What's On Your Christmas Wish List? 2024

happyhappa reply :

Hi there!

Thank you so much for reading my post- I hope that you can help me!

My super sweet boyfriend is an avid bass fisherman and I am a complete newbie to fishing (I've been 5 times... and I still don't know when there is a fish on my fishing line or not).

Anyway, I would like to get him something nice for Christmas, but because I know nothing about fishing, I thought I would turn to the experts!!!

What would YOU like for Christmas?

For those who would like more information, I'll let you know everything that I know.

He has Abu Garcia reels- I think he likes the Revo ones.

I think his poles are Shimano (Is that a brand?)

He really likes the Yamamoto senkos- but I know he has swim baits and crank baits and.... spoons?

He likes frogs and spinners (are those top water?)

He has a fish finder- but I don't know what kind because it is on his big boat at his dad's house.

He likes large mouth bass the best and does most of his fishing in the CA Delta.

I have a $150 limit this year (I went a little overboard last year).

Anyway, I know you are all really busy and I sound completely hopeless with my lack of fishing knowledge (I hope that I haven't offended you... I think fishing is a fantastic sport!), and I SO SO appreciate your helping me to brainstorm gift ideas.

Thank you so much in advance!!!

I so appreciate your responses!

deep reply :

On 12/12/2011 at 11:05 AM, happyhappa said:

He has Abu Garcia reels- I think he likes the Revo ones.

I think his poles are Shimano (Is that a brand?)

That's the problem! When he's not looking, you need to take them off the rods, throw them into the water, and get him some shimano reels.

Jokes apart, get him some Northstar jigs, along with a few packs of Rage Craws. He'll love them.

A-Jay reply :

Why play the guessing game, give an Angler what an Angler wants. Let them pick it. It's always difficult to determine what to purchase, how to purchase and where to purchase your items, but you can be confident that a Gift Card will be simple and convenient. Tackle Warehouse gift cards are currently being offered for 10% off.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

A-Jay

I.rar reply :

I would also suggest a TW card. I know I want a Shimano curado 51e but I wouldn't expect my wife to get one for me. Plus if I order it myself I could get the other necessities like line and maybe some hooks. While I'm at it some more plastics and maybe hardbaits too lol.

Packard reply :

I would also suggest a gift card. It is hard to know what he might like if we don't know what techniques he uses and all the equipment he has now.

Grey Wolf reply :

I vote gift card from either Cabelas or Bass Pro, let him decide what he wants , he should be able to get something nice for around 500.00 !

JigMe reply :

Gift card is definitely a good idea, or buy from a local tackle shop but make sure the item/s can be exchanged.

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

Ok i'm gonna go away from the popular gift card idea. Why? Because its impersonal. It doesn't take allot of thought to go by a gift card. Will he like it...probably..will it mean as much as a well thought out and researched gift...no.

First let take the rods and reels..You can pretty much kick those out. People are very brand oriented and only he knows what kind he wants next. Without giving it away and asking whats next on his rod and reel list you'll probably get it wrong.

There is an exception though. You could pay to have his reels professionally cleaned and maintained. Most anglers do clean there on stuff but few go to the extremes that a professional would. I would check with Delaware Valley Tackle on this forum if you want more info on this idea.

Next lets kick out electronics( fish finder). Most are very expensive and unless you know exactly what he wants then its best to just stay away.

Now to the good stuff Tackle.

Soft baits like Senko's on are a good idea but $150.00 worth of 1 type may be overkill. I would suggest finding out more on what soft baits he like to through and mix it up a bit. Rage Tail products have many fans (including myself) and even if he hasn't tried them yet you won't break the budget getting a package or 2 of there products.

Hard baits like crank baits and spinner baits.

Crankbaits again some tend to be brand loyal. Find out what he likes such as Lucky craft, Strike king etc.. Once you have that knowledge you can move onto color and style. Being in CA i cant give you much knowledge on this since i'm on the oppoisite end of the country but there are many here that fish there and they can let you know what works. Probably something natural would be good. No flashy colors.

Spinnerbaits and jigs are a good choice but again not all are created equal. Maybe talk to some of the guys here that make 'em. they can lead you in the right direction.

Its great that you have taken an interest in something he likes. If you do some research and get him some good items he will appreciate it allot more than a gift card.

Gangley reply :

Ima Bass Ninja....

