Gear

39 must-see gift ideas

Even if you're buying for someone else, our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide is a must-see for bass fishermen.

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If you're going to wish, you might as well wish big, right? It doesn't cost any more. So, we suggest you ask Saint Nick to hitch Triton's new 22TRX to his sleigh and drop it at your place this year. At 22 feet, it's likely got enough room for all of the stuff he totes, so fitting all of your tackle in shouldn't be a problem.
If you’re going to wish, you might as well wish big, right? It doesn’t cost any more. So, we suggest you ask Saint Nick to hitch Triton’s new 22TRX to his sleigh and drop it at your place this year. At 22 feet, it’s likely got enough room for all of the stuff he totes, so fitting all of your tackle in shouldn’t be a problem.
In the same dream big vein, why not wish for a new year full of giant bass? Dave Chong wrangled this 8.2-pound smallie from Canada's Lake Simcoe recently. What a slob!
In the same dream big vein, why not wish for a new year full of giant bass? Dave Chong wrangled this 8.2-pound smallie from Canada’s Lake Simcoe recently. What a slob!
<p>What's something that could make Costa's popular Blackfin frame better? How about coating it in Realtree's new pattern Xtra? A dozen lens options are available. They're described as fitting large faces, but they also offer exta protection for smaller ones.</p>
What’s something that could make Costa’s popular Blackfin frame better? How about coating it in Realtree’s new pattern Xtra? A dozen lens options are available. They’re described as fitting large faces, but they also offer exta protection for smaller ones.
If you travel to fish and stay in hotels, no doubt you've felt anxious about your gear getting swiped. Worry about your sticks no more with A.R.E.'s Rod Pods, lockable roof-mounted tubes that appear to be T-Rex proof.
If you travel to fish and stay in hotels, no doubt you’ve felt anxious about your gear getting swiped. Worry about your sticks no more with A.R.E.’s Rod Pods, lockable roof-mounted tubes that appear to be T-Rex proof.
Need an award-winning gift for yourself or someone else? Try Abu Garcia's Revo Beast, a heavy duty casting reel that won Best Freshwater Reel at ICAST 2014.
Need an award-winning gift for yourself or someone else? Try Abu Garcia’s Revo Beast, a heavy duty casting reel that won Best Freshwater Reel at ICAST 2014.
Fresh from the folks at Bass Pro Shops is the newest addition to their Pro Qualifier line, a spinning reel that's designed to cut down on the annoying aspects of fishing with light tackle, such as line twist and line wear.
Fresh from the folks at Bass Pro Shops is the newest addition to their Pro Qualifier line, a spinning reel that’s designed to cut down on the annoying aspects of fishing with light tackle, such as line twist and line wear.
<p>White frames are a good way to make a statement, and Costa's Tuna Alley with green mirror lenses do just that while offering your eyes the best protection available thanks to the company's proprietary polarization options.</p>
White frames are a good way to make a statement, and Costa’s Tuna Alley with green mirror lenses do just that while offering your eyes the best protection available thanks to the company’s proprietary polarization options.
What's the only thing that could make a Minn Kota Talon shallow-water anchor better? A camouflaged version! Your wishes have been granted this holiday season.
What’s the only thing that could make a Minn Kota Talon shallow-water anchor better? A camouflaged version! Your wishes have been granted this holiday season.
Need to retire a sad, old 2-stroke? Looking for a little more pep from your aluminum boat? Give Yamaha's new 115-horsepower VMAX SHO a look. It's got crazy torque and fuel efficiency thanks to its 4-stroke configuration and is likely lighter than your current outboard.
Need to retire a sad, old 2-stroke? Looking for a little more pep from your aluminum boat? Give Yamaha’s new 115-horsepower VMAX SHO a look. It’s got crazy torque and fuel efficiency thanks to its 4-stroke configuration and is likely lighter than your current outboard.
if you haven't gotten into the GoPro craze, you're missing out on capturing your best moments on the water. If you have, you can now get a new perspective on casts, hooksets and fish jumps at the boat with the Sportsman's Mount. It's ideal for placing on a rod.
if you haven’t gotten into the GoPro craze, you’re missing out on capturing your best moments on the water. If you have, you can now get a new perspective on casts, hooksets and fish jumps at the boat with the Sportsman’s Mount. It’s ideal for placing on a rod.
Again, if you haven't used a GoPro, now's the time. The California-based company just released its newest high-definition camera and it's better than ever. The Hero4+ has higher resolution and faster frame rates to capture frame-by-frame moments even better than before.
Again, if you haven’t used a GoPro, now’s the time. The California-based company just released its newest high-definition camera and it’s better than ever. The Hero4+ has higher resolution and faster frame rates to capture frame-by-frame moments even better than before.
Humminbird just released the Helix, a line of affordable sonar units that feature many of the company's high-end technologies.
Humminbird just released the Helix, a line of affordable sonar units that feature many of the company’s high-end technologies.
Looking for a stocking stuffer? Check out Rapala's new BX Waking Minnow. It's got a balsa core and action with a polymer shell so it's more durable than a wooden plug. Plus, it couldn't be easier to use: toss it by a likely target then start reeling it in. It sashays all by itself and provokes scary topwater strikes.
