Whether you or someone you love targets bass, bluefin tuna, or anything in between, with the holidays quickly approaching countless anglers are hoping to find some cool new fishing gear under the Christmas tree. Here are some of the awesome angling goodies we've encountered this fall.
Game On Carbon Black Inshore
There’s a new rod in town, and we’re stoked for this one: the Game On Carbon Black Inshore. We’ve tested and reviewed a bunch of different gear from Game On and found that their Big Occhi soft plastics, EXO Jig spoons, and X-Walk topwater baits are all topnotch. And, take note: for many years Game On has been a Fish For a Cure supporter, always donating gear for our team fundraiser. Now the Carbon Black Inshore is also in their lineup, and these rods feature high-end components like Fuji reel seats, K-series alconite guides, cork handles, and carbon fiber blanks. There are five models in medium-light to heavy power, rated for quarter- to four-ounce lures, and even the heaviest rod weighs just 5.6-ounces—it feels uber-light yet uber-strong and uber-sensitive in hand. Length is 7’0” and tip action is fast. Price: $169.99. Check ‘em out.
Rocky Boots NOWAKE Fishing Shoes
-By Zach Ditmars
Dare I say the best boat shoes I have ever tried on are the NOWAKE from Rocky Boots? The quick drying upper mesh is made from recycled fishing net material and is quite breathable on sizzling summer days. The toe cap offers plenty of protection for even the clumsiest of anglers (like me) and the thick EVA sole provides comfort while standing for prolonged periods during a full day of fishing. The non-marking soles offer plenty of traction on slippery boat ramps and wet boat decks, and speaking of wet, holes in the footbed allow water to rapidly exit through drains in the sole. The bungee cord laces have a catch to lock them in place, but with the snug fit of an integrated neoprene sock I never felt the need to tighten the laces. Dirt and debris can become trapped inside the shoes, so be sure to give them a thorough rinse down after each use. Price: $89.99.
Xtratuf Kiata Drift Sneakers
-By Kaylie Jasinski
In the spring sailors burn their socks to signal the end of winter and celebrate the start of boating season. Now, while I have always loved the spirit of this tradition, I had yet to find a water shoe I could wear without socks that wouldn’t lead to chewed-up ankles. Enter: the Xtratuf Kiata Drift Sneaker. Made from a quick dry, breathable material, it feels more like you’re slipping your foot into a cushioned sock than a water shoe. Using the original Kiata’s TUFgrp outsole provides SRC-rated slip resistance (the highest safety rating that outsoles can be approved for) while maintaining a non-marking grip. After wearing this shoe on all-day fishing excursions, including both boat and wade fishing, I was surprised at how comfortable my feet were. There is a good amount of cushioning, they’re breathable and comfortable, and best of all, no socks yet no blisters. They also did a good job of keeping sand and debris out compared to some other water shoes. I am a huge fan of deck boots, but sometimes it’s just too hot for a boot and you want more support than a flip flop. In that instance, the Kiata Drift Sneaker is a great choice. $115, available in both men and women’s sizes.
Spy Optics Helm Tech
There are a jillion and one different sunglasses out there and it’s rare that one catches our eyes (ahem), but the new Spy Optics Helm Tech stands out in a crowded field. The uber-light Grilamid frames get a protective boost from removable side shields that block out additional light, but don’t affect comfort level or give the glasses a clunky feel like some side shields do. The polycarbonate lenses are tapered to follow the curvature of the eye to reduce strain and provide a distortion-free view, and feature Spy’s “Happy Lens” tech that they say boosts mood and alertness. We’re not sure wearing them made us feel any more alert than a strong cup of coffee, but we certainly were happy with the Helm Tech. Price: $75 to $220.
Sitka Equinox Guard Hoodie
-By Zach Ditmars
Whether you’re fishing for snakehead in the swampy marshes of Blackwater or for speckled trout in the Lower Bay grass flats, you will surely be accompanied by biting flies and mosquitoes. The lightweight Equinox Guard Hoodie from Sitka is a perfect choice for these fishuations. This shirt’s tight-knit stretchy fabric is treated with “Insect Shield” to repel a variety of pesky biters. Pop up the hood and the integrated mesh facemask, and you have complete protection from all of those bothersome bugs. Plus, you also get UPF 50+ protection from that burning ball of gas in the sky. Added bonus: with “Polygiene Odor Control Technology” this shirt won’t get the typically musty smell other tech shirts get after a sweaty day of fishing. Price: $149. Visit Sitka Gear to keep the bugs at bay.
Okuma Custom Blue
Looking for an ideal live-lining rig that you can easily stow in a closet? The Okuma Custom Blue is designed specifically for the task, pairing a Baitfeeder reel with a two-piece seven-foot carbon rod that features a flexible tip section with plenty of backbone behind it. Guides have aluminum oxide inserts, grips are cork, and rod power ranges from ML to MH. We checked out the CBL-S-702M-40, rated for eight- to 12-pound test, which felt perfect for live-lining spot for slot stripers in the Bay. Price: $119.99.
Which of these goodies will make the angler you love happiest? We can't say for sure - so you'd better get all of them. Happy holidays, anglers!