By Steve Chaconas

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 gifts for the guy who was always thinking of you! Show dad he’s legendary.

Socks keep dad on his toes. Nothing more comfortable than odor-absorbing merino wool, for long days in or outdoors. Italian made Meindl socks wick away moisture with temperature-regulating technology ensuring dad’s feet stay warm in cold climates and cool in warm ones. Unless dad has two left feet, he needs socks anatomically designed for left or right feet, ensuring comfort and wear. Socks won’t bunch up to make shoes uncomfortable. Meindl cushions and reinforces where needed for comfort and durability in heels and toes!  Ideal stretch keeps Meindl socks in place. Different weights and heights for any activity. meindlusa.com

It may be light in weight, but the Davis Jacket from FlyLow is heavy on features. The Davis is smartly constructed to be durable and breathable for many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, golfing, fishing and more. A roomy and adjustable windbreaker with durable water repellent, the Davis jacket doubles as a lightweight travel companion for work or social events without taking up space as it rolls into the chest storage pocket.  A drop tail and low profile hood provide full coverage to keep wind off dad’s back and neck. Fit combines with function with lightweight elastic in cuffs to secure around the wrist and a hem cinch for performance and keeping elements at bay. Worn with a tee shirt, or a hoodie the FlyLow Davis jacket goes wherever dad goes, keeping him comfortable and looking good. flylowgear.com

If ancient Greek Gods harnessed electricity and loaded it into a portable package, it would be the Unchartered Zeus Pro. Leaving the house, dad doesn’t have to be powerless. Jumping his car or charging electronic devices was never easier. The power of Zeus Pro doesn’t take up a lot of room and stows in the glove box, backpack, or boat. Don’t let dad be stranded without a car or phone. Dual Zeus charging ports accept USB and USB-C connections. A cigarette-style adapter, included, allows devices like tire inflators, jacks, and other tools to be powered. For cars, boats, or around the house, the Zeus Pro’s flashlight can help him find things or, be found as Zeus will flash a continuous SOS or strobe signal. unchartedsupplyco.com

If an American-made Gerber knife or multi-tool isn’t enough, allow your imagination to come up with the perfect camping cookout compliment. Founded in 1939 and based in Portland, Oregon, Gerber has proved their metal with innovative knives and problem solving tools meeting unique needs of specific activities. Gerber’s new ComplEAT knife set makes preparing and serving dad’s campfire or outdoor grilling specialties easy.  Three essential full-sized German stainless steel knives, with polypropylene sheaths, prepare camping cuisine. A 3.25” paring knife, a 6” serrated utility knife, and an 8” chef knife with rubber overmold textured handle grips pack neatly and safely in a tough polyester webbing carrying case.  Chef dad will love Gerber’s ComplEAT knife set. gerbergear.com

Since 1980, Simms anglers have perfected innovative fishing clothing, utilizing cutting edge materials with on the water testing. When dad takes to the water to wet wade, the most important piece of gear is his shoes. Traction and foot protection is built into Simms Pursuit Shoe. Dad won’t misstep on sharp and slippery rocks and his shoes won’t leave marks on boats and paddleboards, making this an on and off the water shoe.  Simms Pursuit Shoe is easy on and off with a quick-lacing system for fit adjustment. An ultra-breathable and quick-draining mesh upper allows water to drain through.  A stretch collar keeps sand and pebbles from entering around ankles. It’s tough too, protecting the shoe and foot with highly abrasion resistant, durable, and comfortable TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) in key wear areas. Sized to be worn barefoot or with thin liner socks. simmsfishing.com

Dad might toss out his closet full of hoodies once he tries on Sitka’s Radiant Hoody. Soft and comfortable polyester/Tencel and high loft fleece interior provide warmth without bulk! It also keeps heat and sun off, helping dad keep his cool, making this piece of gear a year-round favorite. The Radiant Hoody’s comfort will keep it in the front of dad’s hoody rotation.  Water repellent finish, UPF 20 sun protection, sweat wicking, and fast drying, loads this lightweight hoody. And to keep dad from raising a stink, Polygiene® odor control technology keeps this hoody, and dad, smelling fresh. sitkagear.com

Dad’s jeans will go to the bottom of the rotation when he wears Grundéns Gaff Pant. A true angler pant built by fishermen; Gaff goes anywhere dad goes. For over a century, Grundéns has been the leader in well-constructed commercial and sport fishing clothing. Gaff Pants are lightweight and heavy duty with fishing-friendly features, but they look good enough for everyday wear. As with all Grundéns clothing, Gaff pants are built to last with superior comfort from engineered stretch nylon spandex blend fabric with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish repelling liquids and stains with quick drying performance. Back pockets and a side zipper pocket are complimented with a built-in tool pocket. grundens.com

For the fishing dad, the perfect boat power system. Made in the USA DEKA Marine Master AGM batteries provide a powerful source for trolling motors, electronics, and starting outboards. eastpennmanufacturing.com

And to keep those batteries fully charged and long lasting, Power Pole Charge is the smartest battery charger on the water. Not only will it intelligently charge all boat batteries, but it allows power to be shared where it’s needed. Dad will never be left stranded. power-pole.com

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

Water is the perfect bass fishing temperature. Whether winding small crankbaits or bladed jigs, low stretch Gamma Edge fluorocarbon snaps baits from grass to trigger strikes. Grass and wood are target areas.

Time to think about topwaters. Walking baits are perfect for sluggish post spawn bass and can be tied to 30 pound Gamma Torque braid. Poppers work too, but hollow frogs worked over thick grass on 50 pound Torque braid produce big fish.

As for other cover, pitching creature baits, tubes or jigs is also effective. Work outer edges at lower tides.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.