fitting. I’ve worn it with just a long sleeved shirt on several days in the upper 30s and I’ve been comfortable. I envision that when I’m forced to be out there on even colder days it’ll serve as a key layer.
Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses – Sunrise Silver Mirror
Throughout much of the country, sight fishing for bass should be in full swing sometime over the next few months. While amber or gray lenses work fine under a high sun, early in the day or in cloudy conditions they’ll need something else. I like these sunrise silver mirror lenses over the traditional “yellow” versions, and the Blackfin frames block out just about all of the peripheral glare. This is the time of year to catch a true giant, and if they’ll be sight fishing these peepers will up their game.
Groove Life Guy Harvey Collection Rings
I’m not a big jewelry guy – no watch, no necklaces, etc. – but I know that Hanna likes me to wear a wedding ring. I’m afraid that I’ll lose my “real” one when I fish (a theory that proved correct on our May 2022 trip to Islamorada), so I’ve taken to wearing a silicon model. They’re something like ten bucks for five on Amazon, so it’s not a big deal if I lose one, but they’re also pretty plain. If you’d like to jazz it up a bit, consider one of these Groove Life versions made in partnership with Guy Harvey. I’m pretty partial to the tuna model, but there are others that will demonstrate your sporting preferences.
Fish Monkey Wooly Half Finger Gloves
While spring will eventually get here, it’s still going to be cold for a while – and once your hands get cold your body simply won’t warm up. These will allow you to drive a boat, palm a baitcasting reel, and (carefully) unhook a giant fish. If the angler in your life won’t take care of his or her hands, do it for them.
Gill 90L Voyager Duffel Bag
I used this duffel as my lone carry-on and boat bag on our most recent and very rainy trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, and to say that it stood up to the conditions would be an understatement. Not only did everything stay safe and dry, but it is thick and rugged enough that I didn’t worry that my electronics or glasses would get squashed on the plane. It expands enough to hold a ton of gear, but it can also compress down to fit in tight spaces – cheap insurance against all kinds of damage.
River2Sea Tactical Wake
This is the only item on the list that I haven’t tested myself, but I trust the word of the Tactical Bassin’ guys on big baits as if they were written on stone tablets. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s affordable given its placement and its big bait pedigree. I know that I’d be thrilled to receive one (or more).
Of course, these reflect my personal preferences and experiences. Be sure to make sure they fit into the fishing style of your favorite angler – and remember that the best gift you can give is time together, preferably on the trip of a lifetime.
