Can’t find that perfect gift for the angler in your household? Well, this year Flats Class is going to help you out with some fantastic suggestions that will put a smile on any angler’s face Christmas morning! Now it’s common knowledge that Santa has a Hell’s Bay Boatworks decal on his sleigh and has an E-tec on his pontoon boat that he keeps at Lake Powell for the off-season but below are a few gifts that just might fit into your holiday budget.
Daiwa Ballistic 3000 & 4000 Spinning Reels- These reels are perfect for the angler who really enjoys casting artificial lures in fresh or saltwater. The Daiwa Ballistic has a sealed drag making it very anti-corrosive and is made from a space-age material known as Zaion (ultra light, strong & rigid). The reel out performs all in its class and has become my reel of choice for personal use when chasing snook, reds, and big trout on the flats. It’s a great value under $200!
Light Gulf Spin Coastal Series- Now Falcon makes this fantastic rod in the Coastal Series which is perfect for the inshore market at a reasonable price $129. This particular rod blank has been my favorite in the Low Rider Seriesfor years but it is much improved with larger corrosion resistant guides to accommodate saltwater leaders and extending casting distance. And, longer casts mean more fish… if that’s your goal for 2012 then don’t hesitate pushing the button on this purchase!
Ohero Braided Fishing Line- The braid of choice for Flats Class pros, Ohero Braid simply outperforms all the rest with the smallest braid to monofilament equivalent ratio on the market. It’s strong and abrasion resistant with absolutely no memory! Ohero Braid is available in four colors (Yellow, Green, Mixed, and Blue) and is very reasonably price. I prefer the Blue color which gives me an edge in invisibility with wary skinny water game fish both in the air (the cast) and under the water… try it!
Kaenon (Jetty) Sunglasses- So many fans reach out to Flats Class for sport optics advice… here’s what I prefer to wear when I’m on the water. The Jetty frame is stylish, lightweight, plus functional and the lenses possess incredible clarity and UV eye protection. My job depends on me seeing the fish from my poling platform before they see me; Kaenon makes that job a whole lot easier!
Mirro-lure’s Mirromullet XL- This lure is a great stocking stuffer for every inshore enthusiast! The Mirromullet XL works fantastic on those slick calm mornings when a quieter surface walker is the obvious choice. So far this year I’ve caught all of the inshore “Big 3” (snook, reds, and trout) on this new top water offering from Mirrolure! This new bait is offered in a wide array of colors… so don’t hesitate to buy more than one.
Pro –Cure Gel Scents- Everything in your tackle box is better with Pro-Cure gel scent applied! And they have a forage specific flavor for all species of game fish. You want to target redfish? Then try the shrimp or crab scent from Pro-Cure. Big sea trout your ultimate goal? Then try mullet scent for your favorite top water or suspending plug! No matter what the species, Pro-Cure makes a gel scent perfect for all your artificial lures. Coming soon the new “Ladyfish” scent!
Breathe Like A Fish Performance Shirts- A standard on FCTV… these Breathe Like A Fish shirts are the ideal gift for the angler in your house. Unmatched in UV performance and comfort plus the built-in sun mask just makes too much sense! The product line offers a variety of color choices and even more new products that compliment the BLAF shirts. It truly is a can’t miss gift for anglers!
Aqua Dream Spoons- Another great stocking stuffer item! And, it doesn’t matter where you fish along the coast… redfish just gobble up Aqua Dream Spoons. I’ve literally caught hundreds of redfish with my clients on these spoons over the years because they are so simple to use. My favorite colors are white and green but the hot pink or black nickel work great in stained water too. The AD Spoons have a unique action and are made from quality materials… if you like catching redfish try one on your next trip.
Z-Man PaddlerZ & ShrimpZ- You can stop looking now… these are the finest and most practical soft baits on the market today! Made from a proprietary material called ElaZ-tech the Z-Man PaddlerZ & ShrimpZ have the most realistic action and best look over any of their competition. These baits not only imitate nature perfectly but are virtually indestructible and a large percentage of the product line at Z-Man Lures is already infused with Pro-Cure scents. This Christmas catch everything in the shallows… use Santa’s favorite baits, Z-Man Fishing Products!
Raymarine’s e7- If the budget allows this year, you’ve got to have Raymarine’s new multi-functional e7 combo unit. This e7 hybrid touch unit is super easy to use and has too many features to list from its sport friendly optic display screen to the Bluetooth technology that allows you to see and share everything on the e7 with your IPad or IPhone from anywhere on the boat. Click the link below to see the entire video that shows the Raymarine e7 demo video, you’ll be impressed and the price is more than affordable this Christmas.
Paul Brown Original- You’ve seen the TV shows with this one of a kind suspending bait known for its ability to catch the biggest Sea Trout around. So why not give the gift that will have your favorite angler bragging about his monster trout catches this spring… the Paul Brown Original! In all my years as a pro angler, I’ve never used a suspending bait that is as effective as the PBL Series, period. A great lure for trout lovers but the PBL Original catches plenty of redfish and snook too. Lots of great colors available in the Paul Brown Lure product line so treat yourself and buy more than one!
Flats Class Charter Gift Certificate- The best gift to give this Christmas to your favorite angler is the gift of “how-to knowledge” that can be gained in a Flats Class Charter. Come into contact with the knowledge and wisdom gained from over 3 decades of experience fishing the shallows of west central Florida. You will receive 6 hours of instruction while being poled along some of the most pristine waters of beautiful Tampa Bay catching trophy fish on artificial lures or flies. My state of the art Hell’s Bay Neptune is complimented by Evinrude E-tec power (150HP), duel Power-Poles, a Minn-kota I-Pilot trolling motor,the new Raymarine e7 and some of the finest fishing equipment available today. Order your gift certificate today to have under the tree by Christmas morning… it’s an awesome gift!
Many of these wonderful angler gift ideas can be found and purchased at Tampa Fishing Outfitters or a local retailer near you. Hopefully some of these gifts will show up in your Christmas stocking this holiday season… Merry Christmas from Flats Class.
