If you’re like most anglers, you’re being asked, “What do you want for Christmas?”
One thing I’ve learned over the years is to never answer that question generically. If you’re a discriminating angler like me, you have very specific needs and wants.
So, if you say you want a fishing reel, you may wind up receiving a Zebco 202. That’s a great starter reel, but it’s generally not found in a hardcore basser’s arsenal.
So, I thought I’d list some of my favorite tackle items. I’m not sponsored by any of these companies, but it’s what I like to use and think you would enjoy as well.
So, here we go.
Shimano 2500 Stella Spinning Reel: This reel may not fit many Christmas budgets, but if a loved one has the dough, you won’t be disappointed. Without question, this is the finest reel for battling big smallmouth that will run your drag when finesse fishing. In my mind, there isn’t a finer reel and drag system.
Alpha Angler DSR Drop Shot Rod: Again, a bit pricey, but it’s worth it. Years ago, I had a G. Loomis rod that I loved, and they quit making it. This Alpha Angler comes the closest I’ve found to the Loomis and is ideal for finesse fishing — everything from drop shotting to forward-facing sonar minnow fishing to a shaky head. It’s lightweight, very sensitive and a quality premium rod.
Bubba Smart Fish Scale: I’ve tried a lot of fish-weighing scales, but this is the best out there for the tournament or casual angler. It’s accurate, easy to use, stores your weights for up to eight fish, tracks the total weight and tells you instantly which fish to cull. It comes with cull tags that are color-coordinated to the weights you enter for each fish. Even if you don’t fish tournaments, it’s a fun way to evaluate and track your catch throughout the day.
Simms Challenger Rainsuit: You never want to be miserable on a rainy day, and this rainsuit will protect you as well as any of them. It’s the one I use because it’s lightweight and the bibs don’t add weight to the shoulders like other rainwear will do.
Plano Waterproof Guide Series: These clear utility boxes have secure latches and an “O” ring that keeps water out and protects your tackle. I use them for crankbaits, terminal tackle and lead heads.
Deps Sakamata Shad Soft Jerkbait: This is the hottest minnow-style bait on the pro tour that’s being used by several pros who don’t talk about it. The bait comes in several sizes and colors, but my favorite is the 5-inch Biwako Wakasagi color.
Yamamoto Senko: You probably already have some of these, but they tear up easily and you can never have enough of them. Ask for green pumpkin; it works everywhere. Perfect for a stocking stuffer!
Spro Little John crankbait: When I’m fishing water 5 feet deep or less, this is the crankbait I reach for. My favorite color is citrus shad, and I fish it on 10- or 12-pound line.
Megabass 110 Jr.: One of the most popular jerkbaits on tour, this gem in a Mat Shad color is deadly on smallmouth and spotted bass.
JackHammer: The bladed jig tends to be the one of choice among pros. I carry both 1/2 and 3/8 ounce in white, clearwater shad, green pumpkin and golden shiner. Those colors cover every situation I might encounter.
Strike King Hybrid Hunter: Man, you talk about a great shallow crankbait for fishing around matted grass! I like shad colors, but they all seem to work. Get a color that fits your confidence zone.
Graph Screen Cleaner: I’m not partial to a particular brand, but if one comes with a micro towel, get that one. Your electronics screens get smudged and dirty, so using an appropriate cleaner periodically will help you see details on the screen better.
