Are there people – perhaps a whole family – on your gift buying list who have shown an interest in fishing, but haven’t jumped on board yet? Or maybe there’s someone who you’d like to get into fishing, but he or she needs a little push. Whether it’s for a birthday or holiday, giving them the gear they need to get started is a great way to take the next step.
When your selecting gifts for these folks – keep two things in mind.
Tip: Check out the Bass Pro Shops' Gifts for the Angler Guide here
First, beginning fishing needs to be simple, easy, and successful especially if the new anglers are youngsters. Don’t go overboard on fancy, high-tech, expensive gear. Keep it simple – a basic rod and reel, a small tackle box, and simple tackle. First trips should probably be shore fishing locations where fish will bite readily. That usually means panfish or even species generally considered rough fish like bullheads. At this stage, the size of the fish isn’t important either – action is. The gear required to catch these fish is really simple.
Second, remember it’s not all about the hardcore fishing tackle, either. “Fishing-related” items like fashions, toys, and accessories can help spur interest in fishing and the outdoors as well. These can keep fishing “front of mind” for gift recipients on a daily basis. Then there’s also practical accessories a new fishing family needs, but probably doesn’t have – things like floatation jackets, a landing net, comfortable camp chairs, etc. All of these make it easier for them to take that first trip comfortably and successfully.
Here are some ideas:
Fishing Gear
Zebco® 33 Spincast Fishing Rod and Reel Combo with Tackle Pack
Reg. $29.99
The popular Zebco® 33 spincast fishing rod and reel is a classic. It may have helped more people start fishing than any other piece of gear ever invented. In this combo the no-fuss no-muss reel is paired with a 5 ½-foot takedown rod and comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Cajun fishing line. Tackle pack includes everything needed to go to the lake and start catching fish immediately.
Click here to buy the Zebco® 33 spincast fishing rod and reel at Bass Pro Shops
Shakespeare® Panfish Tackle Box Kit
Reg. $14.99
Gift this kit to each of your budding anglers, and they’ll have all the terminal tackle they need to go out and start catching crappie fish – including the bait! All assembled in a divided utility box, the kit includes: 10 hooks, 5 split shot weights, 3 bobbers, 2 spinner grubs, 2 jig heads, and 10 Berkley® PowerBait® Power Grubs. Versions are available for trout, walleye, bass, and catfish, too.
Click here to buy the Shakespeare Panfish Tackle Box Kit at Bass Pro Shops
Shakespeare® Barbie Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit
Reg. $11.99
Young children often like fishing gear that’s “just theirs.” These kits are perfect. Each contains two pre-rigged Hide-A-Hook Bobbers for extra safety because they cover the hook while casting. They’re also weighted for easier casting and fewer tangles. Kits include kid-sized sunglasses and Berkley® Gulp!® bait. Themes include Barbie, Frozen, Princess, and Spiderman Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit.
Click here to buy the Shakespeare Barbie Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit at Bass Pro Shops
Click here to buy the Shakespeare Frozen Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit at Bass Pro Shops
Click here to buy the Shakespeare Princess Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit at Bass Pro Shops
Click here to buy the Shakespeare Spiderman Hide-A-Hook Bobber Kit at Bass Pro Shops
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Rod and Reel Fishing Combos
Mike “Ike” Iaconelli is one of the most popular and recognized professional anglers on the Bassmaster Elite tournament circuit. Every fishing kid wants to “grow up to be like Ike.” Start them off on the right foot with one of these rod and reel fishing combos. While they look great, they’re really all about catching fish – which is what kids want most of all.
