Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Christmas is only a month away, and the angler on your list is no doubt hoping for some new toys under the tree. We’ve asked Rodney Hsu, Stacy Webb, Brian Chan, Jessica Yarwood, and Mike Gass for suggestions to save you some time and help you pick out the perfect gift.
Under $50
Rod Hsu: A box of assorted spoons from Gibbs-Delta Tackle. Made in Delta, British Columbia, these lures are excellent for trout, salmon, and steelhead. They come in a variety of sizes, colours, and shapes. My recommended spoons are 1/16- or 1/8-oz Crocs for rainbow and cutthroat trout, 1/4- or 3/8-oz Crocs for salmon, and 2/3-oz Ironheads for steelhead.
Stacy Webb: Pliers, crimpers, hook sharpeners, and fishing clippers. Well-tested by our Learn to Fish instructors, Rapala’s Clipper Combo (with three of the essential tools on one lanyard) or Tool Combo would make great stocking-stuffers.
Brian Chan: Super Lube Sportsman’s Kit. A complete lubricant kit for maintaining and cleaning your fishing reels.
Jessica Yarwood: A pair of merino wool-blend socks. Cold feet are the worst! Good quality warm socks are a must-have to keep your toes toasty inside your waders.
Mike Gass: Fly boxes. A fly angler can always use more fly boxes, available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.
Assortment of flies. A great stand-alone gift, or to fill up that new fly box. Get a variety of micro leech, chironomid pupa, scud, nymph (mayfly, damselfly, and dragon fly), water boatman, attractor, and dry fly patterns in a good mix of sizes and colours.
$50 - $100
Rod Hsu: An ultralight spinning rod-and-reel outfit. Entry-level ultralight spinning outfits are generally priced under $100. Fishing from shore or a boat, anglers of any ability can use these outfits for kokanee, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. You can purchase a rod and a reel separately, or buy a pre-packaged rod-and-reel set.
Stacy Webb: Fly-tying classes or casting lessons. Stop by your local fishing store to see what angling classes they’re offering.
Brian Chan: A long-handled landing net with fish-friendly netting (for low-mortality catch-and-release angling) made of small diameter soft nylon or soft rubber mesh.
Jessica Yarwood: Fishing sling. It’s important to have something to carry all your fishing gear – and keep everything organized – while on the water. If you don’t want to wear a fishing vest, try the Stealth Atom Fly Fishing Sling 7L by Patagonia. Out of the way when worn with the sling sack across the back, the zippers are arranged to open conveniently like a hip pack when this fishing bag is moved to the front. The sling also has a 100% waterproof pocket inside to keep items like your cell phone, car key fob, or camera secure and dry.
Mike Gass: Polarized sunglasses. A must-have item for river and lake anglers, sunglasses protect the eyes from errant hooks as well as UV rays. The polarizing reduces reflective glare from the water’s surface, and assists anglers to see underwater structure and to spot fish.
$100+
Rod Hsu: Wading jacket. With winter coming, it’s important to wear a well-insulated, windproof, waterproof wading jacket when out fishing. Most tackle stores carry a wide selection of brands, generally priced between $150 to $400. Higher-end models can last 10+ years – an excellent investment for those who enjoy fishing regularly during the wet and cold months.
Stacy Webb: A fishing trip. Does your favourite angler have a destination or species on their bucket list? Book them a fishing trip – for two.
Brian Chan: Auto-inflating personal flotation device (PFD), like those made by Mustang Survival. The PFD automatically inflates upon immersion in water, with no cord to pull, and self-rights the wearer.
ION Six-inch Electric Ice Auger. No more dealing with finicky gas engines in cold air temperatures. These augers are more environmentally friendly than their gas counterparts and, as a bonus, are super quiet. You can generally expect to bore up to 40 holes/charge.
Jessica Yarwood: Islander Steelheader Centerpin Float Reel. #1 on every steelheader’s wish list is a centrepin float reel in their favourite colour. Islander Precision Reels manufacture them in five awesome hues, including blue (my own favourite). These reels come with a two-year limited warranty, and buying one supports a local Vancouver Island company.
Mike Gass: Rapala Sherpa Insulated Pop-Up Ice Shelter. You can stay out ice-fishing longer with Rapala’s easy-to-erect, insulated pop-up tent that will help keep you warm, and protected from the elements.
Humminbird 120 Fishin’ Buddy. A fish finder or depth sounder is essential for any serious lake angler to determine depth and water temperature, and to locate fish. The 120 Fishin’ Buddy provides both downward and side-scanning capabilities, is 100% portable, and is easily mounted with a single clamp.
Originally published here.