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Sargeant column: Catch These Gift Ideas

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2007

I have to admit to being a bit Scroogian when it comes to the glorious season of gifting, which has basically become one gigantic national sale-a-thon driven totally by the bottom line. As best I can understand it, this is not the way the concept of Christmas or X-mas or the holiday season - take your politically suitable choice - began.

But be that as it may, if you are determined to buy something for someone who is an outdoors person - but you are not one yourself - you are treading on slippery ground.

For the most part, any alleged outdoors gift advertised on TV programs that do not include the dialogue, "Ohhh, son," or, "Thass a 'nuther nice 'un," is not going to be joyfully opened by the giftee on Dec. 25.

I refer here to lure kits that include "hundreds of pieces" and are "guaranteed to catch more than ever before." The hundreds of pieces turn out to count hooks, sinkers and bug droppings in the package. And the lures, which will in fact catch fish in skilled hands, are no better than the ones you can get at your local tackle store for half the price.

Ditto for the "amazing pocket fishing rig," a rod and reel combo that's a couple of feet long, designed to be tucked into your car trunk in case you drive over a bridge and get the urge. These things will cast some distance and you very likely could land a bluegill or crappie on them, but that's about the limit. Though, I have to admit, I have always had the desire to get one and plop a lure in front of some of the 20-pound jacks that cruise the Little Manatee at this time of year. This, I suspect, the warranty will not cover.

But if you are, in fact, in search of useful outdoors gifts, here are a few suggestions. Or better still, simply buy your significant outdoors person a gift certificate and send him or her to the nearest fishing and hunting emporium.

The Shoe Must Go On

Sperry is noted for making the best-known brand of boat shoes, the venerable Top-Sider, but the company has a new shoe this year, the Waterline. Big difference is that the Waterline includes an internal waterproof liner the company says makes it a good choice for winter boating, as well as for wear along a muddy shoreline.

The sole has the company's famed non-slip siping, and a removable footbed gives arch support and allows for quick drying.

PRICE: Around $90

INFO: www.sperrytopsider.com

OTHER COMPANIES: Rockport ( www.rockport.com) and Sebago ( www.sebago.com)

A Reel Nice Gift

Shimano's latest version of the venerable Stradic 2500, the FI model, includes hardened gears and a waterproof drag that should make it a winner for wade anglers. The 2500 reel size is favored by many experienced inshore anglers as the right combination of line capacity and weight for all-day casting. It's also the choice of many freshwater bass anglers.

PRICE: $160

INFO: www.shimano.com

ANOTHER COMPANY: Daiwa (www.daiwa.com)

Seeing Is Believing

One of the biggest problems with sunglasses afloat is that they don't - float, that is. The new Fishgillz Polarized glasses, which weigh only a half-ounce, float if they go over the side, and they sport orange ear pieces that allow you to see them if they're lost astern. The lenses are acetate, which the manufacturer says is shatterproof, and the polarized lenses allow you to see through surface glare. The glasses are less expensive than many premium fishing glasses.

PRICE: $40-$50 INFO: www.FishGillz.com

Duct Tape Included

If there's a hunter, hiker or camper on your holiday list, you might consider the S.O.L. Survival Pak. The acronym means Survive Outdoors Longer.

The kit, slightly larger than a cell phone, includes a compass, waterproof fire-starter, survival blanket/shelter, fishing kit, rescue mirror, whistle and a small roll of duct tape - the universal solution. It comes in a waterproof pack that straps to your backpack.

PRICE: About $25

INFO: www.adventuremedicalkits.com

Shop 'Til You Drop

Tightlines Tackle in Tampa, at 6924 N. Armenia Ave., hosts "Ladies Night" on Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. It's a shopping opportunity for women, who get free wine and snacks. The sales people are experienced anglers ready to advise on appropriate gifts. No men are allowed, owner Vance Tice says.

INFO: (813) 932-4721.

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