Most fishing gifts get returned. . . . Here’s what we actually want:
Last updated: December 3rd, 2024
Shopping for the best fishing gifts is a challenge, especially when the angler in your life has everything they need already or is exceptionally particular about the gear they want.
What do you give them?
The best fishing gift is the Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box Juggernaut because it includes an assortment of fishing gear. If your angler doesn’t like it, you can blame the mystery box, but for real, Catch Co does an excellent job of choosing the best gear from top brands, so the angler in your life will love it!
If you’re looking for something more personal, I sectioned this guide to help you quickly shop for each type of angler at an affordable price point.
Video Review
Stocking Stuffers (Under $50)
Beef Jerky and Trail Mix
I’m known as the snack guy among my friends, and I have saved many fishing trips because I brought snacks like jerky, granola bars, and trail mix. Keep the snacks simple and the potential trash minimal and you’ll make your angler one happy camper when their stocking is stuffed with snacks!
Fishing Tools
Whether they fish from the bank or a boat, having a good set of tools (pliers, knives, screwdrivers, etc.) will be a lifesaver when the boat won’t start or they need to remove a hook.
Line Cutterz
My favorite fishing tool is the Line Cutterz, which cuts every type of fishing line, regardless of strength. I love it so much that I bought several to keep in my kayak and tackle boxes and give away as gifts.
Fishing Lure Kit
A lure kit is perfect for new anglers looking to start their fishing lure collection. The kit allows them to get various colors, sizes, and styles they would otherwise not have.
BONUS: They might also need a tackle box or tackle tray to keep their new lures organized; I know I can never have too many!
Under-the-Tree Gifts ($51–$200)
All right, we’re stepping up in price range a bit for gifts worthy of being wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. You can ask your angler what they’d like or, for a terrific surprise, you can choose from the five items listed below.
Rod & Reel Combo
I have yet to meet an angler who couldn’t use another rod and reel. New anglers probably don’t care which combo you get, but more experienced anglers probably have a specific combo in mind.
Large Tackle Box
We anglers collect a lot of lures, tools, hooks, and gear, and we need a place to store them. A large tackle box solves this dilemma. It also protects gear and keeps it somewhat organized.
Fishing Shirts
I’m a sucker for fishing shirts, especially the lightweight hooded shirts. They’re perfect for fishing from spring to autumn, and I wear them dang near all the time. I can’t speak highly enough about the Free Fly Apparel shirts. I own three of them. They’re super comfortable—I wear one every time I’m on the water!
Rain Suit
When your angler is better prepared for adverse weather, like rain, they can stay on the water longer and catch more fish. Some of my best fishing days have been in the rain, and while it might not be necessary, a rainsuit shows how much you care for your angler’s comfort.
Windproof Jacket
The same goes for the windproof jacket. A determined angler could tough it out, but have to? Wearing a nice jacket makes a world of difference.
BONUS: A life jacket is the perfect way to show how much you care about your angler. Whether they’re fishing from a boat or kayak, they should have a high-quality life vest. My current favorite is the Astral V-Eight Fisher PFD.
Ultimate Fishing Gifts ($200+)
If the angler in your life has been really good this year, you might be willing to splurge on them a bit. Below are five of my top fishing gifts if price isn’t a factor.
Costa Del Mar King Tides
Costa Del Mar is one of the top sunglasses manufacturers, so if you want them to protect their eyes as comfortably as possible, the Costa King Tides are the top choice for anglers.
Fishing Kayak
The bank angler you’re buying for would love a new fishing kayak. It gives them access to water they can’t reach, and kayaks are just plain fun to fish from! I’ve used and abused my Wilderness Systems iAtak 110 this summer, and it’s helped my family and me catch more fish!
Fish Finder
If they already have a boat or kayak, a new fish finder can help them locate and catch more fish. The Lowrance Eagle Eye is an affordable option (compared to high-end fish finders) with some of the latest technology.
There are also bank-fishing fish finders for those fishing from the shore, so wherever they fish from, you can give your angler the gift of new places to fish!
