Sign in Pro
Best Gifts for Fishermen Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Don’t stress if you’re having trouble finding a gift for a fisherman. In this article, there are 10 options which are popular among fishermen; useful, practical, and meaningful. As an extra bonus, from the perspective of the gift recipient, there will be no need to get into a potentially awkward situation by exchanging the gift, keeping it out of a misplaced sense of obligation, or the worst possible outcome... getting caught regifting a present that missed the mark, despite every good intention.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
Regardless of which specific gift you opt to purchase, it should be effective at its respective purpose. From multi-purpose tools to fishing scales, whatever the item is, not only should it work, but it should work well.
You want your money to be well spent, while delighting the recipient with a high-quality, well-forming item, no matter how it relates to fishing. For example, if you are purchasing a reel, imagine the satisfaction the reel’s lucky new owner will feel the first time he or she uses it. Plus, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the person you care about is enjoying a gift that’s a pleasure to use, enhancing his or her fishing experience.
Ease of Use
No matter which of the 10 options reviewed above you are considering, it should be easy to use and get the hang of. An experienced fisherman should not have to struggle to master any sort of fishing-related device. While whichever product you’re considering does not need to be basic in its operation or “dumbed down” by any means, it should not be overly sophisticated to the point where a phone book-sized user manual needs to be studied before it can be actually used.
Whether you choose underwater lights, a rod holder or any of the above, using whichever product should be intrinsically easy, effortless and enjoyable. Anything that causes a fishing line to get twisted, a lure to come loose, or a tackle set to become organized will quickly find its way into a dumpster.
Use
Use is a general and vague term, but when considering gifts for a fishing buff, you want to select an item that is useful, clever and helpful. Ask the question - will this make fishing easier for the recipient? Will it make going fishing less complicated and more streamlined?
Another question, though as obvious as it may seem, is will he or she actually use the item? If the particular fisherman already has a rod rack, perhaps opt for something else. However, if he or she has made a few comments about being on the lookout for a new rod or folding knife, take note. Giving a gift that meets a need is a rare opportunity.
Value
Cost and value are two different, though related things. If you are not on a particularly tight budget and are surfing the internet for the best possible gift in the fishing-related category, it is tempting to choose the most expensive product, assuming that the most expensive option is the best. This is a common misconception, though it is almost always a fallacy.
While some expensive items are indeed high in value and do justify a hefty price tag, this is usually the exception and not the rule. Yes, the old adage “you get what you pay for” undeniably has some truth to it, but due to the way supply and demand have changed, prices across the board have become more consumer-friendly.
Durability
Durability is a quality you should look for in virtually all products. Unless you are buying an antique vase or a Faberge egg, “delicate” and “fragile” are terms you want to avoid at all costs. Think of what fishing involves. It’s obviously an outdoor activity, sometimes involving casting off from a pier or a grassy point on a riverbank, sometimes it’s done on a boat in a pond, river or the ocean, and sometimes it’s done while the fisherman actually stands in the water, such as during fly fishing.
All fishing-related gear needs to be sturdy, strong, tough, and ready to withstand serious use. Fishing gear needs to be built to last and should not need to be replaced (assuming it’s properly taken care of). Otherwise, this greatly brings down the overall value of the product.
10 Best Gifts for Fishermen
1. Youphoria Microfiber Towel
The Youphoria microfiber travel towel is a great gift for just about everyone, fishermen included. It comes with a convenient carrying case and is perfect for a variety of activities; from going to the gym to camping too, of course, fishing. It’s fast drying, absorbent, and budget-friendly.
Superior Absorption
If you’ve used microfiber towels before, you know that they are not all created equal. A poorly designed microfiber acts much like a sponge - it becomes saturated quickly, needs to be constantly wrung out, and takes a long time to dry. The Youphoria, however, is amazingly absorbent, retaining a large amount of water at once, and dries within minutes after being wrung out.
Hassle-Free Microfiber
If you wash your car in your driveway instead of taking it through a car wash, this has undoubtedly happened to you. You rinse it down, meticulously scrub everything from the roof to the wheels, rinse it again, and then, to avoid water spots, you decide to dry the car using a chamois cloth or “shammy.” Shammies are commonly made of microfiber, so they seem like a good choice; gentle enough not to scratch the paint, absorbent and effective. However, this often results in tiny pieces of the towel getting stuck to your car. Now, your “clean” is covered in fibers. The Youphoria is carefully designed to withstand serious, heavy-duty use without falling apart.
