2022 FSF Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Sport Fishing Enthusiasts
As we approach the end of 2022, FSF magazine is getting in the spirit of the approaching holidays. We know that finding the perfect gift for someone can be a real challenge, especially with so many items, brands and prices out there. If you’re trying to decide what to get your friends and loved ones, we’ve handled some of the legwork for you.
The following pages are chocked full of handy gift ideas for the anglers and boaters in your life. Whether they’re a weekend warrior, a canal explorer or a hardcore offshore expert, you’ll find a great variety of items in our collection, all from our favorite trusted brands. We’ve also made a point to include items across the entire price spectrum. So, whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers or top-shelf, best-in-class items, Florida Sport Fishing Magazine has you covered!
LURES & TACKLE
AFTCO Blue Fever Digger
It looks like a troller, but it’s built for casting. The new Fever Digger took the classic marauder shape and miniaturized it into a wicked jig, perfectly weighted for long casts and equipped with beefed-up treble hooks to handle even the most toothy of pelagics.
$25 AFTCO.COM
Z-MAN Kicker CrabZ
Z-Man is one of the hottest brands in the plastic lure space at the moment, and it’s easy to see why. Their new Kicker CrabZ won best in category at the 2022 ICAST show. If you haven’t checked this out, the Kicker CrabZ is an extremely life-like imitation crab that is well suited for fooling anything that eats “crabz.” Available in a variety of colors, they come three to a pack.
$4.99 ZMANFISHING.COM
BERKLEY Juke Swimbait
Wicked new jerk bait from the experts at Berkley Fishing. After decades in the lure space, these guys obviously know a thing or two about great lure design. The new Juke brings all that experience to bear in a fantastic new lure that is equally at home at your bass pond or pitching for inshore salty species off the back dock. Makes a great stocking stuffer.
$9.99 BERKLEY-FISHING.COM
ISLAMORADA FLYERS Islamorada Flyer
These days, flying fish lures are the hottest thing going, but not every brand has nailed the imitation. Now, here comes Islamorada Flyers, a new brand of flyers tried and tested on the verdant waters of one of the world’s hottest fishing locales, Florida’s Islamorada Key. Whether you’re targeting speedy sailfish or hungry bull mahi, these flyers have the steez to fool any wily pelagic you care to pursue.
$20-$31 ISLAMORADAFLYERS.COM
DIAMOND FISHING PRODUCTS Zebra Candy Wahoo Lures
“Watch the wahoo!” People laugh when they hear about boats pulling lures for wahoo at 15+ knots, that is until the reels go off and a giant skinny comes over the rail. These new Zebra Candy skirted lures are designed specifically for high-speed trolling and are irresistible to the wahoos. Drop this back, crank it up a few more knots and see what happens!
$84.99 DIAMONDFISHING.COM
VARIVAS Monster PE Si-X Camo Braid
The braid/line world is a crowded sector, with many players; not every brand is going to live up to its hype. But, now, one of the most-respected names in the Japanese fishing market, Varivas, is joining the American market and making a big impact. We especially love the new Vamos Monster PE Si-X camo braid. If you’re looking to up your line game, this is a real-deal, top-notch braided fishing line. Great for both fresh and saltwater.
$36-$72 VARIAVAS.FISHING
SPIDERWIRE DuraBraid 40lb-500yds
These days, everyone has a “new braided line” they are pushing, but when the conditions are calling for “sharp edges and rocky structure,” few of these can really stand up to the pressure like SpiderWire Durabraid. Custom-designed for maximum abrasion-resistance, this line is a must-have for the angler who loves fishing rough structure.
$46.99 PUREFISHING.COM
RODS, REELS & GAFFS
PENN REELS Authority 7500HS Spinning Reel
The spinning reel bar has been raised again by a killer new grinder from Penn. Sporting a sealed body and spool along with the signature Penn drag system, this thing is a next-level fighting machine for those who target big game but need casting distance while using heavier braided lines.
$569.95 PENNFISHING.COM
DAIWA Tatula 80 Casting Reel
As one of sport fishing’s most-established brands, Daiwa has built a reputation for quality workmanship at a great pricepoint. Its Tatula 80 casting reel lives up to this stellar reputation with standout features, including its ultralight all-aluminum construction and signature Magforce casting system. For the angler in your life who’s looking for a great reel at a fair price, check this one out.
