Dads are tough to shop for. I know, I used to keep my family guessing. So, I dug deep and put together a list of the gear your Dad will really want this year. Here are some of the best gifts for your Dad on and off the water, so you all have a great Father’s Day. Tight lines!
G Loomis NRX+ Inshore Series
Few items are as versatile on the inshore grounds as a spinning rod, and few rods are as capable as G Loomis’ NRX+ Inshore series—it took top honors for the best saltwater rod at ICAST 2023. The line of 10 casting and spinning rods was designed with technical presentations in mind, giving those that throw lures and soft plastics a top-notch tool. The American-made blanks provide ultra-fast recovery for increased casting distance, heightened sensitivity, and weight reduction. A Fuji Titanium SiC guide train should hold up to the bangs and bruises that often accompany a life on the brine. If you want to impress Dad, this will do it.
Columbia PFG Solar Stream Elite Hoodies
If your Dad spends a lot of time in the sun, and if you’re reading this he probably does, then outfit him with one of Columbia’s PFG Solar Stream Elite Hoodies. This full-coverage sun shirt offers broad spectrum UV protection combined with Columbia’s Omni-Wick tech to pull moisture away to keep Dad cool and dry on the hottest days. Protective cuffs and thumbholes help protect the vulnerable area on the back of Dad’s hands. Bonus features include zip-closed security pockets and a sunglass cleaning patch—an important concern with high-performance synthetic fabrics. Plus, it’s made with recycled content.
PENN Slammer IV
Is your Dad tough on stuff? Consider giving him the PENN Slammer IV this Father’s Day. The latest iteration of the Slammer improves on an already good thing with IPX6 sealing that promises to keep saltwater out of the gears. The venerable HT-100 drag washers are also protected; housed in a sealed spool, ready to stop anything with fins. A full metal body and side plate keep the CNC-cut brass gears in precise alignment under stress. With an 8+1 stainless steel bearing system, this is the smoothest and most durable Slammer yet.
Costa Grand Catalina
Dad probably remembers the original Costa Grand Catalina, which was ahead of its time when it was introduced in the late ‘80s and quickly gained favor among anglers looking for cutting edge fishing eyewear. Costa recently brought back the Grand Catalina with a host of new features but retained the beloved aviator shape and removable side shields. The remastered frame features sweat management channels, vented adjustable nose pads, and seamless surfacing make this retro-inspired model state of the art. Available in Costa’s signature 580G glass lens as well as polycarbonate in a variety of tints.
Fenwick World Class Inshore Spinning Rod
If your Dad is as old as I am, he probably remembers the days when Fenwick ruled the roost at the local bait and tackle. With the introduction of their World Class series of rods they could become a household name on the inshore scene again. These lightweight-but-tough spinning rods offer plenty of responsiveness, while a unique tailored foregrip increases sensitivity in a way that must be felt. Other notable attributes include 40/36-ton graphite blend with proprietary reinforcing resin, contoured rod butt, and titanium guide frames with super thin zirconia inserts.
Shimano Stradic FM
If your Dad was a fan of the original Stradic you can make his day with the most technologically advanced version to date. The Stradic FM incorporates a number of technologies pioneered in the Stella family of reels, with a price point that’s much easier on the wallet. Increased gear meshing gives this one increased durability and quieter operation. With a good freshwater rinse after each use, Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and water-channeling labyrinth construction should prevent saltwater from affecting this one. Sizes available for fish in backwaters, flats, and nearshore environs.
Bajio Sigs Sunglasses
Bajio’s new Sigs sunglasses come in four different frame colors and a total of 14 lens options, so you can find the perfect style for Dad. The fashionable frames house a variety of features that make them ideal for shallow-water anglers, including wide, polarized lenses that provide an enhanced field of vision to patent-pending blue light blocking LAPIS technology that keeps bad light out and reduces eye strain even on the brightest days. The built-in Sun Ledge on the interior edge of the frame blocks light from sneaking in from above, a huge bonus if you’re not wearing a hat. I’ve been using a pair of the prescription models for a few months now, and I’ve been very impressed with the quality of the optics and fit of the frame. Also available as readers.
Watershed Big Creek Drybag
Does your Dad ever wade a little deeper than he intended? Yeah, me too. If your Dad ever ditches the boat and goes for a wade, consider the Big Creek drybag from Watershed. This backpack offers 1,280 cubic inches of protection for delicate electronics, fishing gear, and extra layers. The closure is one of the easiest to use I’ve ever encountered on a drybag, closing just like the ziplock you stashed your sandwich in to offer protection without having to roll the top down. The straps are pretty comfortable too; I wore it all day fishing the Chandeleur Islands and hardly noticed it despite a sizable load.
