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2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Presents for your favorite fisherman from stocking stuffers to extra-special surprises

The holiday season causes the child in each of us to dream about new toys and gifts — both giving them and receiving them. If you’ve got a fisherman on your shopping list, or if you’re a fisherman asked to share your holiday ideas, here are potential gifts in a variety of price ranges.

Gifts Under $50

1. Mold Craft Reel Eel

Mold Craft’s new Reel Eel comes in ­7- and 10-inch lengths in 10 colors. Pair the plastic tails with 3/8-, ½- and 1½-ounce gloss-black, powder-coated jig heads to cast for game fish such as cobia, snook and stripers, and jig for snapper, grouper, cod and halibut….

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2. Hogy Blue Water Pliers

Hogy Lures says its Blue Water Split Ring Pliers can open the “biggest, nastiest split rings around” — up to 350-pound-test. The industrial-grade aluminum pliers feature replaceable stainless-steel jaws and replaceable tungsten-carbide cutters…

3. Halco Roosta Popper

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Halco says it designed the Roosta Popper 160 to produce maximum noise and splash from a medium-size lure while retaining castability, strength and durability. The popper’s shape creates long bubble trails that stream from either side of the lure while the leading edges of the cupped face bite into the water to track straight…

4. Capt. Segull Inshore Fishing Charts

Kayak and small-boat anglers should appreciate Captain Segull’s new smaller — 12-by-18-inch — laminated, double-sided inshore fishing charts. The new charts are 7 inches smaller in width and length than ­traditional versions for easier storage…

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5. Bomber 3-Wire Flash Multi-lure Rig

The multilure rigs that have ignited the bass world resemble saltwater umbrella rigs, but they cast rather than troll. To offer ocean anglers the same option, Bomber Saltwater Grade devised the castable 3-Wire Flash…

6. Saltyshores LifeProof Skin

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Sport Fishing_ photo contributor Sam Root designed his own protective phone and tablet cases this past summer, but he recently introduced a product he calls the Saltyshores LifeProof Skin for the waterproof LifeProof iPhone cases currently growing in popularity among anglers. Root printed his own fish photography onto the dye-sublimated aluminum skins, which are fixed to the back of the case with a waterproof adhesive. Designs include redfish, permit, tarpon, dolphin and sailfish. Price is $16.95. Visit store.saltyshores.com.

7. Toro Tamer Hollow Core Gel Spun Spliceable Super Braid

Toro Tamer’s new Hollow Core Gel Spun Spliceable Super Braid**** boasts 16 strands for superior splicing capability. The company says the line is easier to work with, opens up better, and provides better grip to the leader when properly served or crimped. The white-colored line comes in 40-, 50-, 60-, 80-, 100- and 130-pound-tests. Twenty-five-meter spools cost $9.99; 1000-meter spools cost $199. Visit charkbait.com.

8. Survival Straps Bracelets

Created with paracord, SurvivalStraps can be unwound and converted into a multipurpose rope for any emergency. The company even has a Guy Harvey line, using the artist’s fish imagery on a tag to personalize the bracelet. The handmade, American straps cost $19.95 to $35.95 and come in light- (10 feet of cord) regular- (16 feet of cord) and wide-band (24 feet of cord) sizes. Call 800-971-3360 or visit survivalstraps.com.

9. Yo-Zuri Crystal 3-D Minnow

Yo-Zuri has added a new dimension to its popular Crystal Minnow lineup. The Crystal 3-D Minnow Series features a patented 3D prism finish that reflects like a faceted gem, flashing in every direction…

10. Denali Trophy Bones Collection

Denali Performance Apparel announces its Trophy Bones Collection of Teaser Shirts, which employs state-of-the-art dye-sublimation printing to assure resistance to sunlight fading of the ProtectUV Mega Solar fabric (UPF 50+). Denali also incorporates its WiKZ Moisture Management System, for rapid evaporation even on printed surfaces. The images for the Trophy Bones Collection come from marine artist Marcos Augusto. The long-sleeve shirts are available in seven designs — redfish, bonefish, tarpon, snook, dolphin, yellowfin and marlin — and in seven colors. Sized small to 2XL tall, they cost $45 to $49. Call 800-606-4003 or visit denaliperformance.com.

Gifts $50 to $100

1. Pelagic Blackfin Board Shorts

In its new limited-edition Super Series of shorts, Pelagic incorporated multiple reinforced tool pockets, new stretch panels and quick-dry fabric technology. The new Super Blackfin Boardshorts are made from super-stretch polyester with stain repellent and come in black…

2. Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Pflueger has enhanced its President spinning reels by making them more durable, adding features and reducing the weight by as much as 10 percent. Presidents still feature a graphite body and rotor, and come with six to nine stainless-steel bearings…

3. Guy Harvey Plaid Technical Fishing Shirts

Sporting a very subtle checked pattern, the new Guy Harvey Plaid Technical Fishing shirts blend style with ­function. Made from a lightweight nylon-­polyester blend, the shirts feature a cape back and mesh panels that extend the full length of the sides. The fabric resists stains and dries quickly. Available in sizes small through XXXL, the shirts ($79.99) come in charcoal, blue, tan and gray. Call 877-489-4278 or visit guyharveysportswear.com.