$199.99 DAIWA.US
HARDY Fortuna Regent Fly Reel
Hardy has always had a reputation for topof-the-line fly reels, and it’s easy to see why. This newly issued Fortuna checks all the boxes for the ultra-discriminating big game saltwater fly fisherman. With a clean anodized finish and Hardy’s fully sealed, multi-pad disc drag, this beast can pull 25+ pounds of drag. That is some serious pulling power! A great gift for the expert angler who demands the best.
$695 HARDYFISHING.COM
OKUMA Salina SA-6000HA
Okuma, once a price-point brand, has recently cemented its place in the upper echelon of high-end reel construction with the radical new Salina spinner. Utilizing its cutting-edge hybrid carbonite drag system and corrosion-resistance bearings, this reel is a next-gen beast for the hardcore angler who wants the best.
$229 OKUMAFISHINGUSA.COM
GALE FORCE Slow Force Jigging Rod
Quite possibly the most versatile fishing rod we have ever had the pleasure of testing, the Slow Force jigging rod is an absolute beast of a stick. Sure, it looks light, but this thing can handle everything from inshore snappers to monster Amberjacks offshore. Definitely a rod to check out if you’re serious about the slow pitch jigging game.
$399 GALEFORCEFISHING.COM
FSF Custom-Wrapped Gaff
Florida Sport Fishing has a new custom-wrapped gaff in its quiver designed for the private boater who is targeting medium to large species offshore. With non-slip grips, a stainless-steel hook and our stylish blue and silver wraps, you’ll be ready to stick the monster — and look good doing it!
$149.95 FSFGEAR.COM
FISHING ACCESSORIES
CUDA Crimpers
Using crimps for connections is one of those evolutionary steps that every serious angler takes and, once you get there, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t use them sooner. Cuda brand has a killer new crimping tool that is perfect for the angler who’s ready to take their connections to the next level. Stainless steel construction, bonded cutters and a lifetime warranty make these crimpers a great gift for the angler in your life.
$65.99 CUDABRAND.COM
RPM CNC CUSTOMS LP Electric Reel Cradle
So, you’re just gonna put that mondo electric reel set up in a rod holder? Why take up the space when you can mount it in RPM’s custom new cradle? This thing is ingenious and designed specifically for the angler targeting multiple species in a day but who wants to keep the electric rig ready to go.
$199.95 RPMCNCCUSTOMS.COM
AFTCO Knife Set
Put that kitchen knife away! Aftco’s new fillet knife set is designed with the weekend warrior in mind — sharp and stiff, but NOT too stiff! That’s what a good filet knife feels like. The set comes with three knives in a cool poly kit. Dad will be stoked!
$237 AFTCO.COM
FRABILL Witness Weigh Net
Can I get a witness? How many times have we said this? “I think it was about 10 pounds.” You sure? Well, those days are over because Frabill has the ultimate fishing net coming out this fall. With a measuring stick in the handle and a scale for the catch net, the days of guessing are over.
$149.99 FRABILL.COM
FITEC CAST NETS Super Spreader Cast Net
Fitec is one of the top producers of cast nets in the U.S. They got there by producing topquality cast nets in a variety of sizes, colors and materials. This specific model — the SS-1000 — comes in several different configurations, each with a free-throwing aid included. $55-
$284.91 CASTNETS.COM
BOAT ACCESSORIES & ELECTRONICS
HOOKER ELECTRIC Live Bait Bucket
Tuna tubes were once a luxury reserved for big yachts with plenty of space and ample water pressure to keep them pumping. But, thanks to Hooker Electric, those days are gone. With the new Live Bait Bucket, available in various sizes, even the smallest boat can catch and keep large live baits onboard, ready to pitch on that breezing billfish!
$9.95-$299.95 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM
THRASHER LURES Trash Can BucketTopper
Nothing better than hitting a swell and — boom! — the garbage bucket falls over, spraying garbage all over the deck and into the water. Well, Thrasher Lures has you covered, literally! The company’s new Trash Can Bucket Topper will keep everything in place, even if a rogue wave hits your boat. Makes a great stocking stuffer, too!