Trolling Motor
The kayaker or boater in your life is probably frustrated with their old trolling motor, which means you can be a hero when they unwrap a new one on Christmas morning! However, it’s best to ask them which brand and style they prefer.
Yeti Cooler
Every angler needs a cooler. It might be to keep the catch cool or ensure there are plenty of refreshing drinks to go around; either way, they won’t be disappointed when you get them a high-quality cooler.
For Kids
Plano Tackle Box
As a kid, nothing made me feel more like a legitimate fisherman than having my own tackle box! Yes, every lure was stolen from my dad’s tackle box, but I felt so cool carrying that little box to the water. My daughter felt the same way when I got her a tackle box, and I know your kids will, too.
Lure Making Kit
I purchased the Create-A-Lure Kit for my daughter earlier this year, and she loved it! She’s crafty and likes to fish. But making her own lure made her want to fish even more! The key was to let her paint it how she wanted, no matter how wild and wacky it looked.
Portable Fish Finder
Kids get bored quickly once the fish stop biting. I often keep my daughter interested by letting her use the fish finder. She loves seeing if there are fish in the area and counting the marks. I’m all for keeping her fishing for as long as possible, and a portable fish finder allows me to do so.
Customizable Fishing Rod & Reel
Kids love coloring on everything, including walls and tables, so why not their rod and reel? Let them put their personal touches on a customizable rod and reel combo. Maybe it’ll keep those markers off your walls for a day or two!
Waterproof Boots
Kids love to stomp in the mud and water, and who can blame them? It’s fun! Let them do it with a new pair of waterproof boots. They’ll love playing in the water without getting their feet wet, and you won’t have to worry about them ruining a good pair of shoes.
For Dad
Leatherman Multi-Tool
A dad can never have too many tools. I keep a multi-tool in every vehicle (including boats and kayaks) just in case I forget to grab the one for my pocket on the way out. There’s no better multi-tool than the Leatherman.
Yeti Rambler
If your dad drinks coffee while fishing or likes to keep his drink cold for longer on warm summer days, the Yeti Rambler is a great gift for him. I prefer the 20 oz because it’s big enough for a good drink but small enough to fit in my truck’s cup holders.
Fish Scale
If your dad’s catches get bigger and bigger every time he tells a story, get him a scale so he can remember exactly how big his fish are when he lands them! Sorry, but this won’t do anything for the “Big One”-that-got-away stories.
Fishing Hat
As anglers, we spend a lot of time in the sun and often forget to slap on the sunscreen. Let your dad know you care about his health by getting him a fishing hat that protects him from the sun’s harmful rays!
Fishing Chair
If your dad is a bang anglin’ boss, he’s probably tired of sitting on that 5-gallon bucket he’s used for years. Upgrade his seat with a new fishing chair complete with a rod holder, cup holder, mini cooler, and tackle organizer.
For Fly Anglers
Fly Rod Box
Help the fly-fishing aficionado you love protect their rods and reels with a rod box or protective gear bag. The rod locker is perfect for mounting on a vehicle, while the fly fishing case fits nicely in the back seat or trunk.
Simms Waders
Keep the fly-fisher in your life dry and comfortable with a pair of Simms waders. Breathable waders are much easier to walk in than neoprene without sacrificing warmth and dryness. You’ll also need to ensure they have wading boots for better grip and protection.
Flies
If the person you’re buying for is new to fly fishing, they need a good variety of flies for options when the bite is tough. An assortment of high-quality flies will ensure they have the best chance possible of landing the fish of a lifetime.
Fly Organizer
As they collect or tie more flies, they need a place to keep them; hence, a fly organizer. It will stop them from dropping their favorite fly in the water and keep their other flies in place when unused.
Fishing Net
You can be the hero when they land the fish of a lifetime using their new fishing net! The rubber mesh protects the fish and keeps the fly from getting too tangled as the fish flops around in it.
