With the holidays fast approaching, some of us are racking our brains to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Here are some suggestions that are appropriate for both anglers and Alaskans alike, realizing that many of us are both.
Of course, there's always someone on the list who has everything, or those whose interests are so vague or varied you never know what they want. In either case, choosing a couple of the ideas below will show your family and friends that you have put some real thought into their gifts this year.

For the anglers in your life:

1. A Fly-out Trip, Saltwater Charter or Guided River Trip
   Every angler in Alaska would love to fish a new area or take a saltwater trip to fill the freezer with some delicious halibut for the winter. There are some great outfitters among these pages to choose from.
2. A New Rod and Reel
   This is always a winner. Visit your local fishing-tackle retailer, who can help you pin down the right gear for the application that your fisherman uses most, or get a Spey or other fly rod for someone who has not tried those styles yet.
3. New Waders, Wading boots or Wading Jacket
   Every angler can use a spare or fresh piece of wading equipment, especially those who are on the rivers a lot.
4. Rain Gear
   A waterproof coat and pants are a must for anyone planning to spend much time in Alaska.
5. Fresh Alaskan Seafood
   Contact one of the fish processors in Fish Alaska for some fresh halibut, salmon and crab.
6. Frame a Memory
   A beautifully framed photo of your angler with their trophy fish.
7. Goodies for the Boat
   A downrigger, GPS or other electronics for their boat.
8. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
   Help keep them safe when in the great outdoors.
9. Fly-tying Equipment & Lessons. Fly-tying table, a vise and tying materials with tying lessons from 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle in Wasilla.
10. Fishing Gear Bag
    You can choose a travel bag, chest pack or duffle. There are a lot of styles and brands to choose from, some of which are really sharp looking, and of course, highly functional.
11. Polarized sunglasses
    Check out the new Habervision series of frames and lenses online. We at Fish Alaska are also fans of the line from Smith/Action Optics.

Stocking Stuffers

1. A Leatherman or other multi-use tool of your choice
2. Fillet Knife like the Collector's Fillet Knife from Rapala
3. Fishing Lures
4. Fishing Line
5. Hooks
6. Fish Alaska magazine subscription

As a woman in fishing I recognize that the majority of anglers are men, so here is also a list of ideas for our angling guys, who might be looking for that special holiday gift for the Alaskan women in their lives.

1. Gift card to Allure Day Spa in Anchorage
I have recently received a few treatments at the salon and I just love it. In fact, I wish I were there right now. Every woman can find something divine here.

2. Fly Lessons with Pudge
Fly-casting and fly-tying lessons with Pudge at Women's Flyfishing or you can send her on one of the many annual trips where Pudge guides women and instructs them in fly fishing.

3. Outdoor Woman classes
Sign her up for a weekend at ADF&G's Becoming an Outdoor Woman.

4. Cooking classes and gift card to Allen & Petersen's Cooking & Appliance Center
There are classes especially for cooking Alaskan Salmon and halibut. There are a lot of cool tools meant just for cooking fish like a grill basket and deboning pliers.

5. Something Soft & Warm
Hand-knitted gifts made of Musk Ox by Oomingmak.

6. A Conversion Getaway
Weekend getaway to a fishing town like Valdez or Homer.

7. Something Sparkling
A nice piece of jewelry always goes a long way.

8. Her Hobby
Gift basket themed to her favorite hobby, like beads and jewelry-making material from Black Elk Leather and Beads or bath products like bubble bath and lotions.

Stocking Stuffers

1. Chocolates like Alaska Wildberry Products.

2. Restaurant gift certificates to Kincaid Grill, Simons N Seaforts or The Bridge.

3. Gift certificate to Merry Maids or other cleaning service.

4. Gift certificate to have her car detailed.

Whatever you end up doing for your loved ones this holiday season, just remember the most important part is to spread good thoughts and wishes among the people you encounter everyday. Life gets us so busy sometimes we forget the most important part, which is our family and friends. Happy Holidays.

-Melissa Norris
Publisher