Gifts for people who fish in Canada

Ice fishing gifts

Ice fishing has its own kit, and a lot of it is cheap and practical. The Rapala ice skimmer and the Frabill bucket seat are good starter gifts. The JawJacker rod holder suits someone who already fishes several holes and wants to watch more than one line. Check provincial rules on line limits before buying it.

The Mr. Heater Little Buddy makes a hut or tent bearable, but treat it seriously. It needs ventilation and must never run in a sealed space. Only give it to someone who already understands carbon monoxide safety.

Warmth is half the gift

Stanfield's socks and toque are cheap and always used. The Baffin insoles warm up boots they already own. The Kombi mittens and socks are the big spends, for someone whose hands or feet go numb by mid-morning; both need charging before each trip. The Stanley bottle keeps coffee hot through the day.

If you are not sure what they already own, warm layers are the safe bet. Nobody who fishes through the ice has too many wool socks, and a second toque lives in the truck. Anglers also lose small things constantly, so replacing what they lost last season is often the most welcome gift.

What to spend and when

Under $30 covers the skimmer, the toque, the insoles and the bucket seat. These work as stocking stuffers for any angler you know.

Between $30 and $120 gets the socks, the Stanley bottle, the rod holder, the heater and the Blue Rocks print.

Above that, the choices are comfort and safety. The coolers suit lake weekends. The Garmin inReach is for someone who fishes alone on remote water with no cell signal; the satellite plan is an extra cost, so tell them before they open it.

Ice gear should arrive in early winter, before the first safe ice. Coolers land better in spring. Coolers and heaters are bulky, so order early if they are holiday gifts.

Questions people ask

What do you get someone who likes fishing but has everything?

Buy tools that wear out or get lost, or something for comfort. Pliers, a digital scale and spare lures are always useful. Warm wool socks, heated mittens or a good vacuum bottle suit anyone who fishes in cold weather. For someone who fishes remote water, a satellite messenger adds safety they probably do not have yet.

What is a good fishing gift under $25?

Split ring pliers, a pack of frog lures, an ice skimmer or a warm toque all come in under $25 and get used. Pick the lure only if you know they fish for bass in summer. Pliers and toques are safer if you are not sure what they target, since every angler handles hooks and most fish in the cold at some point.

What should I buy someone starting ice fishing?

Start with a bucket seat to carry gear and sit on, an ice skimmer to clear the hole, and warm layers such as wool socks and insulated insoles. A vacuum bottle for coffee helps on long days. Once they fish several holes, a rod holder with a hook setter is a good next step. Check local line limits first.