Gift ideas for the fishing enthusiasts on your shopping list including affordable art, humorous items, books, waterproof boxes, video games and digital cameras.
For the Fisherman who has it All
Head to your local antique mall and check out what the stalls might have to offer. If you are lucky, you may encounter an old style wicker basket for carrying home the catch of the day, or an ornate, and still very usable reel from days gone by. Old fishing lures and flies are also always a good purchase. If you chance upon an assortment, all-the better, as I do not know a single angler, who would not be thrilled to get an assortment of old lures. Be sensible though, and avoid a pile that is lumped together beneath a layer of rust! Wrap up your find with a brand new tackle box, and you will have a sure winner!
While at the antique mall, also look for turn of the century magazines that feature fishing. Many of these contain print ads that are suitable for framing and are actually coveted by many anglers today as the "˜art' of choice to decorate their homes and offices. If you are comfortable framing them yourself, go ahead and put your find into a frame that echoes the love of the outdoor sport. Otherwise, have a couple custom framed, possibly with an antique lure or two as part of the display, for that extra special angler on your list. Not finding any old prints locally? Look on the Internet's auction sites, such as EBay. Postcards from days gone by, that feature fishing in various forms, also wok well for wall art.
Humor Included
Fish themed gifts do not always have to be serious. Some of the best gifts come with a bit of humor attached. One that instantly comes to mind is one my wife and I purchased for a friend; A paperweight, made from wood, but painted to resemble a stack of dynamite, with the words "˜Redneck Fishing Pole' painted on one side. It was an instant favorite for the gift recipient who had been having a recent run of bad luck fishing.
Gifts that Keep Giving
In this digital age that we live in, a camera to snap pictures of the "˜big one' can be the best gift any angler on your list will get. Add a waterproof box, or better yet, give a camera that is waterproof and you will have a sure winner.
For When They Can't be out on the Water
Fishing games are always fun. Several different ones are available for the computer, including titles such as Rapala Pro Fishing, or Bass Pro Fishing. Do not overlook the game machines, such as the Sony Playstation, or Xbox, as these both have several fishing themed games available also, including Pro Fishing Challenge available for the Xbox and Rapala's Fishing for the Playstation 2. Magazines subscriptions are always a no-miss gift. Some titles that are sure to be favorites include, Bassmaster, In-Fisherman, American Angler, and Fly Tyer.
If the gift recipient is not the electronics type, head to the book aisle and get them a copy of "Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die: Fly-Fishing Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations" by Chris Santella, or "What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing" by Frank P. Baron. Both of these are sure to provide hours of reading for anyone interested in fishing, and afterwards, either will be welcome additions to their coffee table book collection. If you can't find these titles, browse the thousands of titles available on fishing by searching online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon, or head to your local bookstore to see what titles can catch your eye!
