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.
Fish Monkey fishing gloves provide more than UPF 50+ sun protection. Errant hooks or fish spines and teeth are thwarted by Fish Monkey Gloves. Tough fingers, supple enough for casting and knot tying dexterity, and padded palms provide comfort and reduce hand fatigue with grip enhancing surfaces for any weather. Fish Monkey, the leader in quick dry breathable professional fishing gloves, offers several styles for any angler. The Half Finger Guide Glove provides complete coverage for sun protection. The shorter Stubby Guide Glove protects hands while fishing. fishmonkeygloves.com
Expect toughness and functional clothing when your motto is “Always Be Ready”. 5.11 Tactical uniquely makes top-quality tactical gear. Law enforcement, fire, and emergency services departments demand more get more from 5.11. Expect nothing less from the 5.11 Meridian Pant, whether working in the woods or yard, or going out. Lightweight construction is complimented with knee articulation, nylon herringbone webbing for the center, and back belt loop make for exceptional utility and mobility. A comfort stretch waistband maintains the Meridian Pant fit. Zippered side vents allow cooling when needed. Plenty of pockets with hook & loop fasteners. Front pockets have knife reinforcement. 511tactical.com
A lightweight waterproof jacket tough enough for commercial fishermen, but stylish and practical? That’s Grundens Trident Jacket, loaded with features, perfect for dads seeking breathable comfort whether fishing, traveling or for an evening walk. For over a century, Grundéns has been the leader in well-constructed commercial and sport fishing clothing. The Trident Jacket is easily packable for travel or for Mother Nature’s spats. Internal hood adjustments are hidden. Dual zippered pockets allow for ventilation or access to hand warmers. Hook and loop cuff closures keep water out and hold in warmth. Nothing gets through Grundéns double storm flap zipper closure. grundens.com
Over 20 years ago a couple of skiers thought there could be better mountain gear. Today FLYLOW creates lightweight and breathable clothing that fits, has style, and won’t fall apart after a season. FLYLOW’s Nash Sun Hoody is a spring to fall lightweight, breathable, full-coverage shirt. It dries quickly, has a loose, comfortable fit and a generous sized hood with drawstrings. Sun protection with 50+ UPF-treated fabric keeps dad cool and odor free with an antimicrobial treatment. The front kangaroo pocket offers access to keys or phone. Perfect for outdoors activities and stylish for social gatherings or travel. flylowgear.com
Life’s a grind, dad’s coffee doesn’t have to be. Leave it to YETI to create pour over perfection for dads who don’t want their brews to come from a plastic cup. The YETI insulated stainless steel Pour Over allows dad to use his favorite ground coffee to create perfect cups, one at a time. Using a standard paper filter, filling with ground coffee, adding boiling water, the Pour Over allows coffee to fill most any mug whether serving in the kitchen, campground, or on the road. yeti.com
To make dad a happy camper, gift him Gerber’s latest EDC, everyday carry, Stakeout Spark multi tool. Founded in 1939 and based in Portland, Oregon, Gerber has proven their metal with innovative knives and problem solving tools meeting unique needs of specific activities. The Stakeout Spark has 10 tools and a ferro rod to spark a fire or light a stove! Gerber’s functional combo needle nose and standard pliers have a cutter, very sharp knife and saw blade, and a tent stake puller making this a must have for camping and outdoors activities. Easily attached with a clip or carabiner, Gerber’s Stakeout does a lot without having to bring a lot. gerbergear.com
For a half century, family owned and operated AFTCO has outfitted any angler to pursue any fish in any water. Active anglers and professional guides appreciate Deckhand Fishing Shorts. AFTCO’s meticulous attention to detail combines functionality with durability and reliability. A usable pliers pocket, thigh, and back Velcro pockets with drains, provide space for essential fishing tools and other items. Teflon EcoElite™ coating repels stains on the nylon/spandex material that gives dad room to move with comfort. But it’s the unnoticed elastic waistband that picks up belt slack to provide forgiving stretch to avoid binding or pressure points. aftco.com
From humble beginnings in Texas in 1938, Academy has grown to over 300 full-line US sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail stores carrying both leading national and private label brands. Partnering with Jacob Wheeler, one of the top professional bass anglers, comfort meets functionality with the Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Angler Tech Pants. These lightweight fishing pants, with 7 pockets, are made of a water-repellent blend of nylon and spandex for a stretchy fit that helps dads stay dry. The UPF 50 sun protection shields skin from UV rays, and the integrated fishing line cutter button makes these pants an essential part of dad’s fishing gear. academy.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
Pot0mac 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.