Finding the right gift for the fisherman on your Christmas list is not an easy chore. It can be very difficult to pinpoint what fishing gear he or she might really need and want.
The Captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association were given the assignment recently to prepare a Christmas fishing shopping list for all budgets.
Many captains like the idea of a gift certificate. With a gift certificate the recipient makes the final decision on exactly. These certificates can be for fishing trips or local bait and tackle shops.
Captain Adam Nowalsky of the "Karen Ann II" has come up with the novel idea of "gift letters." He prepares 6-10 gift letters every year that families of regular customers can purchase for the angler in the family to fish on the "Karen Ann II." He also likes the idea of gift certificates for local bait and tackles shops.
Captain Carl Sheppard of the "Star Fish" also thinks a gift certificate for a fishing trip makes a thoughtful present. The amount of the certificate can be for all or part of the cost of a day on the water. Captain Frank Camarda, who runs the headboat "Miss Beach Haven," also likes the idea of a gift certificate, especially for the regulars on his boat.
If you have a full bank account, Captain Tim Knorr of the "William Knorr" suggests treating your special angler to a fishing trip to an exotic local like Costa Rica. On a less expensive level, Captain Tim suggests a gift certificate on the "William Knorr" for an overnight tuna trip to one of the local offshore canyons.
Captain Dave Wittenborn of the "Arlene Ann" has some ideas for fishing gifts that will not break the piggy bank. A t-shirt with Guy Harvey artwork adds a touch of class to an angler. Captain Dave also likes the idea of a pair of boga-grips as a gift.
Fran Verdi, Captain of the "Drop Off," suggests several items anglers would love under the Christmas tree. Captain Fran adds these are items he himself would like to receive. In addition to a gift certificate for a fishing trip on one of the BHCFA boats, he would like a new pair of Ocean Waves sun glasses.
Other items include an Old Harbor Outfitter Offshore Bag, a Trevela jigging rod, some new filet knives, and new foul weather gear. Surf fishermen might like a bucket holder for gear on the beach while a fish cooler always comes in handy. Captain Fran also recommends the idea of a gift certificate to a local bait and tackle shop.
Captain John Koegler of the "Pop's Pride" views presents as getting someone something they ordinarily would not splurge on. His suggestions include an expensive pair of sun glasses or some high quality filet knives. He recommends carbon steel blades as they hold their edge better than stainless.
Captain John also pushes the idea of a good electric knife sharpener. Finally, he likes the Florida style long sleeved guide shirts which are cool and comfortable regardless of the temperature.
Dave Kreines, Captain of the "Sweet Baby," spent time preparing a list which includes a subscription to a fishing magazine. Another learning opportunity would be a ticket to the annual "Saltwater Sportsman" Fishing Seminar.
Other ideas from Captain Dave include a surf bag, a set of PDF suspenders, hand-held VHS radio or GPS, a personal EPIRB, or a tool which is a combo pliers, knife, and cutter. Dave's final suggestion is a gift certificate to your local fish market for those days when you come home empty handed.
Captain John Lewis of the "Insatiable" believes it is important for fishing captains and anglers to be activists in preserving their fishing rights. Both he and Captain Fran Verdi advocate gift memberships in the Recreational Fishing Alliance. He explains that a $35 tax deductible membership fee will help defend recreational fishing for everyone. Captain Fran also touts a gift membership in the Save The Summer Flounder Fund.
Finally, Captain George Finck of "Sparetime Charters" has four very specific ideas. He suggest a gift certificate for a fishing trip, gift cards to local bait and tackle shops, a pair of suspenders that double as a life preserver, and a ditch bag in case of emergency.
To contact any of the captains about their gift suggestions, go to the BHCFA website at www.fishbeachhaven.com