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spincast Rod and Reel Combo - 5' 6" Medium Power
Reg. $39.99
Click here to buy the Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spincast Rod and Reel Fishing Combo - 5'6''M at Bass Pro Shops
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning Rod and Reel Combo - 6' Medium Power
Reg. $39.99
Click here to buy the Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning Rod and Reel Fishing Combo - 6'M at Bass Pro Shops
Lil Anglers Kid Casters Spincast Fishing Combos
Reg. $19.99-$24.99
Next to catching fish, the most important thing about introducing kids to fishing is making it easy for them. The unique design of the Lil Anglers combos prevents frustrating tangles as kids learn to cast and retrieve. The line flows through the hollow center of the rod instead of through guides on top. No tangles. No bunch ups. No wind knots. Comes pre-spooled with 6-pound line and in a variety of plain and themed models.
Click here to buy the Lil Anglers Kid Casters Spincast Fishing Combo at Bass Pro Shops
Fishing & Boating Accessories Gift Ideas
XPS Neoprene Life Jacket for Kids
Reg. $39.99
While it falls in the “accessory” category, no piece of equipment is more important when you have kids around water – even fishing from shore or a dock. And it’s especially important when they are excited – which they will be reeling in a first fish! This vest is comfortable and doesn’t limit activity, so it will be easier to keep them wearing it, too.
Click here to buy the XPS Neoprene Life Jacket for Kids at Bass Pro Shops
XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket
Reg. $69.99
You know what makes it even easier to get kids to wear their life vests? If they see Mom and Dad and Grandpa and Grandma with their vests on, too! You won’t find a more convenient and comfortable vest for fishing than the XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Vest. Just think, no more headaches in setting a good example for the kiddies.
Click here to buy the XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket at Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops Gold Series 34”-67” Telescoping Handle Landing Net
Reg. $29.99
Nothing can crush a budding fishing spirit faster than having a big fish right up to shore or the boat and have it come off the hook and get away! While you can’t always prevent it from happening, a good landing net is a big help. The ability to extend the handle to 67” is a big plus especially fishing from shore or a dock. Don’t let that new angler’s excitement get off the hook!
Click here to buy the Bass Pro shops Gold Series Telescoping Handle Landing Net
Clam Outdoors® Escape Ice Thermal Shelter
Reg. $549.99
If your fantasy for your first-time fishing family unfolds in the winter in the north country, they will need a shelter. The new Clam Outdoors Escape shelter is large enough to handle the whole crew with 94 square feet of fishable space. Thermal Trap technology in the 900-denier fabric retains heat and reduces condensation in the shelter with as many as seven people inside. Despite its size, it takes just a couple minutes to set up or take down.
Click here to buy the Clam Outdoors™ Escape Ice Thermal Shelter at Cabela's
Cabela’s Director’s Camp Chair
Reg. $49.99
Most first-time fishing adventures happen on the shore of a pond, the bank of a river, or dock on a lake. That’s good because youngster’s can move around and aren’t trapped in a boat for hours and hours. But the fishing mentor needs to be comfortable, too, and that’s where a good folding camp chair comes into play. This Cabela’s model supports up to 225 pounds in relaxed comfort.
Click here to buy the Cabela’s Director’s Camp Chair at Cabela's
Fishing Fashion Gift Ideas
Cabela’s Guidewear® Women’s Pants
Reg. $49.99
Light-weight, good looking and easy-care, these women’s pants are made with fishing on sunny days in mind. 4MOST® UPF rating of 30 protects against harsh solar rays so she can spend the day outdoors without worry. Lightweight 89/11 polyester/spandex plain weave wicks away moisture to keep her dry and comfortable when the temperature or activity level heats up.
Click here to buy the Cabela's Guidewear Women's Pants
Fun Fishing T-Shirt for the Kids
Great for summer day on the water or to show pride in American fishing back at school. One of a varied line of kid’s t-shirts. Give your young angler a fitting shirt with the Bass Pro Shops® Small Fry T-Shirt for Toddlers or growing fan of the Great Outdoors who love the fantastic sport of fishing, the Bass Pro Shops® Fishtastic Raglan Shirt for Kids.
