Three Gifts Sure To Please Any Bass Angler On Your List

In just a few days, families across the country will sit down and carve the bird. No sooner will the last leftover turkey sandwich be eaten and it’ll be Christmas. Have you got your shopping done? We figured you probably don’t, but there’s a good chance you’ll get started on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There will be more "gifty" stuff dropping on F&S.com this week, but I thought I’d kick things off with some ideas for the person tasked with buying for Uncle Bob or cousin Dwayne who bass fishes. If you're Uncle Bob or cousin Dwayne, feel free to forward this along so as to avoid another pair of largemouth boxer shorts from your nephew's nephew. 

If you're looking for an easy $20 purchase that will get a response like, "Great, I could always use those!,” then stick with a few bags of soft-plastic worms, grubs, or tubes in common colors. Something like four or five bags of straight tail 5­- to 7-inch green pumpkin or root beer worms always bring smiles. These worms could be used almost anywhere, can be fished by anglers of all ages and skill levels, and I promise a bass angler can never have enough of them.

If you're looking for something a little more elaborate, consider a pair of polarized sunglasses for when it's not­ so­ sunny. Say what? Well, many bass anglers splurge on a good pair of polarized sunglasses for when it's really bright out, but many fail to realize that polarization is necessary during early morning hours, on rainy days, or even in the fog. Ironically, a bass angler encounters those conditions more often than blue-bird skies.  A pair of polarized glasses with light yellow lenses and frames that block light from peripheral vision work great, and it's a gift that keeps on giving all year long.

Another good idea is a pair of ultra­ lightweight all­-weather gloves, but don't just re-gift those Isotoners you got at the work Christmas party last year. If you or the bass angler you're buying for fish in the early spring and into winter, this is a great gift, because fishing with the wrong gloves can really hurt your feel and productivity. I've found the best gloves for bass fishing are super thin, stretchy to form fit, and have a thin wicking lining. Several companies make super lightweight gloves for hunting and tactical shooting, but they work just as well for fishing, and have the necessary pliability with a bass rod in hand. One of my favorites is the Seirus Hyperlite glove (above). They'll only set you back $25 or so, and any bass angler that fishes prespawn will thank you. Have a happy Thanksgiving.