Father’s Day Gift Buying Guide

by HappyFLMommy June 04, 2010

Article today in the St Pete Times!

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The fish are biting inshore on the grass flats and offshore in deep water. This Father’s Day, make sure your dad at least is equipped to battle the big ones. You can’t go wrong with quality fishing gear.

Reactor Watch

The Reactor, the official timepiece of the International Game Fish Association and the Professional Tarpon Tour Series, is a rugged watch that will make a great gift for any outdoorsman. Above is the Gamma, suggested retail price of $400. Reactor watches are also available with a tide function. Prices range from $200 to $500. Reactorwatch.com

Dogfish Stik

Make dad feel special with a customized fishing rod. Put his name on this hand-crafted spinning rod or perhaps even emblazon it with his favorite inspirational verse, i.e., “Go Noles” or “Rays Rule.” You get the picture. Prices start at $89. Dogfish Stiks are available in different lengths and weights. Dogfishtacklecompany.com

Open Water tackle boxes

Grandpa’s old, hard-bodied plastic tackle box went out of style with the fiberglass fishing rod. Today’s anglers use soft-body tackle bags with removable boxes. Nobody does tackle bags like Open Water. Sturdy enough to hold up to salt spray, this is a must for every fishing father. Price: $47

Hooked apparel

Don’t want to spend a lot of money, but want to get dear old dad something stylish yet unique? A fishing T-shirt, the angling equivalent of a silk neck tie, is a great last-minute gift. Price: $22 to $26

Buff headwear and gloves

Lightweight, soft and comfortable, this headwrap and gloves will help keep 95 percent of those harmful ultraviolet rays off dad’s tender neck and hands. Headwear $23; gloves $40. Buffwear.com

Zep-Pro Gear

You can’t go wrong with a new wallet ($29), belt ($29) or pair of sandals ($40). This fishing gear is made for fishermen with comfort in every stitch. Zeppro.com

Boga grips

This is a gift that dad probably won’t get for himself, so why not buy it for him? The ultimate tool for catch and release, these grips will work for both fresh and saltwater species. A built-in scale also weighs the catch. Price: $100. Eastabogatackle.com

Skinny Water Culture

Support a local company and keep dad cool with this high-quality microfiber shirt. These shirts wear as well at the weigh-in as they do on the water. Price: $40. www. skinnywaterculture.com

Gift certificate

Can’t decide what to get? Play it safe. Most of your top outdoors shops and tackle stores have gift certificates so dad can pick out his own Father’s Day gift.

Merchandise courtesy of Dogfish Tackle Company (8750 Park Blvd., No. 102, Seminole). Call (727) 393-2102 or go to Dogfishtacklecompany.com.