4. Tournament Cable Cooler Gimbal

Many anglers pursue giant fish from boats that lack fighting chairs. For those vessels and situations that require a sit-down fight, Tournament Cable created the Cooler Gimbal…

5. Bluefin Big Sur Board Shorts

The popularity of board shorts as fishing apparel continues to grow as companies like Bluefin USA introduce new styles. Bluefin’s Big Sur Board Shorts are made from a soft, quick-drying microfiber material.

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Gifts $100 to $250

1. Grundens Fish On Jacket

Grundens USA has added the Fish On Jacket to its Gage Technical Gear line. The jacket combines a three-layer soft shell with a 500-denier nylon exterior for warmth and water-resistant protection. Features include the Halo Hood System, a full-length front zipper with a storm flap, adjustable hem and neoprene cuffs, two zippered hand-warmer pockets and an interior zippered chest pocket. Jackets come in tarragon/black or red/black and in sizes from XS to XXL (larger sizes available at slightly higher prices). Price is $149.99. Call 800-323-7327 or visit grundens.com.

2. Lowrance Link-5 VHF

Lowrance designed the new fixed-mount, Link-5 Class D DSC VHF ($179) radio for cost-conscious consumers. The unit features a 1‑by‑1.8‑inch LCD display for GPS lat/lon data, a microphone with six quick keys, an extra-large channel-16 key and a rotary knob for channel changing…

3. Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Reel

The full-metal body was built for saltwater use and features a watertight design with six seals (nine on the rear-mounted Live Liner models). The sealed HT-100 Slammer Drag system keeps internal parts dry…

4. Costa RealTree AP Camo Sunglasses

Costa debuts new RealTree AP camo frame colors in styles that include Fantail, Blackfin, Double Haul and Zane. The limited-edition camo glasses are part of Costa’s core sunglass collection, meaning they offer a wrap shape to protect against glare, proprietary anti-fog vents in the frame front, sturdy integral hinges and co-injected nylon construction. The styles are also available in Costa’s patented 580™ lens technology. Lens colors include Costa’s new specialty sunrise option, as well as gray, copper, amber, blue mirror, green mirror and silver mirror. Prices start at $169. Call 800-447-3700 or visit costadelmar.com.

5. LifeProof Waterproof iPad Case

LifeProof, makers of a popular, waterproof iPhone case, has released a similar product for iPads. The LifeProof nüüd case is submersible to 6.6 feet, sealed from dirt and shockproof, withstanding drops from four feet. The case features O-rings that lock out moisture from all openings; its frame fits snugly over the iPad but leaves the actual screen uncovered. All iPad features remain fully functional; sound is actually enhanced by the case cavity. The nüüd gives anglers with Wi-Fi-capable electronics the option to use an iPad aboard open boats without worry. The case costs $149.99. A cover/stand costs $29.99. Call 888-533-0735 or visit lifeproof.com.

6. Sony Point-of-View Action Camera

Weighing about three ounces, Sony’s new Action Cam offers a compact, wearable point-of-view option for HD video and still captures. The Cam comes with a waterproof case submersible to 197 feet; a Wi-Fi-enabled version is also available for instant online/mobile sharing and remote control. The Action Cam features SteadyShot image stabilization and roll stability. An ultra-wide Carl Zeiss Tessar lens captures action in a 170-degree-wide field. Five modes include 4x slow motion and HD slow 2x/4x; the camera uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor that improves low-light shooting. The Action Cam ships with a rechargeable battery, waterproof case and adhesive mounts. Cost is $199.99 and $269.99 (Wi-Fi enabled). Call 239-768-7547 or visit sony.store.com.

7. Maui Jim World Cup Sunglasses

Maui’s new World Cup sunglasses feature a large-wrap, injected-nylon frame with rubber nose pads in four colors: matte-black rubber, chocolate-stripe fade, marlin and matte-green-stripe rubber. They use Maui’s SuperThin glass lenses — 20 percent thinner and lighter than conventional versions; they come with PolarizedPlus2 technology, featuring nine layers of protection. Available in neutral gray, HCL bronze and HT lens colors, World Cups cost $219. Call 888-628-4545 or visit mauijim.com.

8. ExOfficio Storm Logic Sweater

Offered as an outer layer or a cozy mid-layer, ExOfficio’s Storm Logic Sweater is a new addition to the company’s Fall 2012 lineup. The sweater is a lighter, hooded version of the Storm Logic Jacket and converts into an adjustable travel neck pillow. The ripstop shell is insulated with Primaloft Sport and treated to repel moisture. It features micro-fleece-lined pockets and an internal pocket system. Available in black, ensign, granite and yam and in sizes S through XXL, the sweater costs $155. Call 800-644-7303 or visit exofficio.com.