Cost and Value
The Youphoria has earned 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 1500 customer reviews. It is practical, affordable, convenient, and versatile. The fisherman in your life will undoubtedly appreciate it. This is a great product at a fair price, making it an excellent value.
2. UglyStik GX2
You may be wondering why you would want to risk buying a rod and a reel for a fisherman, who probably already has a favorite fishing pole (if not several) and knows what he or she likes and dislikes. Well, one thing to keep in mind with fishing is that rods and reels do not last forever, especially with regular use. They break, they get dropped into the water, and they fall apart. So, why go with the UglyStik? It is a versatile, adjustable rod and reel combination that is perfect for fishermen of every skill level. Whether amateur or experienced, the UglyStik is an impressive, lightweight, surprisingly high-performance rod and reel that does not disappoint.
Fully Adjustable
This combo would make a great gift for a child or an adult; its length is fully adjustable. Whether the fisherman in question is 4’6” or 6’4”, the rod can be adjusted to fit the fisherman’s height perfectly, allowing him or her to cast off with ease. This also makes the pole a suitable gift for a young fisherman because he or she can grow into it.
Sensitivity
The rod is made of graphite and fiberglass; materials which allow the fisherman to detect the slightest tug on the line. This makes it easy for new fishermen to detect when a fish is nibbling on the line. The lightweight rod is easy to raise up to snag the fish on the hook, and the ultra-responsive reel is easy to operate, allowing the fish to be reeled in with ease. Catching your first fish is a big moment for a new fisherman.
Cost and Value
The UgliStik has earned an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars based on over 600 customer reviews. A rating of 3.7 considered out of context may seem satisfactory at best. It is important to consider that the rod and reel combination is incredibly affordable, literally a fraction of the cost of the majority of the competition. Additionally, the versatility and adjustability of the UgliStik also must be factored into its ultimate value. While it is not the rod and reel combo for an ultra-serious, semi-professional fisherman, for everyone else, it’s perfectly fine, and provides a lot of enjoyment out on the water. It’s a decent product sold at a fair price, making it a good value.
3. KastKing Fishing Rod Rack
The KastKing is, in a word, impressive. Most serious fishermen have multiple rods and need a way to store them, keeping them in good condition, safe from damage, and preventing them from becoming entangled. This particular rod rack is in a class of its own. It holds up to 24 rods of varying sizes. It’s a great way to keep your equipment in perfect condition, organized and nicely displayed, making it a wonderful gift.
24 Rods
The rack accommodates up to 24 rods of varying sizes. Storing fishing rods can be problematic. Sometimes they wind up just leaning against the corner of a garage or basement, suspended on a ceiling, or stacked in a vehicle or boat. The KastKing is a space-saving problem solver that not only looks great but also keeps the rods in excellent condition; neat, organized and ready to go.
Award Winning
The KastKing won a design award from ICAST, a prestigious award bestowed upon the best of the best products in various categories of the sportfishing industry. The rack was chosen based on its efficient use of space, lightweight design, portability, strength, and overall usefulness. Additionally, the rack was commended for its easy assembly and user-friendly design.
Cost and Value
The rod rack has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 600 reviews. The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with the rack coming highly recommended. The ICAST award also speaks very highly of the rack’s overall quality, performance, and practicality. Its price is fair and reasonable. The KastKing is an excellent value; a superb product sold at a respectable price.
4. Piscifun Tackle Bag
Even if the fisherman for whom you are shopping already has a favorite tackle storage bag (or box), the Piscifun is an absolute game changer. It’s comfortable, spacious, incredibly well-designed, portable, and ideal for traveling. The design is completely innovative and unique, and the bag is fully adjustable. There are pockets, straps, compartments and separate areas for all of your fishing and camping related needs to keep you organized and ready to go.
Water Resistant
The bag is made of a unique combination of nylon-based materials. The material provides superior insulation and protection from water. Water infiltration is nearly impossible unless the bag is completely submerged for an extended period of time. Your belongings within the bag will be safe, dry and protected, allowing you to store things like your cellphone (and any other small electronics), wallet, medication, food and so forth with confidence.
