Snow is in the air, and has even blanketed parts of Northeastern Ontario in the past couple weeks. The fishing season has come to an end for many, but the holiday season is fast approaching and thoughts are transitioning to the winter months ahead. Many anglers are reflecting on the past season and want to replenish lost baits and acquire new rods, reels and accessories.
There is never a bad time to get new fishing gear, but the holidays is a great to show the angler or outdoorsperson in your family that you’re paying attention and know how to score a gift that’s perfect for them. I’m giving you a cheat-sheet below.
General gifts like clothing and sunglasses are a good option as they can be enjoyed by beginners to seasoned pros. Outfitters have come a long way in the fishing industry, including an Ontario-based company Stix & Stones who make great gear and. Tools and safety items are always a requirement and you can never be too prepared when on the water.
• Clothing – Stix and Stones
• Polarized Sunglasses – Costa, Smith, Oakley & Spy
• Tools such as Fillet Knives, Pliers and Line Cutters
• First Aid and Boater Safety Kits
If you’re a part of a fishing household, a group gift is a great idea for the whole family. Take a look at all the fishing operators and accommodations in the region for ideas. This would make for a great trip and many BIG memories for years to come! The region has so many options and dream destinations to choose from that you might even make it an annual tradition. Here are a few trip ideas:
Lauzon Aviation: 2-Bay Fly-in For Speckled Trout
This package includes a return flight from Lauzon Lake Base, cabin, boat, motor, gas and propane. Starting at $760 per person.
Big Moose Camp: Ice Fishing Package for 2 Nights
This package includes lakefront housekeeping cottage, 8' x 12' wood-heated ice hut, fishing gear, bait, drilled holes, and satellite TV. Visit their website for details and pricing.
Horseshoe Island Camp: 3 Night Fishing Package
This package includes housekeeping cottages, boat and motor, gas, and bait. Visit their website for details and pricing
Fishing gear can be a bit more difficult to purchase since there are lots of species and techniques to choose from and, to complicate it more, anglers have different preferences. For the beginner or someone starting to get a bit more serious, a standard spinning combo is a great purchase for both the summer and winter. Nets, tackle storage and equipment protection is available for all types of anglers out there and they might want to fill their tackle trays with a variety of tackle found in many assortment kits. Or give them a gift that keeps on giving with the monthly tackle subscriptions.
• New Rod and Reel Combo - 7’ Medium to Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action teamed up with a 2500 Series Reel
• Ice Fishing Combo – 28” Medium action such as the 13 Fishing Wicked Combo
• Fishing Nets – Frabill Conservation Series
• Tackle Storage – Plano Guide Series or a Backpack Bag for the on the go angler.
• Equipment Protection – The Rod Glove
• Assortment Kits see Cabela’s, Bass Pro or Power Team Lures Kits
• Monthly Tackle Subscription like – Lucky Tackle Box & Mystery Tackle
Electronics make a great gift no matter what your interests are. They assist in all aspects of our lives so why not in fishing as well? Fishing electronics have come a long way—micro underwater cameras, down and side imaging electronics along with ice fishing specific units are good options. Action cameras are used to capture great memories and nothing beats watching the catch of your lifetime over again. More cost effective options are the Thermacell line of products and waterproof cameras and phone cases.
• Electronics – Aqua View Underwater Cameras, Lowrance Ice Units and the New Hummingbird Onix
• Waterproof Action Camera’s – GoPro, Garmin, and Shimano
• ThermaCell – Mosquito and Foot Warmers
• Waterproof Phone Case - Lifeproof Case and Lifejacket Case
If you still don’t feel like you’ve found the perfect gift for that certain someone, a gift card never hurt and there are many great opportunities in the Northeastern Ontario region. Sudbury (Ramakko's), North Bay (North Bay Outfitters), and Timmins (Dumoulin Sports), all have great local retailers that can give the big box stores of fishing a run for their money. Don’t forget to support local as much as you can.
Anglers of all levels can be scratched off your list in no time. The items above have been on more than one Christmas list over the years. It’s time to start scratching them off for a lucky angler this Holiday Season.
