I can’t believe we’re already hard on the heels of another Holiday Season—but here we are. Like most, I enjoy this time of year for a number of reasons. People are friendlier; all the lights and decorations are fun; and, frankly, I love Christmas cookies.
One of the most entertaining aspects of the season, however, are the endless supply of gift lists that pepper Internet spaces, or show up out of nowhere to land in my email inbox. I get a special kick out of those with names like “Gift Ideas for your Fisherman,” or “Fisherman’s Wish List.” Typically they suggest things like
toilet paper dispensers that looks like a levelwind reel, or
beverage can holders in the shape of a fish head. Cool stuff to some folks, I’m sure, but to me, they’re just funny.
That’s why I decided to come up with my own wish list this year—a list of things I’d actually use and appreciate. Many of them are straight from our 2012 Gear Feature in the new December/January issue of
North American Fisherman.
Do I count on seeing everything here under the tree in a few weeks? Of course not; I haven’t had that kind of expectation since I was 5 years old. But that’s why it’s called a “wish list,” so here goes.
1.
Owner JigRig Hooks in every size from 3/16 to ¼ ounce, and size 1 to 5/0 hooks—tungsten, please. The teardrop weight slides through brush and weeds, and because it’s attached by a split ring, it doesn’t interfere with the soft plastic’s action. A modest request, I know, but I haven’t fished them yet, and it really want to.
2.
Northland Slick Stick, again in every weight from ¾ to 4 ounces. It’s a stainless steel bottom bouncer that’s totally snag-free and won’t twist in the line. Another modest request, but like the JigRig, this is a great idea that someone should have thought of a long time ago.
3.
Rapala Lithium Ion Fillet Knife When you choose to use a power fillet knife, it’s usually because you have a stack of crappies, yellow perch or white bass to clean for a major fish fry. The lithium ion battery in this cordless knife runs full-power for 80 minutes; it won’t slow down until the fish bucket is empty.
4.
Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Line in 4-, 8- and 12-pound test. This stuff improved my casting distance and accuracy by at least 50%. And I’ve got three more spinning reels that need to get spooled with it.
as “too much tackle storage.” I like this setup because every StowAway tackle tray is easily accessed, and the 15-degree down angle makes it easy to slide them in and out of the box.
6.
Frabill FXE Windproof Fleece While layering your clothing against the elements is a smart move in most situations, sometimes it’s just a pain. I like the fact that this jacket cuts the wind and offers the insulation fleece provides.
7.
Abu Garcia Revo MGX baitcasting reel. When this reel shows up under the tree, I’ll know my wife loves me. The more I fish (read “the older I get”), the more I appreciate reliable, lightweight gear. At 5.4 ounces, I know I can cast this all day without worrying whether I brought the bottle of Aleve. Now, if she really loves me, it’ll be attached to the 4.9-ounce
Villain rod—7½ feet, medium-heavy action.
That’s my wish list, what’s on yours? -- Kurt