’Tis the holiday season and the time to exchange gifts with loved ones. This year is expected to be somewhat more stressful due to supply chain/shipping issues stemming from the pandemic. So, if you have an angler on the shopping list, it’s best to buy early. Here are a few handy suggestions for those recipients who enjoy piscatorial pursuits:
Donnmar Titanium Pliers
The Checkpoint 880s are one of four titanium models Donnmar makes here in the USA. The 880s are super-light (less than 5 ounces), and the military-grade titanium used for the frame is durable and corrosion-resistant. Non-slip Santoprene grips offer sure contact, even with wet, slimy hands. The jaws are always spring-loaded at the ready and the pivot bearing is made from solid brass, then nickel-plated to ensure durability. At 7.5 inches overall length, the needle-nose design and diamond pattern jaws allow quick and sure hook extraction. Add the optional leather holster and lanyard and these will last a lifetime, backed by warranty. $329.99 donnmarpliers.com
ACR ResQFlare Safety Kit
It’s always prudent to be prepared on the water and the ACR ResQFlare Safety Kit does just that. It comes with a ResQFlare Electronic Distress Flare, C-Strobe Rescue Light, ACR RescueFlag, signal mirror and whistle, all enclosed in a RapidDitch dry bag. The flare and distress flag combined meet the applicable US Coast Guard requirements. The flare and strobe are powered by replaceable batteries, which eliminates the problem of expiring pyrotechnic flares. Even if the boat has redundant safety equipment, this compact kit is an excellent back-up in an emergency. $99.99 acrartex.com
Orca Walker 20 Soft-Side Cooler
You can never have too many coolers and even if you do have some of the rugged Orca roto-molded ones on board, it’s always nice to have a more portable one for the skiff, truck or beach. The Walker 20 soft-sided cooler in multiple colors holds 20 beverage cans with a maximum load capacity of 50 pounds. Construction features include insulated inner walls to keep stuff cold, ultrasonic seam welding, a durable bottom and easy-to-open split magnetic handle, with a padded shoulder strap. $219.99 orcacoolers.com