Need some last minute Christmas ideas for the bass angler in your life? Look no further.
The truth is, buying for a fisherman is tough, and to be perfectly honest, you are probably better off not getting too specific when it comes to gear, as many hardcore anglers will be VERY particular about what they are using. They know what they like, they’re loyal to a certain brand, sizes, colors, materials… it’s just tough to shoot in the dark and hit. Of course, if they’re new to the fishing world, or perhaps a kid, it makes things much easier to help them get started.
So with that being said, here’s a few ideas that just about any angler can appreciate spanning from baits, to terminal tackle, fishing line, accessories and even one rod recommendations that just about any angler should be excited about. Some are new things that they might be excited to try, I have a few personal recommendations of things that I really love, and a few things that just make great gifts.
So without further ado… let’s get to it.
Megabass Magdraft Swimbait – $17.99
The Megabass Magdraft is a bass angling staple, arguably the premiere big swimbait on the market. At 5, 6, 8 and even 10 inches long, they might seem a little intimidating, especially if you’re used to catching smaller bass, but I promise you, they get bit like crazy. Bass who aren’t even much bigger than the bait will even take a swipe at it, plus… it’s really fun to fish. But at $18 bucks a bait, it’s not exactly cheap, which is why it makes a great gift. I’d recommend going with the 6-inch model, but if you’re in places like Texas or Florida where bass can get huge, you can go larger.
Colors: Albino Pearl Shad, MB Gizzard, Borealis Shad, Ayu
This is another one that I think most anglers will be excited to try out this year. A new release from Rapala, the Claptail is a new take on your standard plopping-style bait that virtually combines the metal ringing of a buzzbait with the action of a Whopper Plopper. They haven’t been out long at all so there is a good chance whoever you’re buying for hasn’t had the opportunity to try it out yet. And since the tech is pretty new, there’s a good chance the bass in their lake haven’t seen it yet either.
Colors: Broken Bone, Night Aurora, True Gill
I love this thing. Fuzzy baits are all the rage right now, but this offering from Geecrack CRUSHED for me this year. It’s another one that I think even a very experienced and particular angler would be interested to try for the first time, or get as a gift since, once again, they can be fairly pricey and often out of stock. I caught a ton of smallmouth on them this year, a ton of big largemouth, it was something new I tried out this year and found an overwhelming amount of success.
Colors: Green Flake Bug, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake, Solid Black
Toad Thumper Swamper Walkin’ Frog – $9.99
Anyone who reads my gear guides regularly know that I’m a BIG fan of Toad Thumper. Founded by Whiskey Myers frontman, and friend of the “progrum,” Cody Cannon, they make some of the best frogs in the business. Even if the angler you’re buying for has a loyal frog brand, they’re gonna want to give these a try. Plus, who doesn’t love frog fishing? You can always use more frogs…
Colors: Black, Bad Gill, Bad Bone
Fenwick Eagle Rod
Like I said in the intro, I didn’t really want to recommend too many rods and reels since most anglers are pretty particular about what they want (you can find budget rod and reel guides HERE), but if you’re buying for a newer angler, a child, or maybe someone who only has one rod and could use another, a Fenwick Eagle is a GREAT place to start. Great quality at a great price, it’s my go-to rod for expanding the arsenal on a budget. You can’t go wrong with a 7’1″ MH casting rod or a 7′ M spinning rod. They also have an ice rod if you need some new hardwater gear
Aftco Breakwater Waterproof Glove Olive – $58.99
Fishing gloves are an absolute necessity on the water, whether you’re in the blistering heat or the icy cold. Sun gloves are great, but I find that just about any decent sun glove can get the job done. And the truth is, a little sunburn on your hands won’t affect your fishing until the next day. But if your hands are freezing, you can’t fish, and big, bulky, (albeit warm), gloves are just too hard to maneuver. But these gloves from AFTCO keep your hands warm, and completely dry in the cold weather… they’re a game changer. They’re pricey, but that’s why they make a great gift.
Hobie Polarized Sunglasses – $109.99
Every angler needs a great pair of polarized sunglasses and just about every angler has lost a pair of expensive polarized sunglasses. But most of the Hobie shades actually float in the water so you’re not going to lose them when you reach over to snag that behemoth bucketmouth.
Sufix 832 Braided Line Lo-Vis Green – $38.99
Everybody needs braided fishing line. Is it sexy? Nope… but any angler would appreciate getting a nice spool of braid and Sufix 832 my personal go-to for all my casting setups. Personally I like 30-pound braid for most applications, but a lot of folks will want to have at least 50 for heavy cover.
WOO! Tungsten Never Chip Flipping Weights – $5.99 – $12.59
Once again… everybody needs flipping waits. Once again… is it sexy? Nope, but you need ’em and tungsten is the way to go every time. Pick up a few packs in 1/4th, 3/8th and 1/2 ounce and your angler will be pumped for something they’ll definitely use.
As lame as a gift card is, I absolutely promise you that any serious angle will absolutely LOVE it. I wish everyone would buy me Tackle Warehouse gift cards every year. My wife, my parents, my in-laws… nobody wants to do it, but it would honestly make me just oh so happy to have a few hundred bucks to spend on anything want. Hop online with a nice little mulled wine the day after Christmas and build that shopping cart exactly how you want it… it’s a thing of beauty. AND, they’re 10% off right NOW.
*This post contains links through the Tackle Warehouse Affiliate Program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
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