Ergonomic Design
The Piscifun is designed to hold a substantial amount of weight without straining your back or shoulders. The wide straps are padded and adjustable, distributing the weight of the pack in such a way to avoid putting undue stress on any part of your upper body. The bag has two rod belts for carrying your poles, interior and exterior pockets, and is designed to carry tools, tackle, bottled water, canned food and so forth. The bag can be worn during the duration of a long trek or fishing expedition without the user experiencing pain or discomfort at the end of the day.
Cost and Value
Piscifun has earned an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 500 customer reviews. The reviews are enthusiastic, with customers extolling the virtues of the bag, sharing positive experiences of using the bag for everything from fishing to serving as carry-on luggage during flights. The price is quite reasonable and the overall quality of the bag is excellent, making it a product of superior value, and a fantastic gift idea for a fisherman, camper, hiker or frequent traveler. It’s the outdoorsman’s dream.
5. PLUSINNO Telescopic Rod & Reel
The PLUSINNO is not just a telescopic rod and reel; it’s an entire, complete set of introductory fishing equipment to get a new, inexperienced fisherman started. Everything from the rod and reel to baits, fishing line, weights, and a carrying case is included. It’s a great gift for a few fishermen, or, if you are taking a quick trip and don’t want to have to bring a lot of equipment with you, everything can be neatly packed in the convenient carrying case for ultra ease of use.
A Little Bit of Everything
The kit includes everything a fisherman needs for a fun weekend of casting off. From the telescoping rod to the strong reel, ample fishing line, hooks, and sinkers, simply grab the carrying case and you are off. While the kit is not intended for extended fishing expeditions, if, for example, you are enjoying a long weekend on the water and have a few hours to spend fishing, the kit is perfect. You will be casting off in no time, and when you are done, it only takes a few minutes to clean and repack your gear in the carrying case.
12 Month Warranty
The kit comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. The seller has an excellent record of having a responsive, fair customer service team. The company seems to truly value your business as a customer, and satisfaction is important to them.
Cost and Value
The PLUSSINO has an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on just over 500 customer reviews. It is competitively priced, and the reviews are generally good. Several customers commented that the kit is ideal for a child or an amateur fisherman, but it is probably not intended for a seasoned fisherman. The product, price, and value are all good.
6. Buck Folding Knife
The Spitfire is the perfect folding knife for a fisherman to bring with him or her on a trip. Whether it’s cutting fishing line, cleaning a fish, removing a hook that’s gotten stuck or otherwise, a folding knife can be an invaluable tool to have with you while fishing. The Spitfire is a sleek option that has advanced safety features and is highly effective.
Razor Sharp
The knife’s blade is exceptionally sharp, like a razor. It also stays that way, requiring little maintenance and infrequent sharpening. The knife does need to be kept clean, but other than that, simply sharpening it from time to time will keep it sharp and effective. While this may seem like a dangerous feature, statistically, it is more likely for an injury to occur when using a dull knife due to the increased amount of force needed to be exerted in order to use it.
One Hand Opening
The Spitfire can be safely opened and closed with one hand. This takes practice, and the recipient of the knife should take the time to familiarize him or herself with how the knife operates before actually taking it out on a fishing trip, to avoid accidental injury.
Cost and Value
The knife has earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 200 customer reviews. The vast majority of customers are nothing less than delighted with the Spitfire, mentioning everything from its ease of use to its superb sharpness. The knife is a superb product sold at a competitive price, making it an item of superior value.
7. YYGIFT LED Twin Bells
The YVGIFT set of 20 LED twin bells is a gift that the fisherman in your life will undoubtedly get excited about, and you will be delighted with his or her reaction. The LED twin bells are a wonderful invention. Long story short, when there’s a nibble at the end of your line, the bells will ring and the LED indicator lights up. The guesswork of whether or not you felt a tug at the end of your line is gone, and the bells make the entire experience fun, enjoyable, and even a little bit funny.
Ring a Ding Ding!
One of the most frustrating parts of fishing is casting out your line, slowly reeling it in, and then suspecting you feel a tug at the end of your line, but not being completely sure. So, you jerk the pole up to snag the fish (or lack thereof) and slowly reel it in. If there’s still bait on your hook, you know you got a little overzealous and either imagined the nibble or tugged on the line too soon. If there’s no bait whatsoever, you know you waited too long, and the fish was able to escape. With the advanced sensors, the guesswork is gone. When there’s a fish nibbling at the end of your line, you know it, and you will hear an audible alert letting you know it’s time to snag that fish and reel it in.
