Holiday Gift Guide 2024
On deck boots, on coolers, on reels and hoodies; on fillet knives, on pliers, on gadgets and other goodies. Our annual holiday gift guide has plenty of fishing and boating gear, accessories and more to get you into the shopping spirit. And of course, it’s totally fine to drop a little something in your own stocking. You should also check out these gift ideas under $50 from Salt Water Sportsman Adventures creator Brent Schirmer.
YETI Hopper Flip 8 cooler.
Courtesy YETI
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YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler
With 22 colors to choose from, all inspired by shades of the outdoors (King Crab, Coral, High Desert Plain, Key Lime), the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is the soft-sided cooler with moxie. At just 2.5 pounds with a padded shoulder strap, it’s an easy lift for trips to the beach, backcountry and beyond, and the ColdCell insulation delivers the long-lasting chill the brand’s coolers and drinkware are known for. Feel free to leave it out in the elements: the DryHide shell and HydroLok zipper are made to last.
What reviewers are saying: “The cooler is the perfect size. It has tipped over, flipped upside down and hasn’t leaked once. The material is really durable too.”
Price: $200
PENN Spinfisher VI reel.
Courtesy PENN
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PENN Spinfisher VI Reel
They say saltwater heals everything. That may be true for the mind and soul, but not for a reel’s gear box and drag system. Cue the PENN Spinfisher VI. The company’s lightest and smallest sealed reel (not quite stocking size, but close) features a protective sealing to IPX5 standards and a fully machined aluminum and brass gear train. The sealed spool carries HT-100 drag washers for reliable and exceptional stopping power. Available from 2500 to 10500 models.
What reviewers are saying: “The PENN Spinfisher VI is a reliable and durable option for any angler. It provides smooth performance, offers excellent line capacity, and incorporates anti-corrosion protection.”
Price: Starting at $135.95
Costa Rincon sunglasses.
Courtesy Costa
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Costa Rincon Sunglasses
The fishing shades category is getting pretty crowded these days, so when in doubt, opt for the brand that’s been in the game for 40 years. The Costa Rincon frames are made from a castor plant bio-based resin extracted from tree pulp, which speaks to Costa’s longtime focus on conservation, but all the function you need is there: polarized and ultra-scratch-resistant glass lenses, and arms with spring hinges accommodate big heads. There are seven frame colors and two lens colors to choose from.
What reviewers are saying: “Awesome sunglasses for a person with a watermelon-sized dome.”
Price: $280
HUK Rogue Wave deck boot.
Courtesy HUK
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HUK Rogue Wave Deck Boot
As the name suggests, this fishing boot is made for the sloppiest of conditions, but without sacrificing comfort. The HUK Rogue Wave’s Grip-X Slice outsole traction pattern and microchannels help the sole grab in all directions to stabilize footing, no matter how slick the dock or cockpit may be. The breathable mesh helps keep the inside dry.
What reviewers are saying: “My husband absolutely loves these. He wears them constantly! To work in the yard, out of the boat, or even to the grocery store. They’re waterproof, slip resistant, and such great quality. The perfect gift idea for any man in your life.”
Price: $100
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle hoodie.
Courtesy Columbia PFG
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Columbia PFG Men’s Terminal Tackle Hoodie
The performance hoodie is a must for those sweltering summer days on the water, but you’ll be surprised how often it serves as a comfy cover-up for working in the front yard or chilling in the backyard. The Terminal Tackle hoodie uses the brand’s patented Omni-Shade which blocks UVA and UVB rays, and the Omni-Wick tech moves moisture from the skin and spreads it across the fabric’s surface where it quickly evaporates.
What reviewers are saying: “These are expensive but well worth it. The fit, finish and comfort are amazing. I got it for sun protection for the arms and face, and to prevent insect bites in the evening while walking the dog. Plus I can jump in the pool while wearing it and it dries out pretty fast. A must-have for vacations.”
Price: $45
Bushnell H2O 8×42 binoculars.
Courtesy Bushnell
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Bushnell H2O 8×42 Binoculars
Got good glass? Sure, Bushnell’s H20 8×24 binos have an all-glass, fully multi-coated optical system combined with BAK-4 prisms to optimize contrast, resolution, and light transmission. But they’re also durable and made for the elements. Waterproof and fog proof, the H20 has an IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion up to three feet for 30 minutes.
What reviewers are saying: “The clarity and sharpness are outstanding, making it easy to see details from a distance. They’re lightweight and compact, so they’re easy to carry around for hiking or outdoor adventures, yet durable enough to handle rough conditions. The focus adjustment is smooth, and the magnification is perfect for spotting wildlife or enjoying scenic views. Overall, they have exceeded my expectations.”
Price: $89.99
Grundéns Downrigger GORE-TEX jacket.
Courtesy Grundéns
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Grundéns Downrigger GORE-TEX Jacket
Rough and rugged is in Grundéns’ DNA. The Swedish company began some 100 years ago, outfitting commercial fishermen at the mercy of the North Sea. Years later, Grundéns became the first company to launch GORE-TEX products. For the angler always dealing with wind and weather, the ideal gift is their Downrigger GORE-TEX jacket, which features a two-layer fabric construction with a moisture-wicking liner and neoprene cuffs for the water that tries to sneak up your sleeve.
