Tuesday, December 11, 2007

2nd Annual What To Get The Angler On Your List for Christmas

With the holiday season just around the corner, its time to think about the angler on your gift list. Last year’s list was geared toward the angler in the family while this year’s list includes some gifts that the whole family can enjoy. These items will add to the experience on the water and help you capture those great times. These are things no fisherman should be without.

Digital Camera. Want to see if that picture of your big bass or trophy trout turned out? Find out instantly with a digital camera. Prices have come down significantly over the past few years on quality cameras. The software is easily downloaded on your computer and you can share photos with family and friends around the world. Olympus, Sony, Canon and several other manufacturers make quality cameras that are very user friendly. Got no one to send a picture to? Send ‘em to me, I love looking at fish pictures.

Binoculars. During my trips on the rivers and coastal lakes this year, my guests and I have seen elk, deer, bear, otters, beavers, weasels, mink, seals, eagles, osprey, hawks and all sorts of waterfowl. A great day on the water can be made even better by having a small pair of binoculars on the boat. Also, they’re handy for checking out other boats and what they’re using for bait. Bushnell Corp. (www.bushnell.com) is a quality American manufacturer that has a great product line.

Inflatable PFD. This item made the list last year, and it made it again this year. A PFD is an absolute necessity on the water. Stearns Sospenders® are lightweight and more comfortable than any other flotation device out there. Plus, they can save your life. What better gift is there? www.stearnsinc.com

Salmon Trolling Rod and Reel. The Berkley® Air® IM-7 rod, rated extra heavy, 15-50 lb. test (www.berkley-fishing.com) teamed with the Abu Garcia® Ambassadeur® C3 model 6500 (www.abugarcia.com) is a great salmon trolling combo. The rods are strong enough to take on the biggest fall chinook, yet sensitive enough to let you know when a fish is just starting to chew on your herring. The reels have large capacity spools and a clicker. This is a great setup for the price.

Bucket Potty Seat. Sometimes you’re a long way from a bathroom and instead of pulling off when the bite is on, just go right in the boat! The Bucket Potty Seat is a 5-gallon bucket with a secure toilet seat that, if you have one on the boat, will let your guests piddle comfortably while you keep the baits in the water. It’s available online through West Marine, www.westmarine.com (type in Model # 597443). Just make sure to put the lid down when you’re finished.

Rain Bibs. Grundens® Hercules® 16 bib pants are a necessity if you’re going to get wet. I pretty much live in mine all fall and winter when I’m in the boat. They’re tough, completely waterproof and will last for years. This is the stuff the professionals use. Try them out and you won’t go back. www.grundens.com.

These are just a few of many ideas that any Oregon angler will use. If you still aren’t sure, give me a call and we can talk about some more gift ideas.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

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