OH NO! It’s that time again!  Finding a gift for the angler on your list is not only frustrating; but for the person receiving it there’s a guaranteed stint in the return line!

Nothing says classic styling and warmth than Woolrich in machine washable wool! Simplicity makes the softer Stag shirt, as warm as it was 100 years ago, a timeless gift for any outdoors activity. Simple in appearance, not in design. Legendary front and back double yokes shed moisture and hold in the warmth even around the twill inner collar liner. Two chest pockets with button-close openings under the front yoke provide extra protection. Hand-warmer pockets. Adjustable button cuffs. A memorable gift or a gift to build memories.  woolrich.com

Wet feet, wet hands, no fun!  In the outdoors, comfort is important!  Hanz Legendary Extremity waterproof socks and gloves keep hands and feet warm and dry. Function meets performance with glove “gripper dots” to enable control of fishing equipment, your boat or wherever a good grip is required. ChillBlockers with feature a Polartec fleece lining!  Submergible Hanz wading socks keep water from entering from above! All with Coolmax to wick way moisture for maximum comfort! hanzusa.com

Not much is made in America anymore…but Farm To Feet brings old school materials to the feet of outdoorsmen. The Cedar Falls Traditional Over the Calf extra heavy duty wader socks offer full density cushioning throughout foot and leg for all day comfort and warmth. A seamless toe with Merino Wool
 manages moisture and breathable comfort. Durability or performance of Farm To Feet is guaranteed with replacement or refund. Fashionable and functional socks for many stocking stuffer applications! Farmtofeet.com

AFTCO long sleeve fishing shirts, featuring a hi-neck back, offer sun protection. Quick dry 100% polyester performance fishing fabric is a moisture wicking, stain-resistant, anti-microbial, UV protected shirt to wear anytime on the water. Mesh side panels provide airflow. Four cool colors available.  AFTCO offers a sublimated printed Fish Camo, stealth for hunters and fishermen, version from fish artist Guy Harvey!  Guy Harvey signature logo on chest with a safety orange label at hem. AFTCO.com

More sun protection from from Maui Jim sunglasses patented polarized lenses. Blocking sun glare…direct, reflected and bounce back, Maui Jims are sporting a new style. Choosing from the Grey, HCL, Rose, or HT lens might be hit or miss. But new Switchbacks offer the ability to change with the weather or the sport! An interchangeable lens system allows users to have it all! Each Switchbacks frame comes with a single sunglass lens PLUS a clear lens. Additional lens colors are available for separate purchase. Great for hunters, golfers, and fishermen! See what you’ve been missing! Mauijim.com

Basketball and jogging shoes, great on the court or the road, not so good on the boat or in what Mother Nature dishes out. Known for sandals, Teva has created the versatile Omnium Men’s Sport Sandal. Additional coverage for protection, especially toes, in quick-drying comfortable materials and with Spider Rubber® to keep you on your feet. Perfect for water activities; fishing, canoeing, and amphibious hiking. Multiple openings in the upper non-abrasive and breathable stretch mesh liner allow water to drain freely! TEVA’s heel Shoc Pad™ absorbs shock. Multiple points of adjustment give Omniums the perfect fit. Teva.com

If your angler wears the pants in the family, try Wrangler Rugged Wear Angler pants, a bass fishing community staple for years. Lightweight and comfortable with cool features. Side tool pockets hold pliers or knife. The kill switch loop doubles as a loop to secure line snippers. Back pockets have secure closures. The relaxed fit with a double pleated front, elastic waist fabricated in a 100% cotton, 6.5 ounce Ripstop fabric that creates comfort. Wranglerangler.com.

When the phone rings and your outdoors person drops everything, including the phone, it’s nice to have protection! OTTERBOX has expanded smartphone protection levels and now covers just about every electronic device and brand. OTTERBOX Armor Series is waterproof, drop proof, crash proof and dustproof! And, you can still use the device for calls, emails and great pictures! No more missed call excuses. Otterbox.com

Robert Montgomery’s Why We Fish is great gift for friends and family members who fish. 24 five-star reviews at Amazon. Fishing legend Bill Dance says the book is “absolutely a masterpiece.” Available at www.whywefish.info, Amazon, and other booksellers.

Gift certificates are a great idea. Online, catalog and brick and mortar stores are loaded with outdoors gifts. But the best gift of all is time on the water. Find a buddy, a spouse and especially a child, and go fish!

Potomac River Bassing in December
A month changing from beginning to end!  Early, water will be around 50 degrees and near 40 by the end!

Early, try crankbaits like Lucky Craft GDS DR on 12-pound test Gamma fluorocarbon line on a sensitive cranking rod like Quantum’s KVD.  Slowly crank drops and hard cover near deeper water.  Red when it’s cloudy or water is a bit stained. Otherwise, try chartreuse patterns. New KVD Mustad Ultra Point short shank triple grips grab more fish and are angled to hold on!  They allow upsizing hooks one size. Bump cover for aggressive strikes. On warmer days, lower tides and clearer water; try Mann’s Baby 1-Minus in craw patterns along shoreline cover like tree laydowns.

Also try Mann’s Classic spinnerbaits with gold blades and white skirts slowly crawled through bottom cover.

With higher water, move to shoreline cover and docks with Mizmo Swamp Monster creature baits Texas rigged on 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hooks on casting gear for pitching to cover with GAMMA 14-pound test fluorocarbon. Mizmo green pumpkin tubes on spinning gear with open-hooked insert heads. Garlic flavor Jack’s Juice encourages fish to hold on. Maui Jim polarized plus HCL lens sunglasses are best this time of the year to locate targets!

Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide, BoatUS “Ask the Expert”
(http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/bassfishing/)

Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.

~ Written by: Steve Chaconas