It’s crunch time, friends, to find the perfect gift for that special angler. We can help. The Lone Star Outdoor News Holiday Gift Guide offers some great ideas.
Rippin’ Rap: Stuff this handsome little guy with the penetrating eyes in the Christmas stocking. Those deep-set 3D holographic eyes will penetrate all water conditions and entice the big fish. Rapala’s versatile lure is designed for long casting. With its tall, thin-bodied, lipless design, the Rippin’ Rap will tear through thick and thin. The lure’s rattle is powered by multiple BBs that pulsate through the water on the retrieve. Based on water temperature, anglers can entice the strike with a fast or slow retrieve. The Rippin’ Rap, whose body features a textured scale, gill and detailed fin, comes in three sizes with variable running depths. The 2-inch model is equipped with a No. 8 VMC belly treble hook and No. 10 VMC tail treble hook; the 2-½ inch model has a No. 6 VMC belly treble hook and a No. 8 VMC tail treble hook; and the 2-¾ inch lure features a No. 4 VMC belly treble hook and a No. 6 VMC tail treble hook. The lure comes in 12 color patterns and sells for about $7.
(800) 468-5873
G2 Pro Wading Belt: Wade fishermen can have all the essentials of their sport close at hand with this belt from ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products. The belt’s adjustable Velcro “lift-and-lock” system allows anglers to place all of their tools — pliers, tackle box, rod holder and more — in just the right reachable spot. This belt kit sells for about $45.
(361) 798-1530
![monsta[1]](/images/monsta[1].jpg)
Monsta sunglasses: Strike King Lure’s polarized sunglasses are for the serious angler. Available in a white or black frame with a gray-blue mirror lens, these full frame sunglasses will keep sunlight from penetrating through the corners to protect eyes and cheeks. That translates into less eye fatigue and more time on the water. The lenses’ advanced polarization technology (APT) allows for improved contrast resulting in greater visual acuity. Plus, the lenses are coated to resist scratching. The sunglasses cost about $20.
(901) 853-1455
Johnny Morris Signature Series Bass Caster Reel: Bass Pro Shops’ baitcast reel is a thing of beauty. With tough die cast aluminum frame, side-plates and a lustrous black carbon-titanium deposition finish, this reel will still look good years from now. A double-anodized-aluminum spool that floats on Japanese stainless steel ball bearings, an instant anti-reverse, and a Duralumin drive gear flanked by three special-purpose carbon washers ensure perfect meshing for smooth winding power with no torque. Plus, the “Dual Braking System” delivers virtually backlash-free casting. Other features include a super-smooth carbon drag system, a lightweight carbon-fiber handle with ribbed silicone knob, a padded clutch bar, and a titanium-nitride line guide. These reels retail for about $160.
(800) 227-7776
www.basspro.com
GORE-TEX Fishing Jacket: What’s Christmas without a jacket under the tree? Cabela’s version offers all-season performance for the angler. Featuring a lightweight, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX shell, it is totally seam-sealed to prevent leaks. Also, it has adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners on the cuffs, a storm flap, plus a cord-locked-adjustable hem. Available in blue/black, black, or peat/black, the jacket sells for about $170 to $190, depending on size.
(800) 237-4444
Drainmaker: The name of this men’s fishing shoe from Columbia says it all. It is a fully drainable hybrid shoe that combines the lightweight comfort of a running shoe with the quick-dry capabilities of a water shoe. The upper features breathable open cell mesh with a durable toecap, while the Techlite midsole has built-in drainage ports in the heel and forefoot to allow water to instantly escape. A siped, lugged rubber outsole ensures traction on wet or dry surfaces. The shoe has an MSRP of $80 and can be found at such retailers as Academy Sports + Outdoors.
(800) 622-6953
FTO Elite Angled Tackle System: Offering both form and function, Plano Molding’s blue and gray tackle system incorporates a 15-degree angled storage platform that securely holds six waterproof StowAway utility boxes in the main compartments. The utility boxes have DuraView covers that allow anglers to easily see their tackle. Additional storage is available under the lid and in the integrated expandable rear compartment. An oversized handle offers a comfortable grip and the box’s non-skid rubber feet ensure that the box stays put. This system is engineered for extreme anglers who enjoy their sport come hell or high water. Measuring 23 inches by 12 inches by 12.125 inches, the FTO Elite tackle box sells for about $100.
(800) 226-9868