9. Penn Legion Inshore Rod

Penn has introduced 19 spinning and conventional rods, comprising the new Legion Inshore series. All are made from 30-ton graphite composite with Fuji stainless-steel guides, Hardloy aluminum-oxide inserts and Fuji graphite reel seats with aluminum hoods.

10. Daiwa Seagate Reel

With five models from light to medium-heavy action, Daiwa’s new Seagate conventional reels cover numerous angling opportunities. The single-speed composite reels incorporate helical-cut brass gears, an aluminum spool, a carbon star-drag system and infinite anti-reverse.

11. Columbia Tigershark Duffel

Columbia’s Tigershark technical fishing bag packs a lot into its 10 ½- by-14-by-11-inch frame for times when deck space is limited. The bag’s Techlite bottom provides lightweight structure and waterproof protection, and it’s non-marking. A roomy main compartment handles plenty of gear, including a few tackle boxes; moveable internal dividers allow for customization. A see-through zipped pocket on the top keeps tools in sight. External bungees provide a separate stash for wet, dirty towels. The beefy zippers are reinforced with neoprene barriers to help keep out moisture. The water-resistant Tigershark costs $139. Call 800-622-6953 or visit columbia.com.

****12. FoodSaver GameSaver Silver G500****

FoodSaver’s GameSaver Silver G500 vacuum-sealing system keeps fish and game fresh up to five times longer than the same meat stored in standard packaging, the company says.
For portability, the Silver G500 model comes with a 15-foot, 12-volt adaptor cord that can be plugged into any vehicle or boat battery port. The model also has a standard 6-foot power cord. The heavy-duty Silver G500 is built for larger fish- and game-processing jobs, features a grab-n-go handle and large buttons, and handles up to 25 repetitive seals. Cost is $199. Call 877-777-8042 or visit foodsaver.com.

Gifts Over $250

1. Accurate DPX2 ‘Dawg Pound’ Reels

Accurate says it’s paying allegiance to ­tough-hearted reels of the past with its new DPX2 “Dawg Pound” conventional reels. Created to offer ultimate stopping power in a small braided-line package, the DPX2s feature a triple dog-and-pawl design.

2. Magellan eXplorist 510 Marine Edition Handheld GPS

Rugged and waterproof, the 510 bundled with a Navionics Gold micro SD card combines high-sensitivity GPS reception with easy-to-read mapping and accurate navigation. Use more than 30 navigational data fields — create waypoints, record tracks, and route from point to point. The integrated 3.2 mega-pixel camera, microphone, and speaker enable anglers to record geo-referenced images and voice notes. The touchscreen unit employs just two customizable buttons. Powered by two AA batteries, the 510 lasts up to 16 hours. Price is $479.99. Call 800-707-9971 or visit magellangps.com

3. Steiner Commander XP Binoculars

Steiner has packed the technology and performance of its 7×50 Commander XP binoculars into its new, compact-size 7×30 model. At just under 20 ounces, the 7×30 Commander XP ($549) offers a 392-foot field of view at 1,000 yards, and comes with Steiner’s NANO lens coating that repels water.

4. Yeti Tundra 110 Cooler

The new Yeti Tundra 110 Cooler offers 24.1 gallons of capacity in its 37-by-177⁄8-by-20-inch package. The one-piece, roto-molded box features Yeti’s pressure-injected PermaFrost insulation, T-Rex lid latches and ColdLock gasket.

5. Shimano Talica 20 BFC Reel

Shimano optimized its new Talica 20BFC (Billfish Concept) to offer precise drag control for 20-pound-mono-designated tournaments targeting sailfish and white marlin. The BFC retrieves 60 inches of line per crank with its 6.7-to-1 gear ratio and features Shimano’s High Efficiency Gearing and a cold-forged aluminum frame and spool. It holds 640 yards of 20-pound test, with 15 pounds of max drag. Price is $799.99. Call 877-577-0600 or visit fish.shimano.com.

6. Okuma Makaira SE Reel

Okuma’s new Makaira SE reels come with a yellowfin tuna etched on the side plate, which might tell you why the company introduced this special edition. Available in five sizes — from 8 to 30, holding 40- to 130-pound braid — the SEs feature open spool bearings with TSI‑301 oil, which increases free-spool, Okuma says…

7. St. Croix Legend Inshore Rods

St. Croix’s high-modulus SCIV graphite Legend rods boast 33 percent greater strength than their predecessors. The company uses a Fortified Resin System that combines a special resin with new curing ovens to keep carbon fibers in proper alignment. The five spinning and four casting rods feature zero-tangle guides with zirconia rings and titanium frames, Fuji SK2 split reel seats and cork handles. Prices range from $270 to $350. Call 715-762-3226 or visit stcroixrods.com.

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