Only 12 days to go before Christmas and for fans of the outdoors there are a wide array of gifts available. They range from the really expensive fishing equipment to more reasonably priced items. The good news is you don’t need to empty your checking account to buy a nice gift.
Lake County is fortunate in that there are four excellent tackle shops in the county. They are Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake Bait and Tackle in Clearlake, Clear Lake Outdoors in Lakeport, and Lakeport Bait and Tackle. In addition, Walmart in Clearlake and Kmart in Lakeport also offer a wide array of fishing tackle.
If the person you’re shopping for is an experienced fisherman, stay away from rods and reels. Most fishermen have their favorites and won’t use anything else, and besides they cost upward of $500. If you plan on buying a rod and reel for a youngster, don’t buy the cheap spincasting outfits. A good spinning rod and reel is easy to use and costs about $40. In fact, Clear Lake Outdoors has a rod and reel combination selling for less than $25. The most popular spinning rods are 6 feet long and of medium weight. The line should be either 8- or 10-pound test. They can be used on trout, crappie or bass. Children as young as 6 can learn to use a spinning rod with little instruction.
Great and inexpensive stocking stuffers are crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms. The hot crankbait for bass on Clear Lake this year is the Lucky Craft LV500 and it costs about $20. Other popular crankbaits are the shallow-running divers, which also cost about $20. If you really want to spend the money, the most expensive lure is a swimbait going for nearly $300.
Tackle boxes make great gifts. Most cost less than $35 and just about every fisherman can use a new one.
Plastic worms are another hot item. The Senko continues to be one of the hottest plastic lures on the lake. A package of 10 sells for $8. Brush Hogs or 6-inch plastic worms are also good plastic worms.
When buying plastic worms, it’s a good idea to consult a local bass fisherman to see what is working best for a particular time of year. One week the green weenie colors are popular and the next week it’s grape-neon. The local tackle shops can assist you in selecting the popular plastic worm or other tackle. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate from these tackle shops and let the fisherman pick out his/her own equipment.
Every fisherman can use a new pair of warm gloves and a good pair costs less than $15. Just about every fisherman I know goes through at least four pairs of polarized sunglasses a year. A good pair of sunglasses can be bought for less than $50. Heavy coats are popular with both fishermen and hunters. When buying a coat make sure it’s large enough. Most fishermen and hunters wear heavy shirts under the coat and there should be enough room left to swing your arms freely.
All fishermen age 16 years and older must have is a 2018 fishing license. They make great gifts and can be purchased at any license agent. All you do is fill in the person’s name. You also can order a license by going online to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) and use your credit card. A 2018 fishing license costs $48.35.
For those who want to spend a little extra for a unique gift, then a guided bass fishing trip on Clear Lake is a good idea. The average cost is $400-$500 and the names of local guides can be obtained by visiting the local tackle shops or the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
Most hunters could use a new camouflage day pack. They cost less than $35 and can be purchased in the sporting goods section of most local stores. A new hunting knife makes an excellent gift and one of the best is the old-time favorite, the Buck Knife.
A perfect Christmas gift for that youngster is to spend a day either on the lake or hiking in the woods with him/her. In other words, spend some time with your loved ones in the great outdoors.
As in past years I will be available to offer a few tips or make a recommendation for Christmas gifts for the outdoorsman. Just call me at 263-1699.