What reviewers are saying: “Very comfortable, great fit, durable, keeps you dry all day.”
Price: $399.99
The Book on Travel Fishing.
Courtesy Elliott Stark
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The Book on Travel Fishing by Elliott Stark
Salt Water Sportsman contributor Elliott Stark isn’t home much. The hardcore angler (who recently fished Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui for a feature story in our November/December issue) has fished on four continents. His travels inform what Stark is calling “the most comprehensive offshore fishing resource ever published.” But at 564 pages, it’s hard to argue with him. The Book on Travel Fishing covers 60 fishing destinations and a dozen offshore species. It’s a great gift for that buddy who wants to start a fishing bucket list, but needs a little inspiration.
What reviewers are saying: “The book is $50, but when you hold it in your hands, the heft makes you feel like it’s money well spent. It’s well researched, and Elliott’s stoke for fishing comes through in the high-energy writing.”
Price: $50
Toadfish folding filet knife.
Courtesy Toadfish
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Toadfish Folding Filet Knife
When it comes to holiday shopping for that outdoorsy person in your life, Toadfish has all kinds of fun options. From tumblers with suction cups to a crab and lobster-picking toolkit to a wine bottle chiller to an LED lantern, the Charleston outfitter has your shopping list covered. One of their standouts is the stocking-sized folding fillet knife featuring a corrosion-resistant blade, built-in carabiner for easy transport and non-slip handle with raised rubber grip in Toadfish’s trademark turquoise.
What reviewers are saying: “I’m 100 percent pleased with my Toadfish knife. It looks and performs equal to or better than my knives that cost three to four times as much. I’m a surf fisherman and have used the Toadfish knife to dispatch, gut and clean all manner of species. It held a sharp edge and easily was restored by whetstone sharpening.”
Price: $20
BUBBA fishing pliers.
Courtesy BUBBA
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BUBBA Fishing Pliers
Durable, convenient and reliable, Bubba’s fishing pliers may be on the more expensive side, but unless they end up in the drink, the recipient of this gift won’t need another pair. The 8.5-inch pliers are tin-coated with stainless steel, corrosion-resistant construction, which the user can confidently wield thanks to the patented BUBBA Blade non-slip grip. The pliers come in a molded, water-resistant belt/pocket clip sheath.
What reviewers are saying: “I am a picky SOB. In my humble opinion, these are the best pliers I’ve ever used in the fishing realm. Strong and beautiful. Excellent grip in wet conditions. Perfect for removing hooks in redfish and largemouth bass to name a couple. Also well made enough to do fine tasks. This is the first time I’ve felt compelled to write a review due to my surprise in the quality.”
Price: $69.99
Garmin inReach Mini 2.
Courtesy Garmin
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Garmin inReach Mini 2 Communicator
You’re giving more than a nifty gadget. You’re giving peace of mind. The four-by-two-inch, IPX7 waterproof-rated Garmin inReach Mini 2 uses the Iridium satellite network for global coverage, ensuring the user stays connected in distant waters and remote places where cell phones can’t, well, reach. It automatically records activities and stores routes traveled, and in case of emergency, you can trigger an SOS message that goes to Garmin’s emergency response center.
What reviewers are saying: “I can send text messages if needed, check the weather forecast, and in a worst-case scenario, send an SOS. When I’m out solo, my family can follow me on my MapShare site and know exactly where I am.”
Price: $399.99
Bajio flat brim hat.
Courtesy Bajio
Bajío Flat Brim Hats
Bajío’s slick, sustainability-minded sunglasses aren’t a chance for the brand to show its eccentric side, but its apparel certainly is. Bajío has leaned into the Sailor Jerry tattoo style for its overall aesthetic, and its embroidered performance and flat brim hats are a great example. They feature bold renditions of bluefin tuna, tarpon, tigerfish, tarpon, black marlin and other species and sea creatures.
What reviewers are saying: “All hats should be made like this one. The performance flat brim handles sweat and water beautifully. My only issue is now I want more of them.”
Price: $35
Guy Harvey men’s long sleeve fishing shirt.
Courtesy Guy Harvey
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Guy Harvey Men’s Longsleeve Fishing Shirt
Take a walk down to the local dock, marina or fish shack, and chances are someone is wearing a Guy Harvey shirt emblazoned with one of his trademark hyper-realistic underwater vignettes. But the less flashy dude may prefer this multi-function long sleeve fishing shirt. The ventilated back and roll-up tabs to keep the sleeves up are made for performance, but the cool solid color and embroidered sailfish and artist signature makes for understated resort wear.
What reviewers are saying: “I have purchased fishing shirts made by several well-known outdoor clothing brands but have found the Guy Harvey shirts to be superior to most others. The Guy Harvey shirts come out of the dryer with minimal wrinkles, fit well without being too baggy around the waist, and look stylish.”
Price: $45
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