Click here to check out all kid's fishing shirts & tops at Bass Pro Shops
Click here to buy the Bass Pro Shops Small Fry T-Shirt for Toddlers
Click here to buy the Bass Pro Shops Fishtastic Raglan Shirt for Kids
Bass Pro Shops Fishing Jerseys for Toddlers and Kids
Kids love looking like their favorite fishing pros, and these two long-sleeve fishing jerseys do just that. Emblazoned with the Bass Pro Shops logo on the front, Tracker Boats on one sleeve and Nitro Boats on the other, this jersey may inspire a young lady or young man to fish like a pro. Bass Pro Shops offers similar jerseys in a variety of colors and sizes for every member of the family.
(A) Click here to buy the Bass Pro Shops Pink or Blue Scales Fishing Jersey for Toddlers and Kids
(B) Click here to buy the Bass Pro Shops 1/4-Zip Blue or Bright Pink Fishing Shirt for Toddlers or Kids
Reg: $24.99
Who doesn’t love a ball cap? Dad, Mom, and the kids all wear them – just about everywhere! This top-of-the-line trucker-style cap combines the hottest brand in fishing – Huk – with the most stylish camo going today – Kryptic – in headwear that will please anyone on your gift list. They can’t be more “in-style” on the water … or anywhere … than wearing this cap.
Click here to buy the Huk Kryptic Logo Trucker Cap at Bass Pro Shops
Redington Clark Fork Youth Fishing Vest
Reg: $39.99
For the youngster who wants to go fishing with grandpa or grandma, few items look the part or are more practical than a fishing vest. This youth model features nine external zip-close and Velcro® pockets, three zip-close interior pockets and large back zip-close pocket (just like the “big guy’s”). There is a hook and loop rod holder to dedicate both hands to changing tackle. Comfortable knitted, lightly padded collar. Fleece fly keeper. Even when he or she is not on the water, they’ll look at the vest and remember when you took them fishing … and look forward to the next time.
Click here to buy the Redington Clark Fork Vest at Cabela's
Fishing Lifestyle Gift Ideas
Reg: $24.99
Much as we hate to admit it, we can’t be fishing all the time. The next best thing is keeping a budding angler’s mind on fishing. The Fishin’-opoly Board Game allows players to buy, sell, and trade their favorite fish and fishing gear. Players choose tokens and advance to Cast. It’s all fun and games until someone lands on Snag – just like real fishing!
Click here to buy the Fishin’-opoly Board Game at Bass Pro Shops
Reg: $19.99
Sometimes the only thing that prevents a family from fishing is finding a good place to go. A bit of research in a DeLorme State Topographic Atlas can quickly turn up dozens of good public fishing prospects. These atlases are invaluable in research – and on the ground when there’s no reliable digital service. Besides fishing spots, these books reveal thousands of other outdoor opportunities, as well.
Click here to buy the DeLorme Topographic Atlases at Cabela's
Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Bunk and the Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk Sleeping Cot
Reg: $269.99-$329.99
When families go camping, fishing is one of the most common activities which they enjoy. So, easy and comfortable camping is a gateway into the world of fishing. Disc-O-Beds are renowned for making the most of tent-space and providing maximum comfort at any campsite. The beds can be stacked as bunks or used individually. They require no tools for setup, and they are rock steady in either configuration. 500 lbs. weight capacity per single cot. Kid-O-Bunk is 200 lbs. weight capacity per single cot.
Click here to buy the Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Bunk sleepking cot at Bass Pro Shops
Click here to buy the Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk with Organizers at Bass Pro Shops
Masterbuilt® Adventure Series MES 140B Digital Electric Smoker
Reg: $299.99
One inspiration to go out and catch fish is to bring them home and make delicious meals from them. For that, a Masterbuilt Smoker is a perfect choice. No smoker is easier to use than this digital electric model. A built-in thermostat keeps the temperature at the perfect setting for whatever you’re smoking. If you gift this to your fishing family, you may even get an invitation for dinner!
Click here to buy the Masterbuilt® Adventure Series MES 140B Digital Electric Smoker at Cabela's
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