It’s Dad’s Big Day — Keep it Fish-Focused
Whether your father introduced you to fishing or you brought him into the sport, there’s no better way to celebrate than by hitting the water together. As Father’s Day approaches, we recommend time in the boat as the perfect sign of appreciation, but even if you’re not able to fish together, you can still show him how much you appreciate his influence with a fishing-themed gift. Most of the presents that I outlined prior to Mother’s Day will apply here, too, but I’m adding more because there are so many great items out there.
If You Don’t Know What He Travels to Fish For:
Fishing & Travel or Anglers Journal Magazine – If dad’s not quite sure where to go, or needs to be inspired to travel, these periodicals will get the job done. As other print publications shrink, these two continue to provide incredible “travel porn” that you can read on the plane, by the pool, or in your “other office.”
New Polarized Sunglasses – Even if he’s not visibly stalking fish, quality glasses protect your eyes on the water from the sun’s beams and from any flying lures or bugs. I have a pair in my boat and one in every vehicle. I take two on vacation. In other words, you can never have enough, especially because they’re easy to lose. We all have favorites and distinct fits, so a gift certificate may be the way to go.
Waterproof backpack – A waterproof backpack can be used as a carry-on bag, a tackle bag, or a boat bag. It can even be used to go to work, when we go back to the office. Check out models from companies like Yeti, Simms, Plano and T-H Marine, among others. They’ll protect dad’s gear and make it easier for him to carry it around.
If He’s Headed to Anglers Inn (Mexico):
Tungsten Weights – You can never have enough tungsten weights, especially in sizes like ¼, 3/8, ½ and ¾ ounces. Even though the Anglers Inn guides are masters of getting you unsnagged, you’re still going to lose some, usually in the size you need most. They’ll be in play any time he goes, too, as they’re always a Texas Rig bite going on.
Massage – I’ve never experienced one, but I’m told by everyone who has that Ms. Betty’s massages at El Salto are world class, and bargain priced. Just make sure dad gets on the schedule early in his trip.
Swimbait Travel Rod – While Anglers Inn has a great selection of St. Croix rods available for guests to use, they don’t have rods suited for monster swimbaits. If that’s what dad wants to throw, get him one like the F5 I own, or one of several others that can heave the big “tennis shoes.” Just make sure he knows he’ll need to check it through on the way home.
A Boat-Specific Shirt – Casa Vieja’s tiendita is loaded with high-quality fishing clothing, most of it with the CVL logo. They go one step further by having SPF shirts with each boat’s name and likeness on the back – so if you and your father are riding on the “Makaira” or “Pez Raton” or any other, it’s easy to represent.
Sailfish Sandals – While I wouldn’t recommend anything but deck shoes while tuna fishing in Panama, most days at Casa Vieja I fished in sandals or barefoot. Get these Zep-Pro sandals to show everyone on the plane where you’re headed. You can wear them on the boat if you wish, and then to dinner, where they dress up nicely.
A Sailfish Replica – Nothing says “master of the universe” like a full-sized, perfectly painted billfish replica behind your desk or over your fireplace. Let dad relive your trip together to CVL with a glistening reminder of his trophy catch.
Columbia Blood and Guts Shorts – If the tuna are flying over the side of the boat on the end of a gaff – and they will be – at some point you’re going to get some blood on your clothes. In fact, at some point the whole back deck of the boat may be a sea of blood. Don’t let dad wear shorts that will be easily ruined. Instead get him some from Columbia’s Blood and Guts series with stain repellant.
A Brimmed Hat – There’s no escape from the unrelenting near-equatorial sun on SFPIL’s boats, and if like most dads yours has lost some of the hair on top of his head, he’s a prime candidate for sunburn on the dome. He doesn’t have to look like a dork to protect himself – hats from companies like AFTCO, Pelagic and Simms all do the job reasonably stylishly.
GoPro Pole – The water in the Gulf of Chiriquí is so blue, and the fish are so vibrant that it’s a shame not to get both above-the-surface and below-water footage of each of them. By putting your Go-Pro on an extension, you and dad can relive the experience again and again – and trust me, you’ll want to.
Under Wader Pants – Waders are the unofficial uniform of Bristol Bay and every angler has to “wader up” every morning. You can wear jeans or sweatpants or fleece pants, but they may ride up or bunch up uncomfortably. There are several temperature-specific types of pants made specifically to avoid that discomfort which will allow dad to focus on fishing.
High Quality Camera Lens – The wildlife in Alaska is simply breathtaking, and while you can safely get closer to the bears here than just about anyone else, with a quality lens dad can remain a respectful distance and still capture every whisker and every bit of salmon gristle between the bear’s chomping jaws.
Cedar Planks – If you want to bring salmon home, you and dad will each be able to bring a 50 pound box. Get him some salmon planks to cook it on to enhance the already-divine fish with a wood-smoked flavor.
