Gifts for anglers

Michelle Weaver, ESA program specialist, Salem

• A multi-tool. Get one with pliers (for getting fish off treble hooks) and scissors (cuts braid more easily than a knife).

David Banks, district fish biologist, Hines

• Flasher-style fish finder. This is a must-have piece of gear for a committed ice angler. A flasher is similar to a fish finder but shows a real-time image. This let’s ice anglers see how a fish responds to their lure, and where in the water column the fish are holding. It also lets you see if the fish are active in a spot so you can move on quickly if you don't see any fish in 10-15 minutes.

Mike Gray, district fish biologist, Charleston

• A lightweight tackle bag with a shoulder strap. This one carries several smaller tackle boxes. Offers mobility when hiking the river banks, easy access to gear, and flexibility to change out gear boxes when changing species.

Justin Miles, fish biologist, Lakeview

• Money or a gift card. If the angler in your life is picky about their gear, a gift card to their favorite tackle shop or sporting goods store let’s them select what they want. And they won’t have to pretend the gift you gave them, while close, isn’t quite what they had in mind.

Amanda Boyles, angler education coordinator, Salem

• Memories. Not all gifts are physical. Memories are free yet last a lifetime. So this holiday, why not give an IOU for making a special fishing memory. Offer to take a friend, child or coworker fishing. Plan a special outing and share time with your fishing friends. Promise yourself a one-of-a-kind fishing treat that you’ll be sure to remember.

If there's a hunter on your gift-giving list, check out these ideas in Gifts for hunters, v. 2025.