Simms Pursuit Shoe
Sometimes you have to get on foot to close the gap. If your Dad ditches the boat to put the sneak on fish that live in the skinny stuff, give him a pair of Simms’ Pursuit shoes. Designed as all-purpose footwear that goes from boat decks to wet-wading and back with sneaker-like comfort, thanks to the quick-draining and drying upper. The non-marking siped outsole offers excellent slip resistance onboard, on the dock, or even messing around on a paddle board. A quick-lacing system allows for easy on and off, as well as adjustments on the go.
Toadfish Fixed Filet Knives
Toadfish made a splash with the introduction of their folding filet knives years ago. They hope to build on that success with fixed blades models for those that don’t have to travel with their blades. Choose from a variety of lengths to tackle every species inshore and off, with coatings that make cleaning easy. Over-molded handles provide plenty of grip, even when wet. Plus, they come with an innovative suction sheath with a bottle opener which comes in handy whether you’re on the beach or the boat.
Yeti Rambler French Press
The best fishing trips start with a good cup of coffee. Give your Dad what he needs to brew his own cup of joe with Yeti’s new French Press. Built with the same double wall insulated construction as the other offerings in the Rambler series, this French press will also keep the fresh-brewed goodness warm for hours. And, you can convert this to a pitcher with the addition of the Twist-to-Lock Magslider lid and Dad can take a day’s worth of coffee out on the boat with him. Available in 34- and 64-ounce versions to handle any size caffeine habit.
Pelagic Strike Board Shorts
Does Dad like a midday dip when he’s wetting a line? Get him a pair of Pelagic’s Strike board shorts so he can cannonball off the swim deck if he feels like it. Built with lightweight, stretchable materials that move when he does and dry quickly. A pliers/phone pocket is lined with ballistic nylon so it will stand up to use as a holster, and a zippered security pocket keeps his keys and wallet safe. The Strike comes in a variety of patterns to match Dad’s style—we’re particularly fond of the depth sounder screen color way.
XTRATUF 6-inch Ankle Deck Boot
If he fishes in the cooler months, your Dad could benefit from a pair of XTRATUF’s 6-inch ankle deck boots. Though this versatile footwear is perfect for the shoulder seasons, it is light enough for the heights of summer, keeping feet dry without the extended height of traditional boots. This low-cut model features the same slip-resistant Chevron outsole found on XTRATUF’s Legacy boots to all but guarantee traction on wet surfaces. The ankle-height makes these easy to kick on and off, along with a pair of loops to aid in the process.
Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt
Does your Dad fish the marsh or anywhere else biting insects frequent? If so, give him the gift of sting-free excursions with one of Forloh’s Insect Shield SolAir hooded long sleeve shirts. This lightweight and breathable shirt offers UPF 50+ sun protection plus an advanced insect repellent built-in so Dad can ditch the DEET. The Insect Shield repellent keeps mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges at bay for the expected lifetime of the shirt without reapplication. The SolAir also has Polygiene Stay Fresh antimicrobial coating and Odor Crunch scent control systems to keep Dad smelling fresh after the longest day of fishing.
Teva’s Hydratek Sandal
Teva has long been known for its excellent sandals. They hope to continue that legacy with the introduction of the Hydratek series, which drew inspiration from the grippy toes of tree frogs. The outsole of the Hydratrek sandals features a unique dot design that allows surface water to run through while maintaining a firm grip—perfect for wet decks and docks. Also present is Teva’s easy-to-adjust suspension system that keeps your feet planted. Despite holding your feet firmly, the straps remain comfortable even after a long day on the brine. If your dad likes wearing sandals when fishing, these are a top choice.
BOLT Receiver & Coupler Locks
Give Dad the gift of peace of mind and convenience with BOLT’s receiver and coupler locks. BOLT’s unique lock cylinders utilize an existing key, programming with a simple turn so Dad can use his ignition key to lock up all the stuff he cares about. The locks are resistant to picking and bumping, so they’ll keep his boat and trailer safe when he’s not there to watch. Keep everything protected with receiver and coupler pin locks at the ramp, and the trailer coupler lock when the boat is on the hard.
SealLine Pro Zip Duffel
Does your Dad do most of their fishing from a center console or other open boat? If so, he’s probably hard up for dry storage. Give him one of SealLine’s Pro Zip duffels so he can keep a day’s worth of layers and other gear dry and ready. This submersible bag features RF-welded seams, corrosion-resistant hardware, and a YKK AquaSeal zipper that is much easier to pull than other waterproof zippers I’ve used. In my past career, I spent a few month’s living out of one of SealLine’s roll top backpacks on the high seas, so I’m confident the Pro Zip will be durable. Removeable backpack straps make it easy to tote, in three sizes: 40, 70, 100 liters.
Shimano Butterfly Jig Bag
Time on the water is precious. Help your Dad make the most of it with one of Shimano’s Butterfly Jig Bags. Specifically designed to keep jigs organized and ready, Dad will be able to grab the right one at a glance and get back in the action. Premium rip-stop fabrics and durable liners in the fold-up interior ensure the bag stands up to rough use, as do the corrosion-resistant TPU zippers. An ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