Looking for a stocking stuffer? Check out Rapala’s new BX Waking Minnow. It’s got a balsa core and action with a polymer shell so it’s more durable than a wooden plug. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to use: toss it by a likely target then start reeling it in. It sashays all by itself and provokes scary topwater strikes.
Here's a stuffer that's got some clout: the Livingston Lures Howeller Dream Master Classic, the crankbait that Randy Howell used to win the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville.
Here’s a stuffer that’s got some clout: the Livingston Lures Howeller Dream Master Classic, the crankbait that Randy Howell used to win the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville.
<p>Brandon Palaniuk designed the Berkley Havoc Money Maker to be easy to use and effective. Ideally you could Texas rig it, but with these cold water temperatures a drop shot or wacky rig might be a better option.</p>
Brandon Palaniuk designed the Berkley Havoc Money Maker to be easy to use and effective. Ideally you could Texas rig it, but with these cold water temperatures a drop shot or wacky rig might be a better option.
Want to get someone into fishing? There's no easier way than with Creme's Lure Book kits. This one is the Texas rig edition. It shows step-by-step how to make the venerable rig, then gives sound advice on when and how to fish it.
Want to get someone into fishing? There’s no easier way than with Creme’s Lure Book kits. This one is the Texas rig edition. It shows step-by-step how to make the venerable rig, then gives sound advice on when and how to fish it.
Speed freaks rejoice: your reel has arrived. The Quantum Speed Freak is the fastest model the company has ever made. it boasts an 8.1:1 retrieve speed and brings in nearly three feet of line with each turn of the handle. It's also a lightweight at 6.4 ounces.
Speed freaks rejoice: your reel has arrived. The Quantum Speed Freak is the fastest model the company has ever made. it boasts an 8.1:1 retrieve speed and brings in nearly three feet of line with each turn of the handle. It’s also a lightweight at 6.4 ounces.
With crummy weather here to stay for a while, why not get a new coat? The Carhartt Shoreline jacket is waterproof and ideal as an outer layer to keep the elements at bay.
With crummy weather here to stay for a while, why not get a new coat? The Carhartt Shoreline jacket is waterproof and ideal as an outer layer to keep the elements at bay.
<p>We'd be willing to bet that the folks who say they've never caught a bass at 70 miles per hour haven't caught one at 10 miles per hour, either. If you've got the means, why not ride in a rig that'll get you there in a hurry? Skeeter's FX Series is growing by one this year as the Texas-based company rolls out he FXI-21. It's got big boat space and handling with race boat performance you'e come to expect from a Skeeter being pushed by a big-horsepower Yamaha.</p>
We’d be willing to bet that the folks who say they’ve never caught a bass at 70 miles per hour haven’t caught one at 10 miles per hour, either. If you’ve got the means, why not ride in a rig that’ll get you there in a hurry? Skeeter’s FX Series is growing by one this year as the Texas-based company rolls out he FXI-21. It’s got big boat space and handling with race boat performance you’e come to expect from a Skeeter being pushed by a big-horsepower Yamaha.
With your motor out of commission for a few months, it's time to do some maintenance. Mercury has made it easier than ever to change the oil in your trusty outboard with its new Oil Change Kits. Each kit has got everything you need to do a professional-grade job in your garage.
With your motor out of commission for a few months, it’s time to do some maintenance. Mercury has made it easier than ever to change the oil in your trusty outboard with its new Oil Change Kits. Each kit has got everything you need to do a professional-grade job in your garage.
We're willing to bet that you got a few baits under the tree, and chances are that a few of them are spinnerbaits. Keep them in line with this new tailor-made Spinnerbait Box from Plano.
We’re willing to bet that you got a few baits under the tree, and chances are that a few of them are spinnerbaits. Keep them in line with this new tailor-made Spinnerbait Box from Plano.
Want electronics that are as easy to use as your smartphone? Raymarine's new a Series can be manipulated in much the same way with pinch-to-zoom controls and lightning quick mapping zoom. To boot, these beauties come with CHIRP technology, a structure-probing view that gives photo-like images thanks to an transducer that pings much faster than standards ones.
Want electronics that are as easy to use as your smartphone? Raymarine’s new a Series can be manipulated in much the same way with pinch-to-zoom controls and lightning quick mapping zoom. To boot, these beauties come with CHIRP technology, a structure-probing view that gives photo-like images thanks to an transducer that pings much faster than standards ones.
Need a little more light in your life? How about some bling for your truck? Rigid Industries' Tundra Grille does both. It houses three Rigid LED lights and gives your truck a totally new front-end look.
Need a little more light in your life? How about some bling for your truck? Rigid Industries’ Tundra Grille does both. It houses three Rigid LED lights and gives your truck a totally new front-end look.
Lowrance Elite-7 CHIRP Lowrance has brought CHIRP technology to this affordable 7-inch unit, which is the flagship of the Elite line.
Lowrance
Elite-7 CHIRP
Lowrance has brought CHIRP technology to this affordable 7-inch unit, which is the flagship of the Elite line.
