By Steve Chaconas

Oh no, not another tie!

Dude, don’t get Dad another tie! He might wear it…only when you are in town or when you mention it. He really dreads having to tie one on for you! It’s Father’s Day, put a bit of thought into the gift for the guy who was always thinking of you! This year, tell Dad to take it outdoors!

Although Dad may not be a Special Ops warrior, he may work like it on weekends. A belt tough enough for our elite fighting forces can be his in a fashionable array of colors. Designed by combat-veteran Navy Seals and made in the USA, this belt is functional, supporting his pants, tools or his body weight. The T3 Loop Riggers Belt is comfortable and rugged and is up to tough federal, state and city safety requirements. Guaranteed for a lifetime. When outdoors activities get rough, can be used as a tourniquet. T3Gear.com

The last thing Dad wants while outdoors is to be bugged by bugs. Sprays and ointments aren’t good for him or the fish. Since 1980, Simms Fishing Products sought to develop better waders and accessories. Today the company has expanded, specializing in bass fishing clothing lines, including waterproofing gear for serious anglers to ignore the elements. Now Simms is introducing men’s BugStopper® Pants with Insect Shield® that provides long-lasting insect repellency throughout the lifetime of the product. Of course it has features you’d expect from Simms like DriRelease® that creates a sweat-wicking, water-resistant, and UPF 50 sun blocking fabric. Take these pants on the street with side and thigh pockets, and even a cell phone pocket. But it’s the comfort Dad will appreciate through the year including expandable waist and pre-shaped knees enabling the pants to move with him. Simmsfishing.com

Legendary sandal-maker Teva takes Dad a step back to his foot roots. The iconic Hurricane XLT has been freshened up for comfort with a soft heel-strap padding and a new, modern sole featuring even better traction than before, taking what the terrain can dish out. An EVA-foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning and a nylon shank stabilizes and supports Dad’s arches on uneven terrain. Water-ready, durable, and quick drying polyester/nylon/recycled PET webbing stands up to abuse and enables a perfect fit, secured with hook and loop Universal Strapping System. Custom fit adjustments are quick and easy on and off with injection-molded strap ends. Perfect for water activities: fishing, canoeing, amphibious hiking. teva.com

Keep Dad’s feet dry even when submerged with Hanz Extremity Wear calf length and over-the-calf height (15″) Submerge Waterproof Sock. Seamless waterproof technology creates a seal for deep water wading. The wicking and breathable liner keeps feet comfortable and dry. Worn with shoes, boots, waders and sandals for any outdoor activity. hanzusa.com

AFTCO’s original fishing short; re-invented. Since 1958, AFTCO has been the leader in fishing clothing, tackle, and high performance precision-built fishing gear. Stealth fishing shorts are a fisherman’s dream. Stealth is the new standard in men’s Performance fishing shorts, combining high-tech fabrics with a modern short style with a longer outseam than traditional men’s fishing shorts.  Stealth Fisherman Shorts are constructed from a nylon fabric coupled with AFGUARD stain resistance, AFLEX 2-way stretch and AFBLOCK sun protection. AFTCO’s best-seller is an easy pick for the fishing Dad. Not short on pockets either, 6 including a plier pocket. Contrast stitching gives a not too fishy stylish look for sporting Dads. aftco.com

In Hawaii, barrier reefs protect the mainland. Full wrap frame Maui Jim Barrier Reef sunglasses provide ultimate protection against the sun’s powerful rays and glare for Dad’s eyes and the delicate skin around them. SuperThin Glass lenses enable crisp optics with lightweight comfort. Maui Jims respond to the sun while allowing nature to shine through. PolarizedPlus2 lenses not only protect eyes from harmful rays, they also enhance the view, making colors more vivid and contrast crisper. Help Dad see what he’s been missing. Less eye fatigue and detailed views of what’s underwater will make him a better angler too! Show Dad you have class with a gift certificate so he can choose his own Maui Jims. mauijim.com

Another great gift idea is a gift certificate for a bass fishing trip on the Potomac River. No phones, emails, texts or meetings, Dad can bring his buddy or favorite offspring. But, remember, if you give it, Dad will use it, wear it or eat it…make a good choice so he won’t think of you when he’s in line returning it!

Potomac River Bassing in JUNE

Topwater time! Walkers and poppers are perfect for clear and calm water with overcast skies!  Walk the dog, but don’t stop when fish strike!  They’ll come back. For poppers, pop and stop, varying retrieves until a cadence produces. Prop baits are a great post spawn tease! Also try Mann’s Waker over cover.

Use follow-up Mann’s 5-inch HardNose Freefall weightless stickworms on 10-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line for missed bites!

A steady dose of shallow diving Mann’s Baby 1-Minus crankbaits, in craw and baitfish patterns, work over wood and grass. Mann’s Reel N’ Shad is deadly this time of year. For line, 12-14 pound test Edge on a KVD Quantum cranking rod. Use faster Quantum Vapor reels.

Pitch Mizmo tubes on 3/0 Mustad Tube hooks with 14-pound Edge to docks and wood at higher tides, then grass during every tidal phase.  Use garlic Jack’s Juice Bait Spray scent. Also try swimming jigs like Mann’s Stone Jigs with a HardNose Reel ‘N’ Shad around cover. Beef up tackle for this.

Mann’s Classic ¼ ounce spinnerbaits with white skirts are effective around shallow cover. Try these and chatterbaits close to grass, wood and rock, bumping cover or snapping free from grass. With high water, cloudy skies and some chop with clear water, try a 3/8-ounce double willow spinnerbait with a firetiger skirt.

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.