GIFT IDEAS FOR THE ANGLER
By Bob Jensen

It can be easy to buy gifts for an angler, or it can be difficult. Some anglers are willing to wait until birthdays or Christmas in hopes that they will receive an item they would like as a gift; other anglers just buy that particular item whenever they discover it. If I was buying gifts for an angler, here are some things that would be high on the list.

StrikeMaster has developed a Power Auger Storage Case for ice augers. It has shoulder straps so you can carry it on your back, which frees your hands for minnow buckets or pulling portable shelters. The Power Auger Storage Case fits all power augers that I know of, and provides protection for the auger as well as your vehicle. I used to get lots of cuts on the interior of my truck from sharp ice blades on the auger, but this new case will eliminate that. The Power Auger Storage Case is a really neat deal.

Frabill has implemented some changes to its Aqua-Life minnow bucket that will make it even more reliable. I kept several dozen shiners alive all day in the middle of summer in an Aqua-Life last year. Any storage system that will keep that many shiners alive on a hot day is doing its job.

A new rod or reel is almost always a welcomed gift item. Fenwick has introduced Carbon Veil technology to the HMG series of rods. I don't know much about Carbon Veil, but I do know that these rods are extremely sensitive and available in some great actions.

Perhaps the best value in fishing rods is the Lightning Rod. Lightning Rods are sensitive, available in some really nice actions, they're tough, and the price is right.

The Cardinal 600 series reels from Abu Garcia incorporate a super smooth and reliable drag, and are lightweight yet strong. In fact, they have all the features of a much more expensive reel for a much lower price. There are several series in the Cardinal line-up to fit any angler's needs.

Any angler or person who enjoys being outside should have a Carhartt Workshield Parka. It is absolutely great in the boat or at the football game. The Workshield Parka has lots of pockets and a mesh lining. It looks good and is extremely durable. Once you try one, you won't be without one.

Last item. The new Ruler Scale Board from Northland Tackle is a must-have piece of equipment on any body of water that has length regulations on the fish, and that is pretty much all bodies of water. The Ruler Scale Board enables anglers to measure their catch quickly, and also has a conversion table that gives you a pretty good idea what that fish weighs.

Virtually all of these items are available at sporting good stores right now. This list should provide ideas for potential gifts for anglers: I just wish a similar list existed for women.