<p>Don't neglect the back of your ride. Rigid Industries' Back Up Light Kit makes hitching up at night worlds easier. They're a breeze to install, too.</p>
Don’t neglect the back of your ride. Rigid Industries’ Back Up Light Kit makes hitching up at night worlds easier. They’re a breeze to install, too.
<p>Costa's Hamlin feature an extra large frame and have large lenses for maximum coverage. This means better sight fishing and less eye fatigue during long days on the water. Both glass and plastic lenses are available and all told there are a dozen lenses to choose from. There are dark mirrored finishes to light sunrise yellow which is good at dawn and dusk.</p>
Costa’s Hamlin feature an extra large frame and have large lenses for maximum coverage. This means better sight fishing and less eye fatigue during long days on the water. Both glass and plastic lenses are available and all told there are a dozen lenses to choose from. There are dark mirrored finishes to light sunrise yellow which is good at dawn and dusk.
Here's another stocking stuffer, Sebile's Bull Minnow. It's from the Action First line of hardbaits that are valued priced but loaded with features like premium hooks, finishes and action.
Here’s another stocking stuffer, Sebile’s Bull Minnow. It’s from the Action First line of hardbaits that are valued priced but loaded with features like premium hooks, finishes and action.
Also from the Action First line is the Star Shiner, a hybrid jerkbait/crankbait that can be fished fast for a power presentation or twitched slowly in cold water like a jerkbait.
Also from the Action First line is the Star Shiner, a hybrid jerkbait/crankbait that can be fished fast for a power presentation or twitched slowly in cold water like a jerkbait.
If you can appreciate high-quality stuff, you'll love the new Poison Adrena line from Shimano and Jackall. They're made with the finest components and the best hand-picked actions from Jackall's pro staff.
If you can appreciate high-quality stuff, you’ll love the new Poison Adrena line from Shimano and Jackall. They’re made with the finest components and the best hand-picked actions from Jackall’s pro staff.
Shimano's newest version of the Stella - this one dubbed the FI - would complement Jackall's new sticks very nicely. It's the finest spinning reel Shimano makes, and it sports several upgrades from the original Stella.
Shimano’s newest version of the Stella – this one dubbed the FI – would complement Jackall’s new sticks very nicely. It’s the finest spinning reel Shimano makes, and it sports several upgrades from the original Stella.
While rods and reels are becoming lighter and lighter, Strike King has come out with a new heavy hitting squarebill, the KVD 8.0 Magnum. it's 4 1/2 inches long, weighs 3/4 ounce and dives to nearly 8 feet.
While rods and reels are becoming lighter and lighter, Strike King has come out with a new heavy hitting squarebill, the KVD 8.0 Magnum. it’s 4 1/2 inches long, weighs 3/4 ounce and dives to nearly 8 feet.
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Bassmaster Academy is a new video-on-demand service featuring the incredible catalog of videos from B.A.S.S. For a low monthly or yearly fee, the angler in your life can watch hours and hours of instructional videos from the best bass anglers in the world. 
<p>Sure it'll be a few months before you're ready to wear a t-shirt to the lake, but when you do, do it in style with some gear from <a href=
Sure it’ll be a few months before you’re ready to wear a t-shirt to the lake, but when you do, do it in style with some gear from Bassmaster’s online store, which features shirts, hats, DVDs, jackets and more. 
<p>Here's another option from <a href=
Here’s another option from Bassmaster’s online store.
Here's another award-winning gift, the Spro BBZ-1 Rat. With Rat baits being a new craze, Spro came into the market with a proven style and action at a reasonable price point.
Here’s another award-winning gift, the Spro BBZ-1 Rat. With Rat baits being a new craze, Spro came into the market with a proven style and action at a reasonable price point.
Hopefully this upcoming year lends you some time to take a trip to fish one of Bassmaster's 100 Best Bass Lakes. If it does, you're going to want to go prepared. Think about taking a Legend Trek travel rod from St. Croix. They sacrifice nothing in terms of quality or action, but fold down easily to tote on a plane.
Hopefully this upcoming year lends you some time to take a trip to fish one of Bassmaster’s 100 Best Bass Lakes. If it does, you’re going to want to go prepared. Think about taking a Legend Trek travel rod from St. Croix. They sacrifice nothing in terms of quality or action, but fold down easily to tote on a plane.
<p>Daiwa's Tatula and Tatula Type R might be the raciest reels on the market. They come in both stand and high-speed ratios and a specially designed T-Wing system that makes a noticeable difference in your casting distance.</p>
Daiwa’s Tatula and Tatula Type R might be the raciest reels on the market. They come in both stand and high-speed ratios and a specially designed T-Wing system that makes a noticeable difference in your casting distance.
YUM Swurm Remember the first soft jerkbaits? They were kind of actionless hard plastic, but the shape was good. Yum has improved on that shape with the Swurm, a new slithering and twitching soft jerkbait.
YUM
Swurm
Remember the first soft jerkbaits? They were kind of actionless hard plastic, but the shape was good. Yum has improved on that shape with the Swurm, a new slithering and twitching soft jerkbait.

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