Only five days to go before Christmas and for the fan of the outdoors, there are a wide array of gifts available. They range from the really expensive fishing equipment to the more reasonable. The good news is that you don’t need to empty your checking account to buy a nice gift.
Lake County is fortunate in that there are five excellent tackle shops in the county. They are Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clearlake Oaks, Lucerne Bait and Tackle, Clearlake Bait and Tackle in Clearlake, Clear Lake Outdoors in Lakeport and Lakeport Bait and Tackle. In addition, Walmart in Clearlake also offers a wide array of fishing tackle.
If the person your shopping for is an experienced fisherman, stay away from the rods and reels. Most fishermen have their favorites that can cost upwards of $500 and won’t use anything else. 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 will cost about $40. In fact, the most popular spinning rods are 6-foot long and 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 six years, can learn to use a spinning rod with very little instruction.
A great inexpensive stocking stuffer are crankbaits, spinnerbaits or plastic worms. The hot crankbait for bass on Clear Lake this year is the Lucky Craft LV500 and it costs about $25. Other popular crankbaits are the shallow running divers which also cost about $25. If you really want to spend the money the most expensive lure is a swimbait that goes for nearly $300.
Tackle boxes make great gifts. Most cost under $35 and just about every fisherman could 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 $10. Brush Hogs or 6-inch plastic worms are another good plastic worm.
When buying plastic worms, it’s best to get the advice of a local bass fisherman to see what is the favorite at this time of the year. One week, the green weenie colors will be popular and the next week it may be grape-neon. The local tackle shops can assist in selecting the current 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 $20. Just about every fisherman I know goes through at least four pairs of polarized sun glasses a year. A pair of sun glasses can be bought for under $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 to swing your arms freely.
All fishermen,16 years and older, must have a 2024 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 can also order a license by going online to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) and use your credit card. A 2024 fishing license costs $58.58.
For those that want to spend a little extra for a unique gift then a guided bass fishing trip on Clear Lake is an ideal gift. The average cost is about $400-$600 and the names of local guides can be obtained by visiting the local tackle shops or the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
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 (707) 489-1399.
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