Here’s how to please anglers on your list


Ho, ho … oh, my goodness, look at the calendar!

It seems as though the 2007 fishing season was just a few weeks back, but reality is that Christmas is just 24 days away. It’s time to shop for the anglers on your list.

News from the North Pole is the big workshop is full of goodies that any fisherman or woman would love. Trouble is, the elves sometimes get a bit confused over the bewildering number of options in rods, reels, lures and other angling goodies.

The fishing industry produces literally thousands of different kinds of lures in innumerable sizes, shapes, colors and other performance characteristics. The selection in rods and reels is almost as mind-boggling, and the inexperienced shopper can be forgiven for throwing up his hands in despair at decision time.

So what’s the gifter to do?

You can visit the sporting goods stores and consult with their sales associates to get their best counsel on great gifts. They will ask a few questions about the angler on your list. Be prepared to share information about your angler’s favorite species, preferred lakes, number of times he or she fishes each season and similar queries.

Check with Carrie and Dave at their All Pro Fisher store at 115 N. Main St. in Poland. They are avid anglers themselves and their store is stocked to the rafters with enough rods, reels, lures, waders and every other imaginable fishing toy and tool to make Santa groan under the load.

Other good choices for Christmas shopping for anglers include your local Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain stores. The sales staffs are very knowledgeable and will gladly help you make gift choices.

Even the perfect gift stands a pretty good chance of being a duplicate of something your favorite angler already carries to the lakes. You may opt for the 6-foot rod, for example, when what he or she really would have preferred was the 6 1⁄2-footer.

So here’s another recommendation: Take the easy route. Buy a gift card for the fisher on your list.

Dick’s, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, Cabela’s and the All Pro Fisher folks in Poland will gladly write up a gift certificate or card that any angler would truly appreciate. They, after all, know best when it comes to something they really will need and appreciate.

Shoppers also can browse the “shelves” for great fishing gifts on-line. You can check out All Pro Fisher at www.allprofisher.net or call the store toll-free at (866) 410-8692. For Bass Pro Shops, go to www.basspro.com, and Cabela’s at www.cabelas.com.

Sometimes it’s best, of course, to cut straight to the chase. If “surprise” is not one of your gift requisites, don’t hesitate to ask your angler exactly what he or she hopes to find under the Christmas tree.

The folks at all of the stores will be happy to match up your list with their inventory and send you along happily loaded down with the perfect gifts.

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