I completely understand your opinion and can see the basis for it, but I respectfully disagree. Personally, there is nothing I hate worse than trying to pretend I like something given to me that I really don't, then pretend I don't mind traveling to the store to return it. A gift card to me means "hey, i dont know what you want for sure, but you do, and I want you to be as happy as possible with my gift so I want you to have whatever it is that you really want".

I know they will be happiest getting whatever they really want, and the giftcard allows me to "give" them what they really want.

As far as lures, I would never pick lures for somebody else. If he has spent the money on several Revo's, then he has the money to spend on lures. Based on the ASSUMPTION of his spending habits, if he wanted certain lures, he would most be able to afford them and would likely already have them.

If you dont want to do a gift card, then the nicest thing I can think of would be upgrading what you know he already likes. That reduces the chances of you getting him something that he doesnt like. For instance, next time the subject of fishing comes up, casually ask him what model Revo he uses. Make a mental note then go look for the upgraded model of that reel and get that for him. Same goes for the fishing rod. Figure out which Shimano rod he uses, then purchase the nicer/upgraded version of that rod.

Hope this helps, good luck!

BUZZKIDD reply :

I vote gift card too. I would take it as an impersonal gift if my girlfriend randomly picked out a bunch of tackle and hoped for the best. She supports my hobby but doesn't have a clue what i use.

Shane J reply :

Another thought would be to have him do a wish list on the Bass Pro Shops website. Then you'll have a real good idea of what he wants, but he won't know what, if anything, you are going to buy for him.

Lund Explorer reply :

My suggestion would be checking out a few swim baits, and I've even got as link to a website!

http://www.mattlures.com/products.htm

20% Off until 12/15, Free Shipping over $50, Free Gift over $100

Then you only need to tell us if your boyfriend is a member here. If its CAdeltaLipRipper, a bunch of these other young guys are going to turn green with ***!

Scorcher214 reply :

If your guy likes spinnerbaits, you cannot go wrong with these bad boys.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Soft-Wire-Doctor-Spinnerbait-Ko-Man-Chi-Combo-/280772830943?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item415f5d66df#ht_2484wt_1270

JIGFISHERMAN. reply :

Last Christmas my wife bought very specific things that I asked for for christmas. Lot's of soft plastic baits. I gave her a big list, knowing the list was far too big, and so that she could pare it down herself.

Honestly, I thought it was so cool she went to Gander Mountain, found what I wanted and bought it, that I thought that was the best Christmas present ever. MUCH BETTER THAN A GIFT CARD.

Find a way to go through his tackle. Write down what he has, and what colors, and buy that. Just the fact that his wife/girlfriend took the time to buy him fishing stuff vs the normal boyfriend/husband Christmas gifts will make it truly great.

IMO, do the legwork (like your doing) and forget the gift card.

JIGFISHERMAN. reply :

One other thing.....Some of the nice hard swimbaits are expensive items that a bunch of us will hold out for, just because of the cost. This makes them GREAT gifts.

BTW, I'm amazed nobody has mentioned an Alabama rig. THAT would be a gift from a girlfriend that pays attention!

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

Gangley,

I understand your side of things too no one wants to put on a fake smile and then return a gift and plus its just my opinion, so no need to be respectful when you disagree...lol...JK.......But to me this is where the research part of my post comes in. If the OP were to call some of her boyfriends fishin buddies or maybe boyfriends Dad (since his boat is parked there) then they could tell her more specific info on what fishing type of gifts to get. then there would be no need to return and the receiver of the gift would be joyfully surprised that there partner took such an interest.

Lets say you wanted a particular lure. would it be more meaningful for your partner to get you a gift card and you go get it yourself or for them to do a little digging and buy that item for you?..

Sometimes the thought that goes into the gift is as valuable as the gift itself

deep reply :

On 12/13/2011 at 2:22 AM, Lund Explorer said:

My suggestion would be checking out a few swim baits, and I've even got as link to a website!

http://www.mattlures.com/products.htm

20% Off until 12/15, Free Shipping over $50, Free Gift over $100

Then you only need to tell us if your boyfriend is a member here. If its CAdeltaLipRipper, a bunch of these other young guys are going to turn green with ***!

Great baits from a great bait-maker. None of the ego that some other CA bait-makers have, and awesome customer service.

NoBassPro reply :

On 12/13/2011 at 3:36 AM, JIGFISHERMAN. said:

Last Christmas my wife bought very specific things that I asked for for christmas. Lot's of soft plastic baits. I gave her a big list, knowing the list was far too big, and so that she could pare it down herself.

