Mother’s Day Gifts for the Mom Who Fishes
Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, May 9, 2021. You have no excuse to say that you didn’t know about it, junior, and while it’s the thought that counts, we find that thoughts are often improved by offering up a tangible gift. If your mother likes to fish, and especially if she travels to fish, there are lots of great options out there, especially since the clothing options for female anglers seem to expand every day.
Of course, we think the best thing you can share with your parents is an experience. Whether that’s a trip to the Seychelles or a walk in your local park that beats just about anything else (a Shimano Stella comes pretty close). If you cannot find time or resources to go somewhere together, it’s still possible to make her trip better. Here are 15 gift ideas for all kinds of fishy moms:
If She Travels But You Don’t Know What She Likes to Fish For
A TSA-approved luggage lock that’ll keep her gear safe and keep most sticky fingers away, but won’t be destroyed by baggage handlers or security agents.
A membership in CLEAR. While this security measure is only available in certain airports, where it exists it allows you to bypass the security check line altogether and head straight to the scanners. It has saved us up to 30 minutes on occasion and as PreCheck becomes more widely used, this is even more valuable.
A Global Entry clearance. On the flip side of your trip, heading back into the country, this allows you to bypass all but the most miniscule portion of the incoming passengers. The first time it enables you to make a tight connection it pays for itself.
If She’s Headed to Anglers Inn
A hundred-pack of 10-inch black Power Worms with a blue tail. They work 12 months out of the year at both El Salto and Picachos.
A night at the Hyatt in the Dallas Fort Worth airport. If you’re flying through DFW, the connection time from many cities is quite close. We like to go the night before, get a good night’s sleep at the Hyatt, and simply walk downstairs to check back in.
A Tater Hog or 3:16 swimbait like the ones many top competitors used in the recent Elite Series event on Lake Fork. They’re not cheap at $200+ (if you can get one) but a personal best largemouth is priceless, isn’t it?
If She’s Headed to Casa Vieja Lodge
A night at a boutique hotel in Antigua. We’ve yet to stay long enough for a side trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s high on our list.
A sailfish necklace like the ones from Anisa Jewelry to further complement her smile in the big fish pics.
A FisheWear waterproof bag. Even though most of them depict salmon and trout, these totes are great for getting things back and forth to the boat and keeping them dry, and they can still be employed for everyday use.
If She’s Headed to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge
A soft-sided Yeti cooler to check through on your way home loaded with yellowfin tuna. Trust me, you’ll want to bring home as much as you can.
A pair of non-slip boat shoes, like those from Xtratuf. In the frenzied pace of tuna popping, it would be easy to slip and crack your head open.
A pair (or two) of high-end sun gloves, which will protect her from the near-equatorial rays, allow her to keep a better grip on the rod, and preclude blisters from fighting one big fish after another.
If She’s Headed to Bear Trail Lodge
RepYourWater’s “No Pebble Mine!” Hat, because while the fight against the mine seems to have been won, we still need to be vigilant and 50% of proceeds go to the Bristol Bay Defense Fund.
An AFTCO Reaper hoodie. Both Hanna and I consider this one of the greatest clothing innovations we’ve obtained in recent years. The built in neck gaiter and handwarming pockets are great for morning Alaskan boat runs, and the former also comes in handy if there are any late-summer bugs.
An upgraded ticket for her flight home. On both recent trips I’ve ended up taking overnight flights back, and I would have gotten much better sleep (dreaming of leaping rainbows and grayling) in a bigger seat with less crowding.