LED Lights
If the bells weren’t enough of an alarm system, the set also includes bright LED lights to alert you that you’ve got a fish on the line. This is an amazing dual-alert system that works exceptionally well, especially if you are fishing at night. In the event you are hearing impaired, it’s raining or there’s some other reason you can’t hear the bells ringing, you will certainly see the LED lights illuminating the water, letting you know that it’s time to reel that baby in, hook, line, and sinker.
Cost and Value
The YVGIFT twin bell set has an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 100 customer reviews. The price is extremely low, making this not only a fun and practical gift idea but also an affordable one. The twin bell set is a wonderful product sold at a fantastic price, making it a phenomenal value. The twin bell set would make a perfect gift for a fisherman, who will without a doubt get a kick out of the dual alert system.
8. Bluenet Set
The Bluenet set is exquisite. It boasts a total of 129 different options, all carefully organized and classified with a guide indicating which attract which fish. Whether you are shopping for an amateur or a professional fisherman, he or she will need a constant supply of new options. Lures get lost, damaged and do not last forever. A beautiful set of 129 different pieces will impress even the most seasoned fisherman.
Realistic Design
Do not let a large number included mislead you; it’s easy to suspect that because there are so many included in the set, they are cheaply made. This could not be further from the truth. Each product is carefully designed with exquisite detail.
Wide Variety
The 129-piece collection provides a wide variety of styles. Different materials are used (metal construction, soft construction, etc). There are options designed to attract specific fish and different styles for fresh and saltwater fishing. A complete guide to the set is provided, taking the guesswork out of the equation and making it easy to understand and identify which is which.
Cost and Value
The set has an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on over 100 customer reviews. The reviews are mostly positive, and the price is competitive. The kit is a practical gift which will prove useful to any and all fishermen, with 129 brilliant, realistic options to choose from. The kit is high-quality, the price is fair, and the overall value is good.
9. Dr. Meter Fishing Scale
The Dr. Meter Fishing Scale is the perfect gift for the competitive fisherman who has it all. Rather than estimating how much a fish weighs, the digital scale takes away the guesswork. The scale offers instant, accurate results and also comes with a measuring tape so that the complete dimensions of the fish can be recorded.
Up to 110 Lbs.
The scale measures fish weighing in at up to 110 lbs. Additionally, as previously mentioned, it also includes a measuring tape so that the exact dimensions of the fish can be tracked. The scale provides instant, accurate results on an easy to read, brightly lit LED display.
Convenient and Compact
The scale itself is small and lightweight. It is battery-operated and easy to travel with. Using the scale is easy and the instructions are simple to follow. The measurements can be taken in virtually no time. The scale is easy to maintain and can be easily carried in a bag or tackle box.
Cost and Value
The scale has earned an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 50 customer reviews; a small sample size. More reviews are needed to get a better idea of the scale’s actual value. Based on the information available, the scale seems to work well. The price is extremely low. Signs point to the scale being excellent value and a great gift idea.
10. Bits and Pieces 8-in-1 Fishing Tool
The Bits and Pieces 8-in-1 Tool is essentially a fishing-specific Swiss Army Knife. It’s a great, compact, highly useful tool for anglers that will undoubtedly come in handy. It could even be considered a good option for a survivalist in search of tactical gear due to its versatility and wide array of uses. It’s an excellent gift idea for just about anyone who loves the great outdoors.
8-in-1
As its name suggests, the gadget includes eight tools in one. These include a miniature weighted fish scale, a hook remover, a serrated knife, a fish scraper for cleaning the fish, a tape measure, a foldable stand, a bottle opener and an LED flashlight. As such, it’s incredibly practical and useful and will serve any fisherman well. Please note that the multi-tool is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 14.
Rugged
The multi-tool is rugged. While it contains eight tools in one, each of the eight tools is strong and reliable. None of the tools are cheap, and they will not break after use. Rather, each of the tools is respectable on their own merits.
Cost and Value
The multi-tool has an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 15 customer reviews. 15 customer reviews are much too small an sample size to get an accurate idea of the multi-tools true value and overall worth. The existing reviews are promising, and the multi-tool looks like it might be worth investing in. The price is quite fair, the (very few) reviews that there are generally good, so the multi-tool does indeed appear to be a good value that would make a useful gift.
Sources
