Gifts for people who fish in the US

Know what kind of fishing they do

Anglers specialise, and most fishing gear is specific. A bass angler, a fly angler and a saltwater caster need different things. Before buying lures, find out what they fish for and where. A frog lure is useless in cold water, and a fly box is no use to someone who throws spinners.

If you cannot find out, stick to tools every angler uses. The KastKing scale, the Googan Squad split ring pliers and the tackle toter suit almost anyone with a rod. Polarized sunglasses like the Knockaround Fort Knocks are safe for anyone fishing in daylight.

Rods and reels are personal, and most keen anglers already have a set they like. The Lunkerhunt Atomic combo is the exception: it suits a beginner or works as a spare for visitors and kids.

What to spend

Under $25 covers the split ring pliers, the frog lures, the waist bag, the fly box and the gift card. These work as stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts for any angler you know.

Between $25 and $80 gets the scale, the tackle toter, the sunglasses, the Stanley bottle and the rod combo. This is the range for most birthday and holiday gifts.

The Garmin inReach is the one big spend worth making, for someone who fishes alone on remote water with no cell signal. It sends messages and has an SOS button, but the satellite plan is an extra cost, so tell them before they open it.

Timing

Fishing gifts land best before the season they are for. Lures, sunglasses and waist bags make more sense in spring. A Stanley bottle works all year.

Anglers lose small things constantly: pliers fall overboard, lures snap off on snags, sunglasses get sat on. Replacing what they lost last season is often the most welcome gift, so listen for complaints on the drive home from a trip.

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.