Honestly, I thought it was so cool she went to Gander Mountain, found what I wanted and bought it, that I thought that was the best Christmas present ever. MUCH BETTER THAN A GIFT CARD.

Find a way to go through his tackle. Write down what he has, and what colors, and buy that. Just the fact that his wife/girlfriend took the time to buy him fishing stuff vs the normal boyfriend/husband Christmas gifts will make it truly great.

IMO, do the legwork (like your doing) and forget the gift card.

My wife had me email her a wish list from Bass Pro to avoid confusion. It worked quite well.

flippin and pitchin reply :

Your boyfriend is very lucky to have someone who takes an interest in his hobby/passion. To be practicle, I would suggest a gift card but from Tackle Warehouse. They will have those specialty items dedicated to Delta fishing. I think TW cards are discounted right now. Then, take the time to sit down with him when he orders product and ask him why he is buying what. You learn, he get's stuff that will go to use. Pretty good deal overall.

Bassn Blvd reply :

_{I would suggest a life size Jeniffer Aniston poster for his garage.}_{:respect-059:}

MrsTomustang reply :

First...welcome.

Second, I lived in the Sacramento/Placer area for over 20 years. Nice to have another NorCal lady on the forums.

Third, I can speak to this comment from both sides, as both a wife with an angler hubby AND as an avid bass angler myself, I like the approach of asking family, friends OR ask him to make a 'wish list' of everything he wants now and in the future. Have him put down small to high $ items.

As NoBassPro mentioned, many websites have wish list creators that he could create and print or email it. He would not know what on the list you got him, but, you would certainly get him what he wants, with no guessing.

And, the best gift is always those that you give just because. Now with the list you can drop by a sporting good store and pick him up something from the list anytime. My husband and I do this together because life is short and precious.

Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

Jenn

Glenn reply :

California Delta eh? That's frog and flippin country! Set him up with some RageTail frogs and RageTail Hawgs and he'll be a happy camper. Just look at his plastic baits to find out what colors he likes. Speaking of which, get him a few bottles of JJ's Magic while you're at it (www.jjsmagic.com). You'll have plenty of $$ left over for a gift card like the others have suggested.

He'll be golden!

NorcalBassin reply :

Regardless what you get him, he's a lucky guy to have you take the time to sign up to a large forum like this just for ideas.

happyhappa reply :

Goodness! Ask and you shall receive! I cannot believe the outpouring of expert advice here and all of your willingness to offer advice!

I am honestly overwhelmed with gratitude!

Thank you all so much!

I plan on breaking into his garage tomorrow and into his fishing cabinets.

I know how much he loves fishing, and for a newbie like me fishing seems to have a completely unique language, all its own.

It has been simply fascinating to begin to learn about!

I think that the fishing community has made the biggest impression on me- everyone seems so genuine and earnest.

Again, your outpouring of support and advice is astounding-

I am so thankful.

Thank you so much!

I'll keep ya posted with what I decide and how he likes it.

Thanks again!

Nitrofreak reply :

Me personally it sounds like you enjoy each other's company.

Why not take the oppertunity and go to the store of his choice and let him pick out what he wants and take the day to learn a little about the sport for yourself.

There are also fishing vacations that you both may enjoy.

Lots of great ideas and I am sure what ever you decide to do will make his Christmas AWESOME !!

Hyrule Bass reply :

put a bunch of rage tail products under the tree for him and he will forget all about senkos for awhile, i may have thrown a senko maybe 3 times all year after i got into rage tails...

.ghoti. reply :

I get several gift cards for Christmas every year. They are ALWAYS appreciated. Nobody knows what's in my arsenal but me, so nobody knows exactly what I want or need. A gift card is the best way to go. BPS, Cabelas or ***.

TW would be my first choice. They have free shipping on orders over $50.

http://www.***.com/giftcards.html?page=giftcards

MacTier reply :

I have a suggestion you probably wouldn't think of.

I always try to wear a lifejacket, especially when I fish alone. But I often take it off, since the padding on the back makes it very uncomfortable with a high backed seat.

This Spring a lone fisherman drowned at one of my favorite spots. So I bought myself an inflatable life vest.

These fit kind of like a pair of suspenders. and will automatically inflate if you fall into the water. They are so comfortable that I often forget that I have it on until my wife reminds me.

You can get a good one for about $150 at BPS or Cabela's. Your guy would probably not get one for himself, and it would send a message that you would like to keep him around for a while.

