By Steve Chaconas

The Annual – Oh no, not another tie! – Column

Dude, don’t get Dad another tie! He might wear it…only when you’re 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! Let Dad know he’s legendary.

Looking for functional outdoors fishing clothing led longtime river guide John Simms to found his company in 1980. Ensuring clients were dry and comfortable, Simms utilized technology and functionality to create legendary fishing clothing. Dad can’t out-tough Simms Guide Pant. Perfect for wet wading, hiking or just looking good, the guide-caliber stretch woven gusseted pant allows mobility. The Guide Pant features quick-drying, wicking, anti-odor and UPF 50 machine washable material.  Two deep pockets are complimented with a zippered cargo pocket for secure storage. simmsfishing.com

In time for the California Gold Rush in the early 1900s, C.C. Filson began making clothing as tough as those going west. Old fashioned American heritage never goes out of style. Filson’s Outdoorsman Shorts are perfect for an active dad. Rugged easy-care nylon fabric with built-in stretch for a full range of motion. Tricot-lined elastic waistband is super comfortable for everyday wear. Features front pockets with a bungee clip and an interior zippered security pocket. UPF rating of 50+is a bonus. filson.com

Dad’s new favorite jacket is WALLS Angus Light Work Jacket. Walls has manufactured work wear, western wear and hunting gear for men and women since 1938. Lightweight, tough double and triple stitched, holds up under dad activities. Angus stretch adds comfort with fit with a classic stonewashed, sanded cotton duck material. Lined with stretch cotton flannel for added flexibility and warmth, dad’s favorite jacket doubles for work and weekends.  Slightly longer drop tail has his back covered from drafts. Zippered and hand warming pockets make Angus a complete piece of gear. Walls.com

Family operated AFTCO has been the leader in fishing clothing, tackle, and high-performance precision-built fishing gear since 1958. Comfortable with breathable material, the Yurei Air-O Mesh Performance Shirt is perfect for angler dad and his casual wardrobe. Added features help dad keep his all-day cool. Moisture wicking, stain resistance, odor control and sun protection round out the full featured shirt. aftco.com

Nothing beats Maui Jim patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology to cut through glare, making contrasts crisper and enhancing colors. Designed for any fisherman with triple-injected nylon frame and spring hinges, Southern Cross is available in three unique frame colors and can be made into prescription. The cool MAUIGreen mirror is applied to Neutral Grey SuperThin Glass lens for the most amount of light reduction for bright days. Help dad see what he’s been missing with less eye fatigue. Detailed views 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

Legendary sandal-maker Teva, since 1984, takes dad a step back to his foot roots. The iconic Hurricane has been freshened up for comfort with colorfully stylish XLT2-OV. A soft heel-strap padding and modern sole featuring even better traction than before, takes what the terrain dishes 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

As a little boy, dad gazed into the water with only his imagination. The new Aqua-Vu micro Stealth 4.3 Underwater Viewing System gives dad a view of what he’s never seen before. The ultimate fishing tool that will allow him to enjoy his past time in ways beyond his imagination. Crystal clear high-resolution 4.3-inch LCD color video in a smartphone-sized package is equipped with 50 feet of tough, abrasion-resistant camera cable and a thumb-sized micro underwater camera with auto infrared lighting. Includes built-in lithium-ion battery and battery charger for 6 hours of continuous runtime. aquavu.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 wakers over cover.

Use follow-up Mud Puppy Custom Lures 5-inch Jiggle Stick weightless stickworms with a 3/0 Mustad Mega Bite hook on 10-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line for missed bites!

A steady dose of shallow diving crankbaits, in craw and baitfish patterns, work over wood and grass. For line, 12-14 pound test Edge on a KVD Quantum cranking rod. Use faster Quantum Smoke 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.  Also try swimming jigs with a Mud Puppy Custom Lures Jerk Shads around cover. Beef up tackle for this.

Double Colorado or Colorado and Indiana gold blades 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 3/8-ounce double willow spinnerbaits with firetiger skirts.

Drop shot with 3/16 ounce Water Gremlin BullShot weights.

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.