By Steve Chaconas

Shopping for anglers is frustrating; but for people on the receiving end there’s a guaranteed stint in return lines! Choose gifts for on and off the water! Quality, comfort, and durability in a variety of enhanced materials make for long lasting gifts.

Since 1980, Simms anglers have perfected innovative fishing clothing, utilizing cutting edge materials with on the water testing. Avid anglers take to the cold and ice, fishing year round. Simms Challenger Insulated Jacket is waterproof and lightweight PrimaLoft provides warmth. Insulated 3-point adjustable hood protects during cold boat rides. Seams are taped to keep water and weather out. Lined with moisture-wicking polyester taffeta adds ease to wearing. Sleeves are secured with hook and loop closures. Hand warming pockets and chest pocket with a tethered eyeglass chamois. simmsfishing.com

Before anglers fight fish, they battle wind, rain, and sun. AFTCO has outfitted anglers since 1958.  AFTCO’s Reaper Sweatshirt provides comfort and mobility with warm microfleece. A built-in face mask and neck warmer is suited for cold boat rides. Laser cut mask and underarm ventilation allow airflow. Shock cords anchor the hood at high speeds. Unique ultra-quiet pocket enclosures don’t pick up fuzz. Super top layer or under jackets for incredible warmth and comfort. aftco.com

Dad’s khakis will go to the bottom of the rotation when he wears Grundéns Ballast Pant. A true angler pant built by fishermen. For over a century, Grundéns has been the leader in well-constructed commercial and sport fishing clothing. A bit of stretch and gusseted fit allow freedom of movement. Strength is built in with triple needle stitching and reinforcement in key areas, including a welted plier pocket. Soft and very durable water repellent (DWR) cotton/nylon fabric repels liquids and stains with quick drying performance. grundens.com

Expect toughness and functional clothing when your motto is “Always Be Ready”. 5.11 Tactical is a unique brand making top-quality tactical gear. Law enforcement, fire and emergency services departments demanding more get more from 5.11. Expect nothing less from the 5.11Defender-Flex Jean, whether working in the woods or yard, or going out, this good-looking cotton/polyester mechanical stretch denim provides comfortable stretch and recovery. Reinforced nylon front pockets, double needle construction, bar tacks in high-stress areas, 5.11 Defender-Flex jeans will outperform and outlast. 511tactical.com

Nothing feels better than merino wool, organically providing warmth, breathability, and comfort. Nearly wrinkle free, Minus33 Merino Wool clothing is naturally elastic for fit. Specializing in base layers, socks, headwear, and other apparel, Minus33’s Midweight 3 button Long Sleeve Henley is 100% merino wool. Moisture wicking and odor resistant, Minus 33’s Henley is a great base or for everyday wear for outdoor fall, winter, and spring activities, whether hot, cool, wet, or dry. minus33.com

Socks make a great stocking stuffer and merino wool is the most comfortable material that also provides warmth. Bridgedale has been making the United Kingdom’s best loved outdoor socks for over 100 years. A unique Fusion Technology blends high quality yarns with performance microfibers for a durable and well ventilated sock. Several different weights based on outdoor activity, Bridgedale socks keep feet warm, dry, and healthy. bridgedale.com

For coffee drinkers, nothing makes a better brew than a French Press maximizing the full flavor from ground coffee. The YETI Rambler French Press has a grounds control filter to stop the brewing process, protecting the full coffee flavor, while settling the grounds to the bottom of the double wall vacuum insulated pot. The twist lock lid keeps coffee hot whether serving in the kitchen or campground. yeti.com

Finally, a working multi-tool. Founded in 1939 and based in Portland Oregon, American made Gerber Dual Force Black is a functional tool. Comparable to toolbox pliers, Gerber pliers are adjustable for a better grip with a wire cutter and stripper.  Of course, this tool has a legendary Gerber knife and saw positioned on the handle for ease of use. The screwdriver is amazing, positioned in line with the handle for best leverage and use. Two additional screwdriver tips are stored in a magnetic receptacle. Gerber innovative knives and problem solving tools are individualized gifts backed by Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty. gerbergear.com

Batteries operating trolling motors, electronics, livewells and firing up outboards can come up short. Power-Pole’s CHARGE Marine Power Management Station keeps batteries ready to perform as a traditional battery charger, charge-on-the-run, and emergency start system, in a compact and easy to install unit. CHARGE reserves power to crank outboards. CHARGE juices up boaters and every battery. power-pole.com

Made in America DEKA AGM deep cycle batteries last longer and charge faster than others. DEKAs withstand rough water, long trailering vibration and hold up without spilling or leaking in any weather. Santa brings peace of mind with DEKA batteries. eastpennmanufacturing.com

Gift certificates are great. 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

Falling water temperatures are grouping bass on steep drops. It’s also time to use spinning reels spooled with 10 pound test GAMMA Torque braid and leaders of 8-10 GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line.

Drop shot and split shot rigs can be worked slowly down the drops with frequent pauses. Use a 2/0 hooks with 3-4 inch green pumpkin worms or swim baits.

Threading an avocado colored stingray grub on a ¼ ounce ball head jig can be presented with a slow lift, glide and drop. Bites are light, so watch the line.

Silver Buddy lures are the best all-around bait to use through the winter. Tie the silver ½ ounce size to 10 pound test GAMMA Copoly line and work with a slight burp and semi-slack line on the drop.

On warmer days, try slow rolling spinnerbaits or slowly cranking flat sided tight-wiggle crankbaits. In the clearest water use suspending jerkbaits.

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