For Bass Anglers
KastKing Crixus Rod & Reel Combo
Every bass fisherman wants a new rod and reel, and KastKing does a solid job with its Crixus rod-and-reel combo! KastKing has made great strides in recent years to improve its products, and this combo is a testament to that.
Folding Fishing Net
The Yak Attack folding fishing net is perfect for kayak or boat anglers because it folds up and is less cumbersome than traditional fishing nets. The rubber mesh and foam grip are nice, too. I got this as a Christmas present a couple of years ago and I swear by it.
Plano Edge Tackle Boxes
The Plano Edge series boxes make organizing tackle so simple. I love mine and keep adding to my collection every year because they’ve proven to protect my gear and withstand the abuse I put them through.
Fishing Line
Every angler needs more fishing line. It’s wise to replace it every year so it doesn’t get brittle and break when they set the hook on a monster. If you don’t know what type of fishing line to get, I recommend 10–12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon and 30–50 lb braided line.
Line Spooler
Now that they have all the line they’ll need, you can get them a tool that helps transfer it to their reels. You’ve seen them struggling to put the line on their reels over the years and know this line spooler will help them, but it’s something they perhaps wouldn’t buy for themselves.
For Ice Anglers
Eskimo Ice Fishing Shelter
No one enjoys having the wind whip across the ice as they sit there waiting on the next bite, so protect your angler with an ice fishing shelter! They’ll stay warmer, which means they can fish longer.
Heater
Do your best to keep your angler warm with a portable heater as they brave the freezing temps in search of their next meal. Even if they don’t have an ice fishing shelter, this heater will help keep them on the ice a little longer during those frigid days.
Eskimo Auger
Every ice angler needs an auger. If yours has been using a hand auger, it’s time they step up to gas or electric power! They’ll call and thank you the first time they use it because they won’t be huffing and puffing from drilling through the ice!
Humminbird ICE H5 Fish Finder
Help them find more loaded fishing spots with a new fish finder! This kit is perfect for anglers who ice fish during the winter and fish from a boat or dock for the rest of the year.
Warm Socks
My toes and feet used to be the first to get cold while braving the frigid temps because I was wearing the wrong socks. With a nice pair of Carhartt synthetic-wool blend socks, you can prevent frostbite from ruining their ice fishing trip. They’re warm and moisture-wicking!
Funny Gifts
Billy The Big Mouth Bass
Let the angler know that this is the only fish they’ll ever catch that’s big enough to mount! Or get it for your nieces and nephews to annoy your siblings.
Silly Shirts
Give the gift of a good laugh with a funny shirt with some truth to it! They’ll probably wear it fishing or for yard work, and all their neighbors can see how much they love fishing.
Goofy Boxers
Give everyone a good laugh when he opens up his gift to find these cheeky boxers inside (pun intended).
Potty Fishing Game
Are you always yelling at the angler in your life to stop spending so much time on the toilet?
If so, you can at least know they’re being productive by practicing their fishing skills while getting down to business.
This game is fun for the whole family, and anglers of all ages will enjoy it! (You just might want to zap it with some Lysol every now and then.)
Fishing Calendar
What better way to show the special angler in your life that you love them?
You get to remind them of how ridiculous they are for 365 days. This cartoon fishing calendar is the gift that just keeps on giving.
Recent Updates
- Nov 21st, 2024: Added several new gifts to the list and removed the out-of-stock and less desirable ones
- Nov 20th, 2024: Replaced the Fit Cook Spice and Seasoning Set with Fire & Smoke Society Mediterranean Seasoning Variety Pack, as the former was no longer available
- Nov 20th, 2024: Removed the Fishing Rod and Reel Combo with Guide as it’s currently unavailable
- Nov 20th, 2024: Removed the Multi-Purpose Survival Kit as it’s currently unavailable
Final Thoughts
The best gifts aren’t just thoughtful; they’re well-researched, too. The fact that you made it through this gift guide shows that you really care about the anglers in your life.
I hope you found some great fishing gadgets, unique gifts, and gag gifts on this list, and that we’ve made your shopping a little less stressful this holiday season.
