Gifts for fishermen in 2018
It’s that time of year again when people across the country are hard at work figuring out what gifts to give their angling-crazed friends and family. We put our heads together at Fish Alaska and talked to some of our clients to amass Part 1 of 2 of our annual Holiday Gift Guides so you can take the hassle out of gift giving.
From boat accessories to apparel, tools for bear protection to gourmet food, our editors have given you some gift ideas to consider this holiday season. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Holiday Gift Guide which will appear in the December 2018 issue for more gift ideas.
Best gift ideas for anglers in 2018
LeeLock Magnum Skeg
www.leelock.com
The LeeLock Magnum Skeg drastically improves steering performance and straight-line travel of bow-mounted electric trolling motors. The use of bow-mounted, electric trolling motors for salmon trolling is a game changer. Not only does this skeg improve performance, it makes bow-mounted electric trolling motors much more efficient. Your batteries will run longer on a charge. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg can be a vital part of your trolling motor system.
This oversized skeg is made of anodized 5052 aluminum. It is 9 inches high by 11 inches wide by 3/16 inches thick. It comes with PVC coated stainless-steel hose clamps. The anodization keeps the aluminum from corroding in fresh- and salt water. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg is available to fit most 24- and 36-volt Minn Kota and MotorGuide motors. The perfect gift for your special boater.
Skinner Sights BUSH PILOT
www.skinnersights.com
This kit includes an easy take down rifle in your choice of .44 Magnum or .45-70 Govt – the .44 has a 16-inch octagonal barrel and the .45-70 has an 18-inch octagonal barrel. The kit also includes premium survival items: a Brunton compass, Doan fire starter, Flare matches, Ontario Knife Company RAT 7 survival knife sporting the BUSH PILOT logo serial numbered to the carbine, 850 paracord, space blanket/shelter, Hexamine stove, and it all fits into the Skinner folding takedown case. Both models also include Skinner sights with fiber optic front sight.
Fish Fighter Products Rod Risers
www.fishfighterproducts.com
Fish Fighter Products Rod Risers were designed with the help of their Pro Staffers and professional fishing guides to stagger rod heights while trolling and widen your trolling spread. By using these rod risers, you extend your boat, which gives you more options as well as makes it easier to fish without getting your lines tangled. They have several options available for a personalized gift. They’re made in the USA, and come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Oomingmak Qiviut Bracelets and Earrings
www.qiviut.com
These one-of-a-kind works of jewelry art incorporate the qiviut returned when there isn’t enough remaining for Oomingmak’s members to complete one of their artisan Alaskan heirloom pieces like their smoke rings and hats. The staff in the H Street Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers retail store in downtown Anchorage uses this returned qiviut and incorporates it into multi-medium wearable art pieces like these earrings and bracelets. They are totally affordable Alaskan gifts for the holidays and feature the beautiful, natural Alaska textile, qiviut. Or, you can really treat your special someone with one of their fine, hand-crafted, 100% qiviut garments. Style, colors, and stock will vary on these one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Any Oomingmak piece makes a memorable and lasting gift. Contact the store for current availability and follow them on Facebook.
Salmon Sisters X Grundéns Maris Collaboration Top and Bottom
www.salmonsisters.com
The Salmon Sisters x Grundéns women’s Maris collaboration is an insulating mid-layer set designed to be worn under fishing bibs and rain gear. The tried-and-true Maris Top is made for warmth and all-day comfort at sea, complete with an anchor print on one arm and a leather Salmon Sisters patch on the other, and it doubles great for layering up on the river or running around town. Both top and bottom are made from 200g/m2 poly fleece with flatlock comfort stitching using a four-way stretch fabric. The high neck drop hood on the top is both functional and stylish. A moisture-wicking interior, thumb loop cuffs and zippered front pocket round out the list of positives on the top. The pants, with their wide, elastic waist band, are super comfortable and are nice and warm under your Grundéns Sedona Bibs or waders. A warm and stylish gift!
FisheWear Cosmo Coho Ensemble
www.fishewear.com
We know our audience loves FisheWear so we wanted to bring you the latest and greatest stylish Alaska pattern from these innovative designers. Introducing the Cosmo Coho pattern. It’s available in leggings, neck tube or tote, now you can pay homage to Alaska’s great silver salmon. FisheWear leggings are a favorite among the ladies here at Fish Alaska, they are some of the most comfortable we’ve tried and would make gifts. They work great as a layering piece and we always get tons of compliments.
QLH Chest Holster
www.quicklockholsters.com
Want to make Christmas so amazing this year? Choose the QLH Chest Holster for your gift. A built-in elastic band means ultimate comfort without sacrificing the secure fit and tight draw. This chest-carry system is a great gift for fishermen, hunters, hikers, cyclists, and Alaskans in general. We’ve been field testing one for the Annual Gear Guide and our tester really likes it. The chest sling is made with 2-inch military-grade nylon webbing and the holster is 100% Kydex. It is completely water-submersible and scratch-resistant. The holster can be detached from the chest harness so a different holster can be installed with the harness. The QLH Chest Holster is supported by a lifetime warranty and is available for many hand guns in several color options with both left- and right-hand-draw models. Go online to their website to learn what gun- model holsters are available.
Alaska Balsamics
www.alaskabalsamics.com
Mmmmmm. The delicious Alaska Balsamic Vinegars from Valdez locals Rod and Tristy Morrison make it to the top of the Alaska foodie list for this Christmas. A little bit goes a long way and just a drizzle of any of the Alaska Balsamics flavors to your seafood or game dinner is a beautiful enhancement. It’s essentially a gift for everyone and it’s totally Alaskan. You can order Alaska Balsamics from their ecommerce website or find them at stores like NonEssentials in Palmer.