With Christmas fast approaching you could do a lot worse than treat the angler in your life to one of the best fishing gifts available, or you could even treat yourself! Black Friday sales season is also here, so this will likely be the best time to get some awesome fishing gifts at the cheapest prices!
Anglers can be a tricky bunch to buy for, we know that better than anyone, so our guide aims to take the headache out of what to buy. As a bonus there will be no maggots, disgusting liquids or anything else us anglers seem to love, which everyone else despises (especially at Christmas dinner!).
The best fishing gifts at a glance...
• Best All-round Fishing Reel - Daiwa Ninja Spinning Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Tackle Box Gift - Korum Roving Blox - Fully Loaded - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Waterproof Socks For Fishing - Guru Waterproof Socks - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Fishing Trousers - Tacvasen Fleece Lined Trousers - View offer on Amazon
We have included lots of fishing gift ideas that will cover all the various disciplines of angling, with many of our suggestions being transferable, so no matter what type of angler you are buying for, they will be very grateful you stumbled across this guide. We will keep updating so make sure you keep checking to get a great fishing gift!
Best fishing magazine
www.greatmagazines.co.uk
Why not treat the angler in your life to a subscription to the biggest and best selling fishing magazine, the Angling Times! The 12 month subscription will make sure they receive the Angling Times each week before general release, straight to their door! Packed full of hints and tips from the most recognised anglers in the country, this gift will appeal to anglers of all ages and abilities. There is also a £30 gift card for fishing megastore available to claim free for a limited time too.
Pros
- Biggest and best selling angling magazine in the UK.
- Full of hints and tips, perfect for any angler.
Cons
- Their skills might improve too much and you'll have to listen to endless big fish stories.
Fishing advent calendars and gift cards
A great gift to give an angler on the run up to Christmas, or even on the day, is a Fishing Advent Calendar. These calendars are perfect if you aren’t sure exactly what to buy or want a stocking filler, as they contain lots of various high-quality items which any angler will approve of receiving. There are options to choose from, depending on the species they target and the type of angling they do. The Coarse and Carp calendar can be used by any freshwater angler, with the Lure option (plastic prey fish imitations) a little more specialised.
Best fishing lure advent calendar
www.ebay.co.uk
The Savage Gear Fishing Advent Calendar is the perfect gift for any lure angler. Not only will they have something exciting to open everyday on the run up to Christmas, they also make some of the best lures in the business so you can be assured any angler will be happy with the quality (which many manufacturers can fall short. The pike/perch and zander version is perfect for all predator angling.
Pros
- Really quality lures
- Perfect for any lure angler
Cons
- They will have to wait 24 days to get all their tackle!!!
www.ebay.co.uk
This is the ultimate fishing advent calendar. Westin have included 24 of their best selling lures, hand picked by their expert predator anglers. There are lures in here for pike, perch and zander but most can be used for all the species mentioned, if the angler in your life mentions they go fishing for one of these species then this would be a real treat for them!
Pros
- Some of the best quality lures available
- Price of lures would exceed the cost of the calendar
- Contains lures often difficult to get hold of
Cons
- It is a premium product and the cost reflects that
Best gift card idea
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you are really unsure what to buy as a gift, the Total Fishing Tackle Gift Card is the perfect choice, simply top up any amount from £10 to £1000 and let the angler choose what they want. The cards are redeemable online and in-store so if you don't have one close by they can still choose from 1000s of fishing products, they are one of the largest and most respected UK fishing retailers so they should cover something for everyone.
The card comes with free delivery and a nice fishing Christmas card for you to leave a message. The gift card can be bought on its own if you wish, although the card comes at no extra cost.
Pros
- Perfect gift for those who have no idea what to buy.
- Redeemable online and in store.
Cons
- They will probably want one every year.
Total Fishing Tackle Mystery Box
Another fantastic gift option for anglers if you’re really unsure what to buy is the Total Fishing Tackle Mystery Box. You can choose from a variety of options from carp, general coarse (which is all freshwater fish) and a predator box. The carp and coarse are fairly universal, so the angler in your life will be very appreciative of either, if they mention they fish for pike or perch, the predator option is the one to go for! For a limited time only there is 15% off the price too. They are filled with lots of great tackle bits from reputable manufacturers, so you will be giving a great quality gift.
Best surprise gift for carp anglers
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Total Fishing Tackle Mystery Carp Fishing Box contains lots of useful items for all the carp anglers out there. There are two options to choose from, with one containing slightly more and better products but both are a great buy!
There is 38% off for a limited time too!
Pros
- Lots of useful tackle items.
- Great for carp anglers.
Cons
- The mystery will be a surprise for you too!
Best mystery gift for any angler
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Total Fishing Tackle Mystery Coarse Box contains loads of tackle items for the general angler, if the angler you are gifting for fishes for everything that swims, this is the box to buy!
There is 38% off for a limited time too!
Pros
- Full of useful items of tackle for all species.
- Ideal if you're not sure what species they fish for.
Cons
- It is a mystery, but the items will be great quality.
Best mystery gift for lure anglers
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Total Fishing Tackle Mystery Predator Box is a superb choice for all the lure anglers out there Containing various items, all of which are really useful for those anglers that target predatory fish species like pike and perch!
There is 38% off for a limited time too!
Pros
- Superb choice for lure anglers.