Raul reply :

As in previous years, I wish for time to fish with all the junk I´ve got.

flippin and pitchin reply :

On 12/14/2011 at 3:46 AM, MacTier said:

I have a suggestion you probably wouldn't think of.

I always try to wear a lifejacket, especially when I fish alone. But I often take it off, since the padding on the back makes it very uncomfortable with a high backed seat.

This Spring a lone fisherman drowned at one of my favorite spots. So I bought myself an inflatable life vest.

These fit kind of like a pair of suspenders. and will automatically inflate if you fall into the water. They are so comfortable that I often forget that I have it on until my wife reminds me.

WELL SAID !!!!

Welcome to the forum.

You can get a good one for about $150 at BPS or Cabela's. Your guy would probably not get one for himself, and it would send a message that you would like to keep him around for a while.

Fontana Finesse Man reply :

Got into this one kind of late, but heckuva lot of great ideas. I am kind of partial to the gift card as well, but one more thing that might get thrown into the equation that I don't believe anyone mentioned is a guided trip on one of those California Delta lakes or a lake he would love to fish. Ask him what his ultimate lake choice would be and get him a guided trip! Heck, you can make it a vacation! Good luck!

(='_'=) reply :

On 12/12/2011 at 11:27 AM, deep said:

That's the problem! When he's not looking, you need to take them off the rods, throw them into the water, and get him some shimano reels.

Jokes apart, get him some Northstar jigs, along with a few packs of Rage Craws. He'll love them.

as he said.... thats exactly what i got from my GF... she wanted to get me something fishing related, but after a glance at Academy online, she wisely aknowledged that there was a 99% chance what she could give wouldnt be what i needed/wanted... so, she told me to pick something up and send her the bill.... my new reel and some plastic baits are on the mail now....

so, dont waste your money, most probably what we need or want wont be what HE needs or wants...

Sam reply :

A gift card to Bass Pro Shops, Cabella's or Gander Mountain would be a nice stocking stuffer, too!

Merry Christmas.

happyhappa reply :

Thank you all! This is so helpful!

So far I have purchased the Kevin Vandam's Bass Strategies book, which for the life of me I can't figure out why is so expensive.

I was able to find it for a decent price ($17) on Tackle Warehouse, but it is listed as out of print on Amazon and going for $70 on eBay!

Who knew that it would be such a hot commodity!

He loved Fishing on the Edge (so much that I had to read it to figure out what he was talking about), and I hope that this book will be enjoyable for him.

I also bought the hardcover version of the John Weiss' The Bass Angler's Almanac... it looks like a fun coffee table book for him.

I definitely plan to take a trip to his favorite fishing store with a list of the things recommended here- hoping that with all of you expert guidance they will be able to assist me and guarantee that he can return or exchange the things that just aren't his style.

I also loved the suggestion of getting him a gift voucher to have some of his favorite reels cleaned--- gosh you are a smart bunch!

I also plan on utilizing all of your wonderful suggestions of a gift card to Tackle Warehouse (you can't beat 10% off! Also, I see a new Tackle Warehouse box on his doorstep at least once a month. Ladies aren't the only ones with shopping addictions! )

I purchased him 2 tickets to the International Sportsmen's Expo, which is coming to town in January, hoping that he will take his dad out for some good ol' fashioned father son time, or bring me along to educate me as to the rather complex world of bass fishing.

Maybe he can check out all of the new toys on the market there and use the gift card to purchase what he likes, later.

I really appreciate your help, and continued help, as I continue my Christmas shopping (and starting to look ahead to Valentine's Day gifts... I might as well stock up now! His fishing passion isn't going anywhere anytime soon... and hopefully, thanks to you, I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, either!)

I wish that I could thank each of you by name--- but there are so many earnest and helpful people on here, I think it would take quite a while!

I'm astounded that so many people have taken their time and responded to guide a complete fishing novice in the right direction.

No wonder he likes his fishing buddies so much- you are a truly phenomenal group of people!

Thank you so much for all of your help--- you all are THE best!

Hyrule Bass reply :

you could also direct him to join bassresource.com, but after christmas so he doesnt see your plans in this thread lol

piscicidal reply :

If he has an ebay watch list, check that...probably the best way to covertly see what your bf is interested in at a given time. Heck my wish list changes almost daily...

Bassn Blvd reply :

This lady, my friends, has learned that the way to a man's heart is not through his stomach, but through his tackle box.

Packard reply :

Look like you are doing a fine job!

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