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.

Grundéns has been the leader, over a century, in well-constructed commercial and sport fishing clothing. Considered outdoor armor, the Turbulence Insulated Hoodie challenges cold conditions. Outdoor ruggedness, but stylish. Windproof and splash resistant, an abrasion resistant nylon shell packed with G-LOFT insulation, delivers maximum warmth at minimum weight, even when wet. G-LOFT doesn’t absorb moisture. Gusseted sleeves and modified raglan construction enhance unrestricted mobility. Scuba-fit insulated hood, stretch snug fit cuffs, and zippered pocket system trap heat and shed spray. Turbulence Insulated Hoodie resists snags and compresses for travel, bouncing back into shape. grundens.com

Kings outdoor apparel has built a reputation on hunter designed and tested products. Unique coloration and depth of specific terrain increases effective concealment no matter the season. XKG Pivot Pant crosses over from hunting to fishing. For colder weather, Kings’ features go beyond the fusion of lightweight performance, quick-dry quiet fabric, and all-season versatility. Breathable poly/spandex in a streamlined athletic design, is engineered for comfort, treated with water resistant DWR and Polygiene Odor Control Technology. The Grip Strip waistband secures base shirt layers. Zippered side mesh vents and pockets add ventilation and comfort, keeping airflow high and moisture low. Side and cargo pockets allow easy access with less bulk. Kings covers the outdoors. kingscamo.com

Founded in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis, the Orvis Company offers superior fly-fishing equipment and gear, field tested by outdoor staff. Comfort and function meet in a stylish Horseshoe Hills Fleece ¼ zip pullover. Designed for cool mornings, or layered for colder temperatures, its lightweight recycled fleece is constructed with approximately 58 plastic bottles and recycled clothing. Air pockets trap heat and wick moisture keeping you warm and dry. A ¼ zip neck enables temperature control. For Orvis fishing gear, full range of motion is mandatory, accomplished with raglan sleeves and elastic cuffs. No side seams reduce chafing. A shaped back hem provides full coverage. Finished off with a vertical zip pocket. Also check out Orvis dog beds, toys, and supplies. orvis.com

No matter species or season, Fish Monkey gloves protect hands while enabling fishing function. New Stealth Dry-Tec Heavyweight Sherpa Mittens keep hands warm and dry in the most challenging conditions. A breathable membrane prevents moisture build-up. Thumb and index finger openings are held open with magnets for knot tying and other finger functions. Providing superior comfort, the Heavyweight Sherpa fleece lining provides 200g insulation, the palm has 40g, without sacrificing dexterity and fishing performance. Mittens allow fingers to circulate warmth. Perfect for ice fishing! For an all-around winter gift, Fish Monkey’s Dry Head Waterproof Beanie keeps heads warm with a durable acrylic knit shell and soft fleece lining layers, topping off anyone’s gift list. fishmonkeygloves.com

Sitka gear outfits hunters for every season. Core Lightweight Hoodie is a base layer and a stand-alone summer hoodie. A foundation of Sitka’s system, high performance polyester enables ease of movement, allowing moisture to move through to dry quickly while hunting, hiking, or fishing.  Polygiene® Odor Control Technology keeps this hoody smelling fresh. Built in facemask is vented for easy breathing and incorporated into the hood. Thumb loops keep Core in place while removing layers.  sitkagear.com

Socks make great stocking stuffers and odor-absorbing merino wool is the most comfortable material providing warmth. For long days in or outdoors, Italian made Meindl socks wick away moisture with temperature-regulating technology ensuring feet stay warm in cold climates and cool in warm ones. Unless you have two left feet, socks need to be anatomically designed for left or right feet, ensuring comfort and wear. No more bunching up, making shoes uncomfortable. Meindl cushions and reinforces where it’s needed for comfort and durability, heels, and toes!  The perfect stretch keeps Meindl socks in place. Different activity weights and heights. meindlusa.com

Yeti symbolizes quality drinkware. Double wall vacuum insulation keeps hot drinks hot, and cold drinks cold. An over-engineered Rambler lid takes drinking on the go to a new leakproof level. Fitting into cupholders and allowing sips from 360 degrees, liquids stay put with just a click. The lid comes apart easily for cleaning. Dishwasher safe too! Check out other gifts for coffee lovers like YETI’s Rambler French Press. yeti.com

Founded in 1939 based in Portland Oregon, American made lightweight and compact Gerber knives are high quality. Assert Magnacut folding knife has a strong, durable, and light textured glass filled nylon handle grip. Thumb stud, pivot lock, and clip allow left or right single-handed operation. Gerber’s steel blade is strong, corrosion resistant, and retains its edge. Can be used with a pocket clip or lanyard hole. Innovative knives and problem solving tools are individualized gifts backed by Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty. gerbergear.com

Purchase gift certificates from online and brick and mortar stores. But the best gift of all is time on the water. Call 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. Use spinning reels spooled with 10 pound test GAMMA Torque braid and leaders of 8-10 GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line.

Work drop shot and split shot rigs slowly down drops with frequent pauses. Use 2/0 hooks with 4” green pumpkin worms.

Threading avocado colored stingray grubs on ¼ ounce ball head jigs and present with a slow lift, glide, and drop. Bites are light, so watch line.

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

Try slow rolling spinnerbaits or slowly cranking flat sided tight-wiggle crankbaits. In clear 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.