Presents for anglers

What present can I give an angler?

It's amazing how often variations of this question occur. There must be a lot of lucky anglers out there...

Christmas Presents

Christmas and the winter generally, is a bad time to give a first fishing kit. For detailed reasons see the Beginning Fishing pages: in brief, while winter fishing can be excellent it is not easy and is too difficult and chancy for a beginner.

'Improvers'

Christmas is a good time to give a second rod or reel though. Once an angler has a little experience it is a time when the heavier weather and more testing conditions will set an angler problems that summer fishing tackle cannot meet.

Unless you yourself are experienced it will be wise to take advice from someone who fishes the same waters or at least to consult a tackle dealer — try to pick a time when the shop is quiet — and ask him what most of the anglers who are successful in the area are using.

The eternal problem is that an angler's requirements vary hugely according to personal preferences and abilities. In the end the safest option might be to buy a gift token from the tackle shop.

Experienced Anglers

Most adult anglers have plenty of tackle. They can afford all the baits, lures and flies they need and they have plenty of rugged clothing and equipment. What they are short of is time and opportunity to use everything.

For about the price of a good quality rod you can pay for a basic weekend in a B&B near a good fishery. Where would (s)he like to go? The recipient doesn't have to go straight away, indeed this is a present that will be all the better for a period of anticipation and planning. If the waters near the destination you choose are very popular there might be some need to pre-book them but usually you only need make sure that you book within the legal season and that the B&B is willing to accept muddy boots.

Alternatively you might book a session or a course of specialist tuition. Sea anglers who beachcast and trout and salmon fly fishers especially those with some experience frequently want to brush up their casting technique. Tackle dealers will know of specialised instructors in your area. You can combine the tuition with a weekend's fishing. Some of the finest fishing hotels offer combined deals but these are not cheap.

For a group of anglers

I've just been involved in creating a fishing-based murder mystery at Whodunnit Manor. Although the actual angling content of 'Fishy Business' is low it might pique the interest of a group of anglers in between visits to the waterside.

Small presents

Pocket money presents are tricky. There are plenty of small, low-priced angling items available but few of them make memorable, personal presents. All anglers can use weather protection so a bush-hat or cap for summer wear might be acceptable as might a waterproof hat for the winter. Warm, long socks suitable for wear inside rubber boots are always welcome as often is an absorbent scarf or neck-cloth. Do not give gloves. Small, stainless steel vacuum flasks and wind-up torches will come in handy as will a waterproof pouch for their mobile 'phone.

...and I did once persuade a tackle dealer to sell me a gift voucher redeemable for a pint of maggots.