By BassFan Staff
If you're like us then you're a firm believer that you can never have enough fishing gear. Rods, reels, hooks, baits (hard and soft plastic), weights, swivels, spinnerbaits, jigs, skirts … you get the idea. And we didn't even mention all the goodies that can be put to use on the boat or truck.
The BassFan staff has put together some gift suggestions for the bass-fishing freak in your life. You'll find a little bit of everything – from a book of fish stories to a mafia-themed weigh bag – to satisfy the most ardent BassFan.
The Tournament Model includes everything you'll need to manage your catch during a competition day, no matter how hot the action gets. A fish's weight can be entered into any of the eight storage locations on the perimeter of the display just by tapping that part of the screen, and then a corresponding numbered float clip can be applied before the fish is placed in the livewell. The combined weight of all of the fish entered in the system is displayed constantly. There's nothing complicated about this system, and the scale (which can handle fish up to 15 pounds) will run up to 400 hours on two AA batteries. Retail: $46.99. This jighead with the catchy name comes in four sizes and is priced higher than many in its category, but its quality is unmistakable. The odd-shaped head is ideal for standing atop rocks or other hard surfaces and although it may lose some paint after awhile, the shape stays intact. The unique bait clip holds soft-plastics securely. In addition to its effectiveness for presenting finesse baits, the Alien Head is also a great vehicle for small swim baits such as the Keitech Swing Impact or Gene Larew Sweet Swimmer. Retail: $6.99 (4-pack). Utilizing edge to edge pressure that is 10 times that of normal scissors, the Buck Knives Splizzors multi-tool will solve all of your braid-cutting and hook removal issues. The micro serrations along the 420HS stainless steel blade allow for any type of cutting, shearing, trimming or bending that might need to be done on the water.
It also doubles as a pair of long-nose super-duty pliers for easy hook removal. What's more, it has multiple split-shot crimping tools and a bottle opener built in. It measures 8 1/2" in length and the rubber-coated scissors-style handle offers more power and comfort.
Bass Pro Shops has them in stock for $79.99. This new book from longtime B.A.S.S. senior writer Robert Montgomery is a nice diversion from all the how-to literature that many BassFans consume. As you work your way through it, there's a good chance you'll learn more about where your own passion for the sport stems from and why it continues to hold such a prominent position in your life. Montgomery penned most of the essays himself, but contributions from notables such as Bill Dance and Dave Precht are included. It's a solid offseason read, particularly for folks living in colder climates who'll soon be in need of a wintertime fishing fix. Retail: $15.95. Bass Mafia's signature red and black Bait Coffins are the industry standard when it comes to long-lasting tackle management solutions.
A new product, called the Bait Casket, is made from transparent, heavy-duty plastic, keep with the super-durable reputation Bass Mafia products are known for. They're perfect for hard baits, plastics, terminal tackle or anything you want protected from the elements. They're available in a large (14"x9"x2") and small (11"x7.2"x2") version and feature four latches and a gasket that keeps moisture out.
The large box features up to 20 storage slots while the small version can feature 13 openings. Retail: $10.19 (small), $11.99 (large). This one pretty much speaks for itself. Staying with the light-hearted mobster theme, the guys at Bass Mafia have developed a tough-as-iron tournament weigh-in bag.
It's heavy duty all around, from the material to the zipper closure and handle. It also comes with a shoulder strap. You'll be the talk of your next club tournament when you tote your catch from the dock to the scale in the Body Bag. Retail: $26.99. The Shimano Dryfender insulated jacket and bibs is the perfect match for anyone who braves foul weather, but still wants to remain dry, warm and maintain mobility and comfort.
The Dryfender jacket and bib pants are completely waterproof and breathable and feature full sealed seams. Inner adjustable sleeve gaiters add extra warmth while adjustable cuffs and removable bib suspenders allow the set to be tailored to your desired comfort. The pants feature a side leg pliers pocket and side-leg zippers to allow for easy dressing or removal. Retail: $249 (jacket), $219.99 (bibs).
Looking for an umbrella rig alternative? Z-Man's QuadZilla four-arm spinnerbait combines the look of a compact umbrella rig with the flash and vibration of a jumbo spinnerbait.
It features a keel weight to keep it running true and has four bladed arms that surround the center arm that resembles a spinnerbait, giving off the look of a school of baitfish. It's light enough (3/4 oz.) to be thrown on spinning tackle and it's collapsible, too, which is easily done by sliding the silicone head down the wire shaft to make it easy to store.
Available in six colors. Retail: $11.99. Have a buddy or relative who loves bass fishing and surprises?
Tackle Grab is perfect for them. It's a monthly subscription service that delivers an assortment of baits and tackle to your door or that of your buddy. Once you've signed up, fill out the angler profile and each month the baits will be hand-picked and tailored to match your profile.
They don't just send you bargain bin closeouts either. Each box is stuffed with unique, high-quality products from a wide range of companies. If you order by Dec. 10, the first box should arrive by Christmas (they ship on the 20th of each month).
Retail: Varies (based length of subscription). With its wildly kicking legs and slim body, this is the ultimate flipping bait for any angler. The Pit Boss also skips very well reaching the farthest corners under a dock, when rigged with a pegged weight. Retail: $2.99. A fluorocarbon that packs a punch! AbrazX handles the toughest places you can put a lure with amazing abrasion resistance. With almost no stretch you don’t have to worry about hard hook sets with this line, just yank them out. Retail: $18.99-$29.99 (depending on line size). Well priced, this Revo can fit nearly any budget and will stand the test of time. With nine ball bearings for smooth casting and carbon side plates, this Revo is 25 percent lighter than the original Revo SX. Available in both left and right retrieve and gear ratios of 6.4:1 and 7.1:1. Retail: $159.99. If you want a crankbait that will reach a true 20-foot diving depth in a short distance, look no further. The Little John Deep Diver, weighing in at 1 ounce, will cast long distances and reach its maximum depth quickly to keep the bait in the strike zone longer. And it’s easy on the arms when reeling in, too!
Retail: $10.79.Rapala Touch Screen Scale
Gamakatsu Stand Up Alien Head
Buck Knives Splizzors
Why We Fish: Reel Wisdom From Real Fishermen
Bass Mafia Bait Casket
Bass Mafia Body Bag
Shimano Dryfender Insulated Jacket & Bibs
Z-Man QuadZilla Collapsible Spinnerbait
Tackle Grab Subscription
Berkley Havoc Pit Boss
Seaguar AbrazX
Abu Garcia Revo SX Generation 3
SPRO Little John DD