$19.99 THRASHERLURES.COM
GOPRO Max Action Camera
These days “action cameras” are a dime a dozen; do an online search and you will be inundated with knockoffs from all over the world. So, if you’re a leader in the field, what do you do to compete with all these wannabes? You come up with something ingenious! The 360 Max is basically a camera with lenses on both sides that allow you to film in a full 360-degree view. To learn more about the Max, go check out the website.
$399.98 GOPRO.COM
BGL Big Game Leash
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz!!! It’s the sound we all love! But it’s all fun and games until the whole rig gets pulled overboard by the “one that got away.” Well, go to the salon and pop on the game cuz we’ve got you covered with the new BGL Big Game Leash. Just drop your bait back, put the rod in the holder and attach the leash, now you’re golden! Have a cool beverage and prep lunch, all with the confidence that the BGL will protect your precious set up — and the fish it just hooked.
$189.95 BIGGAMELEASH.COM
BIGDRIP OUTDOORS Loadstone
Loadstone is the organizational tool of the future. Its neodymium magnetic core delivers over 40 lbs of holding power. With a premium silicone shell that is as easy to clean as it is durable, the Loadstone is designed to perform in the harshest marine environments. Secure your on-the-go essentials with the Loadstone and keep everything exactly where you left it. Its sleek, low-profile design can be mounted virtually anywhere. Use it to secure hooks, lures, tackle and much more.
$29.99 BIGDRIPOUTDOORS.COM
LITHIUM BATTERY POWER 12v Deep Cycle 100AH Battery
This highly versatile deep cycle battery is built on the patented LBP Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry 26650 cells. The LBP100 features an improved built in battery management system (BMS) that keeps the battery running at peak performance while preventing overheating and overcharging, and maximizing cell cycle life.
MISCELLANEOUS
GUY HARVEY Yoga Mat
Whether you do yoga or just need a comfortable place to sit and stretch, this yoga mat from Guy Harvey is a great way to cushion your landing. Made from 100 ECO PVC, the mat unfurls to 24 by 72 inches, allowing plenty of room to get comfortable. Weighing in at only 3 pounds, when used with the accompanying strap, this mat is a breeze to carry around. Comes in nine water-related scenes.
$44.99 GUYHARVEY.COM
HUK Classic Brewster
For generations, deck shoes have been popular for those who spend time on the water, but also enjoy shore-based social activities. Remember Top-Siders? Well, Huk has brought that concept into the new era with its Classic Brewster slipons. We really like these shoes; they’re ultra-light and easy to get on and off due to their slip-on fit and collapsible heel.
$60 HUKGEAR.COM
STANZ Swordfish Performance Top
One of Florida’s most-respected captains has launched his own gear and apparel brand. We would be remiss if we did not at least give him a shout out. Nick Stanczyk is known the world over for his deep drop exploits out of Islamorada. From catching 10 swords in a day to his massive 757-pound monster from a couple years back, he has continually raised the bar for what’s possible. If you get a chance, check out his new line of clothes and rods.
$45 STANZFISHING.COM
PELAGIC Drinkware
I got a hold of one of these Pelagic tumblers a while back. I put some ice and soda in there and took off in the car to go fishing. Arriving at the spot, I totally forgot about my drink in the car. I went out fishing all day in the 100-degree heat. Yes, I suffered. But you know what, my drink didn’t. I came back late that afternoon and, low and behold, my Pelagic tumbler still had the same-sized ice cubes in it. Not sure how that’s even possible (science!) But either way, this is the tumbler that shames all the others.
$30-$35 PELAGICGEAR.COM
BREEO Y Series Smokeless Fire Pit
This is definitely one of the most interesting items we received for this year’s holiday gift guide. A portable, smokeless fire pit that is deck-safe, with one-dump ash removal. The Breeo Y series can burn three types of fuel, including wood, pellets and charcoal. It’s also compatible with the company’s popular accessories — the Outpost 19 grill and Sear Plate Griddle. We love this item as grilling up the catch of the day was never easier.
$495 BREEO.CO
Source: https://floridasportfishing.com/2022-fsf-gift-guide-the-best-gifts-for-sport-fishing-enthusiasts/
