Gift for New (Fishing) Boater
Hi All,
My brother's going to be doing a lot for me this spring, so I'd like to get him something nice as a gift. He will not accept anything I ask him about, so I need to make my best guess. He just bought a ~17' fishing boat from Bass Pro and is looking to get out to do some fishing. I know he's got a cover and some rods, etc. but I'm not really sure what else someone would want (I'm not a fisherman...at all). Would y'all kindly list some things he might love to have but that he might not have thought of? Thanks! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Get him a subscription to In-Fisherman and or Bassmasters magazines.
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Also, I just thought of UV protective fishing shirts and a nice hat. Any tips from fishermen on shirts/hats? Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
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What kind of fishing does he like to do? Salmon/trout or bass or panfish? Also what is your budget for said gift?
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some ideas....
A few thoughts...
maybe some nice sunglasses, like Ray Bans? Those would be invaluable both driving the boat and fishing. They would run about a couple hundred. Also, some nice binoculars? Not so much for the fishing, but definitely would come in handy on the boat. Gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops....that way, he can get whatever he wants for fishing, the boat, etc |
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I'd be willing to spend up to $500. I did find out that the new boat came with a GPS/fish finder system. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
A gift certificate to tackle warehouse by far the best online fishing store.
As for the sun and UV protection shirts I feel that Aftco makes the best ones. He may need a GPS chip from navionics or Lakemaster for his GPS to have all of the data in the lakes region. That would be a great gift. |
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Quick question on the maps: how far of a range to those cards/maps cover? He's in Hudson, NH and will use it from around there and north to Winni. Update: it's a Lowrance Hook² 5, which looks like it comes with maps? Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
You could always get him a really nice high end rod and reel combo. Think shimano reel and st croix rod. Have it spooled up with some power pro braided line.
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Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Clark's New Hampshire Fishing Guide 2003
"Clark's New Hampshire Fishing Guide 2003" Very detailed. Expensive (~$44) on Amazon, but Gary is from your hometown and has a supply (~25?). He'll probably autograph it if you go to his house to pick it up. I've done this a couple of times.
I think we'd all be interested in what you decide. |
A personal locator beacon could save his bacon.
There is no fee for registering the unit with NOAA and there are no monitoring fees. It's only $419 for the whole safety kit. acr PLB ResQLink View Survival Kit by Jarboys Outdoors & Marine Supplies -AUTHORIZED Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XLD19T4...ing=UTF8&psc=1 |
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Bizer map...even though he has a chip there is no guarantee that electronics won't fail. Even with my chip, I sometimes stop and pull my bizer to decide where I want to go next.
Quality rain gear. Some of the best fishing happens in the rain...fish don't care...they are already wet...most humans without good gear go home. Nautical grade compass (console mountable) Bumpers for docking. Life jackets...the boat probably came with the orange "horse collar" type. Get the inflatable types that are much more wearable. |
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Suggestions on type/brand/styles? Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Most fishermen don't like to wear a cumbersome life vest while fishing.
How about a quality inflatable belt or vest |
A gator camo foam swimmer's noodle with swirly drab green-black-gray camouflage colors disguised so's the fish don't see you wearing it, makes an excellent el cheapo pfd worn as a waist belt and doubles as a quick access storage spot for storing fishing lures by sticking the hooks into the foam noodle.
Have you seen one of these camouflage swim noodles that cost $4.49? Probably not because it is camouflaged! Worn somewhat tightly around the waist it could keep you vertically afloat in a position similar to treading water all the long night long until the sun finally rises, and the first light of morning arrives, when some early morning boater/fisherman notices you and pulls you aboard. It will move up to a position under your arm pits and arms and stay there permanently if threaded and knotted with a good quality 5/6 or 3/8" line, and tied with a bowline knot. Another good feature is that a noodle swim belt makes it EASY to swim along, moving forward through the water, something a pfd does NOT do too good. |
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~$135 at Bass Pro/Cabella's. Several good brands. |
I have one of those Automatic / Manual inflatables from bass pro. It is very comfortable to wear you hardly know that it is on. I always wear it if I am on the boat alone when the water is cold.
They go on sale at Bass Pro in the spring for a very reasonable price (about $80)! |
Angling In The Smile Of The Great Spirit
Even though he is more oriented toward bass fishing, I still would bet that your brother would enjoy Dr. Harold Lyon's treasure of a book. There is a lot of useful information and wonderful photos as well and it is likely to be gone through by a lot of the other's in the household as well.
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Thanks for all the ideas, fellas. I think this is gonna be a group of gifts rather than just one big'un. PFDs, tackle/magazine subscriptions, a book or two, and maybe a couple gift cards or some Frog Togs or something.
I'm open to any other suggestions, but one more question: anyone have favorite bluetooth speakers? There's no audio system on the vessel, so I'm thinking I'm gonna add a Bluetooth speaker to the gift bag. I've got three UE Booms that are great, but I don't know about many other options. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Another viewpoint ...from a non fella
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Sue |
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Thanks for your kind words, but, really, the good person here is my brother—he's as selfless as they come. I'm just showing my appreciation. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Vhf?
BoatUS suggest that after a PFD your best piece of safety gear is your VHF. Fishing on the lake, I think most boats monitor and converse on Ch 11 (?), so it's not just a safety item. Doubly important if he does any coastal boating. Despite all the good stuff your phone does, it can't broadcast or receive a Mayday. And he'll need waterproof bags/containers for all this stuff you're buying.
Is he taking time away from wife/family/girlfriend to help you. Maybe they need something too? BTW, I think we're all having a good time spending your money for things that we'd like to have too, or have enjoyed in the past. Thank you. |
Another idea... A guided fishing trip with a guide that both of you can enjoy together. You can make a memory and learn a thing or 2 at the same time. The smallmouth bass fishing in early June can be incredible.
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1. Besides Emerson, whom else should I hit up for pricing and 2. What season would you go? I mean, autumn might be fun, but does it really matter? Also, thanks to Descant, I connected with the author of Clark's Fishing Guide and picked up a signed copy today for my brother. I think he'll like that very much. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Airplane?
There used to be a seaplane operator in Pauggs Bay. Don't know what Covid did to that operation, but it would be fun to have him pick you up at Acadia. There's probably somebody at Moultonborough Airport. You could probably make it a lesson, not just a ride, so your brother can drive and maybe make the landing. Send a PM to seaplane pilot.
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He said there's a new pilot starting a similar operation up soon, but I think Hanson Cove and Arcadia's setup is too narrow/populated/cluttered to get picked up there, so I called Emerson and penciled in a sunset flight in June. I told them I'd confirm in the next day or two as I finished my research, though, if anyone has other ideas. 3...sizable dudes, so no Red Baron! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Hahaha! Emerson just called and said the three of us = too much weight for their Cessna [emoji51]. I'm a little weirded out by it, though, as we're not crazy heavy—200/240/250—and, of course, it's mostly muscle.
I'm working on it, but any other leads welcome! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Chopper?
Some years ago, my son and I took a helicopter ride at a Hi-Hopes Festival. I think it held five passengers plus pilot. They were based in Concord, NH.
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I think my second brother can't commit to a weekend, so it'll probably be just me and my oldest brother, and we'd fit into the weight requirements! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
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