Gifts for People Who Fish

Anglers lose lures to snags, leave pliers on the dock and keep fishing with a tackle box held shut by a rubber band. Good gifts are the dependable tools and consumables they burn through, with a bigger gadget or reel for the person who fishes every weekend.

Under $25 10 ideas

  1. Booms Fishing E1 Fishing Pliers

    Aluminum pliers with braid cutters and a split-ring tip, plus a lanyard and sheath. Replaces the rusty pliers in the tackle bag.

    Booms FishingStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon: Booms Fishing E1 Fishing Pliers (opens in a new tab)
  2. Booms Fishing CC1 Fishing Line Cutter

    A retractable clipper that cuts braid cleanly and clips to a vest. A cheap, useful stocking stuffer.

    Booms FishingStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon: Booms Fishing CC1 Fishing Line Cutter (opens in a new tab)
  3. Plano 3600 StowAway Utility Box

    The standard clear tackle tray with adjustable dividers. Anglers always need one more for sorting hooks and soft plastics.

    PlanoStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon: Plano 3600 StowAway Utility Box (opens in a new tab)
  4. Rapala Original Floater Lure

    The balsa minnow that has caught fish for decades. Every angler should have a few, and they lose them regularly.

    RapalaStocking stufferGets used up

    See it on Amazon: Rapala Original Floater Lure (opens in a new tab)
  5. PowerPro Spectra Braided Fishing Line, 150 Yards

    Strong, thin braid that many anglers respool with every season. Ask the pound test they use, or pick 20 lb for general fishing.

    PowerProGets used up

    See it on Amazon: PowerPro Spectra Braided Fishing Line, 150 Yards (opens in a new tab)
  6. Berkley PowerBait Trout Bait

    The scented dough bait trout fishermen use from the bank. An easy consumable for anyone who fishes stocked lakes.

    BerkleyGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon: Berkley PowerBait Trout Bait (opens in a new tab)
  7. Smith's Jiffi-S Hook Sharpener

    A pocket sharpener with a groove sized for hooks. Sharp hooks mean fewer fish lost at the boat.

    Smith'sStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon: Smith's Jiffi-S Hook Sharpener (opens in a new tab)
  8. A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

    The fly-fishing novella that anglers quote from. A quiet, beautiful read for the off-season.

    Norman MacleanBook

    See it on Amazon: A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean (opens in a new tab)
  9. KastKing Polarized Sport Sunglasses

    Polarized lenses cut glare so they can see fish and structure under the water. Cheap enough to lose overboard.

    KastKing

    See it on Amazon: KastKing Polarized Sport Sunglasses (opens in a new tab)
  10. Rapala Floating Fish Gripper

    Holds a fish firmly by the lip for unhooking or a photo. Keeps fingers away from teeth and fins.

    Rapala

    See it on Amazon: Rapala Floating Fish Gripper (opens in a new tab)

Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Plano 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag

    A soft bag that holds several utility boxes and a pocket for pliers. Easier to carry than a hard box.

    Plano

    See it on Amazon: Plano 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag (opens in a new tab)
  2. Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

    A backpack with rod holders and room for four trays. Great for bank fishermen who walk to their spots.

    Piscifun

    See it on Amazon: Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack (opens in a new tab)
  3. Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net

    A rubber-coated net that is gentler on fish and does not tangle hooks. For the catch-and-release angler.

    Frabill

    See it on Amazon: Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net (opens in a new tab)
  4. Shimano Sienna FG Spinning Reel

    A smooth, dependable entry reel from a name every angler trusts. A good spare or an upgrade for a kid’s first rod.

    Shimano

    See it on Amazon: Shimano Sienna FG Spinning Reel (opens in a new tab)
  5. Plano EDGE Professional 3700 Tackle Box

    A premium tray with rust-inhibiting dividers and a tight seal. Ideal for organizing lures that cost too much to rust.

    Plano

    See it on Amazon: Plano EDGE Professional 3700 Tackle Box (opens in a new tab)

Under $100 2 ideas

  1. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

    A nearly unbreakable rod and reel combo. Good as a spare, for the grandkids, or for a beginner.

    Ugly Stik

    See it on Amazon: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo (opens in a new tab)
  2. Rapala Touch Screen Tournament Scale

    A digital scale that stores the weights of several fish. For the angler who likes bragging rights.

    Rapala

    See it on Amazon: Rapala Touch Screen Tournament Scale (opens in a new tab)

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel

    A sturdy, sealed metal reel that handles saltwater and big fish. A well-known upgrade from a basic combo.

    PENN

    See it on Amazon: PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel (opens in a new tab)
  2. Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fish Finder

    A small fish finder with GPS and clear sonar for kayaks and small boats. Shows depth, fish and structure underneath.

    Garmin

    See it on Amazon: Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fish Finder (opens in a new tab)
  3. Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP+ 2

    A castable sonar ball that shows fish on a phone. For the bank or pier angler with no boat to mount a finder on.

    Deeper

    See it on Amazon: Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP+ 2 (opens in a new tab)