Gift ideas for your angler
By Staff
Kevin Stone
Franklin County Times
The holiday season is here and it's time to fill the stocking of your favorite angler. This week I will offer some gift ideas to make your shopping a little bit easier.
1. Football jigs. These are one of the hottest baits around for catching bass. The colors I would buy are green pumpkin, brown, and black &blue. Purchase a variety of sizes in each color ranging from ? ounce to ? ounce.
2. Tungsten bullet weights. Don't be surprised at how much these little weights cost and purchase sizes from 1/8 ounce to 1 ounce.
3. Net Bait soft plastics. These new baits are awesome and purchase colors and sizes to match the football jigs.
4. Fluorocarbon fishing line. This is the strongest and most sensitive line made that is invisible under water. Purchase line sizes from 8 lb test to 20 lb test. This is what he will fish the new football jigs on and will probably want at least 17 lb test line.
5. Fish Headz face mask. This is a wind proof and water proof mask that is worn while riding in a boat. Your angler will love you for it when fishing those cold rainy days.
6. Fishing reels. Bass Pro Shop is making some great reels with the best starting around $80. If you want to buy name brand reels you can't go wrong with Shamino and Pflueger but expect to pay $120 and up.
7. Fishing rods. Be careful when buying a fishing rod. Anglers are usually very picky about their rods and they probably already have a lot of them. If you don't know what kind to buy, ask one of his buddies.
8. Rain suit. Good rain suits are not cheap and buy one with bib overalls.
9. Inflatable floatation vest. These look like suspenders and are very comfortable to wear. They come in two different types, auto inflatable and manual inflatable. If you buy the manual type remind your angler to jerk the yellow tab before he is thrown out of the boat.
10. I saved the best for last and it is the perfect size, color, and style. Buy your favorite angler a VISA gift card available at Valley State Bank.
I hope these suggestions will help you stuff the stocking of your favorite angler. The best tackle stores in our area are CJ's in Belgreen and Gray's in Sheffield. The guys working here probably know your angler and they can be a great help in making selections. Also, don't forget about the young anglers. Start them off right with a Zebco 33. It is easy to use and will provide the perfect opportunity to take a kid fishing.
Kevin Stone is branch manager and loan officer at Valley State Bank and can be reached at (256) 332-3600.