- Loads of useful items of tackle for predator angling.
Cons
- It is a mystery what's inside, but it will be quality items.
Best heated seat cushion for fishing
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The very clever, Preston Thematic Heated Seat Cushion is an electric heated seat cushion, designed to keep anglers warm even when it's really cold. It simply straps to a seatbox or chair and runs via a usb battery power pack (sold separately) and can run upto 18 hours, providing heat at the touch of a button!
Pros
- Electric heated seat.
- Provides extra warmth in the depths of winter.
Cons
- Powerpack bought separately, will runs on any USB-C pack however.
Best fishing hot water bottle
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If the angler you're gifting to fishes overnight, treat them to a Ridgemonkey XL Hot Water Bottle, not only will this keep them lovely and warm it will also keep them safe! At least one angler dies every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning whilst trying to warm up by using their gas stoves, this completely prevents that urge.
The unusual, elongated shape helps warm up a much greater area of the body at one time, for a warm and cosy nights sleep (unless the fish rudely awaken them of course!)
Pros
- Shape helps increase the overall area it can warm.
- Lovely plush outer stops burning and increases comfort during use.
Cons
- They may struggle to fish without one, once they have used it!
Best all-round fishing reel
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Daiwa Ninja Spinning Reel is one of the best-selling reels of recent times. They are super useful at a wide range of disciplines, so much so a lot of our team use them over far more expensive reels! They can be used for freshwater and saltwater angling, so regardless of what angler you know, this reel is a great gift!
Aim for a 3000 or 4000 size, this will cover most anglers' needs.
Pros
- Superb reel for a variety of disciplines.
- We use and rate these very highly!
Cons
- Not ideal for really big carp.
Best quality fishing hoodie
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
There aren’t many fishing hoodies on the market that look as good as the KUMU Rising Sun Hoodie, adorning a Japanese inspired Koi graphic to the rear of the hoody its clear to see why it’s become a favourite of many anglers across the UK.
The hoodie doesn’t just look great however as it's one of the best quality items we have seen, and it is built to last. The super soft fabric is amazingly soft and feels incredibly comfortable when you are wearing the hoodie. The fit is also fantastic and almost feels tailor made, it doesn’t feel baggy, nor will it stretch after use!
Quality drawcords with metal rings ensure they won’t snap or degrade easily and there is a snug fitting front pouch to store belongings in. A really quality garment from KUMU that is well worth considering if you’re in the market for a new hoodie.
Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, 4XL.
Pros
- Quality item, built to last.
- Fits really well.
Cons
- The graphics might not be to everyone's taste.
Best waterproof socks for fishing
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Getting wet feet goes hand in hand with angling, but not anymore, thanks to the Guru Waterproof Socks. There is nothing worse than getting soggy boots and wet feet on the bank and these socks will keep an angler's feet lovely and dry. A simple idea but one that is really useful to us anglers!
They are far more durable than a normal sock too, so no worries about wearing them out quickly either. They are really comfortable and will keep your feet lovely and warm.
Pros
- Waterproof to prevent wet feet!
- Comfortable and warm.
Cons
- They are quite thick, so not great for hot weather.
Best tackle box gift
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Anglers love storage and gizmos, making the Korum Roving Blox - Fully Loaded a superb gift. It is a bundle of options rolled into one. Not only is there a tackle box to store miscellaneous items in, of which anglers are always inundated by, it also comes fully loaded with useful items like baiting needles. This will suit any angler and is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
Pros
- A superb Christmas gift idea.
- Tackle box with tackle in, great for any angler.
Cons
- They may already have some of the contents inside, but spares are always useful!
Best all-round fishing trousers
Whilst not strictly fishing clothing, the Tacvasen Fleeced Trousers are absolutely fantastic for angling, so much so we have bought a second pair for ourselves just in case they go out of stock! They are really warm, waterproof and comfortable to wear, they also come in a range of colours to appeal to even the most discerning anglers. They can be used by anyone so no matter what type of angler you are gifting them to, they will be impressed!
Read our full review here.
Pros
- Really good quality trousers.
- Waterproof and warm.
Cons
- Can be quite snug so get a size above.
Most stylish fishing flask
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
There is nothing better than a hot drink when it’s cold, thankfully the Carplife Thermal Flask not only looks great, it will keep liquids hot for up to 12 hours - making it perfect for any fishing session. The flask can also keep liquids like milk cold and fresh for up to three days, ideal for an angler going fishing for longer durations.
These flasks are hand finished in the UK and are built to last, so you will be thanked every year, for years to come for such a thoughtful and useful gift.
Pros
- Lovely looking flask.
- Will keep liquids hot for 12 hours, cold for up to 3 days.
Cons
- No handle on the cup section, although that is great for warming your hands.
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
At first looks the Cult Tackle DPM Technical Bivvy Coat won't be to everyone's taste, but when any angler puts it on they will instantly understand the benefits of such a product.
The comfy and oversized trench coat design is best compared to a fishing onesie and will keep anglers of all sizes warm and dry, no matter the weather conditions. Fully waterproof and windproof, the coat covers almost the entirety of the body, going right down to the knees, and is opened up via a 2-way strong zip. There are superb large pockets for storage or warming your hands and the oversized hood when secured keeps you encapsulated in your own warmth bubble.
This really is the perfect fishing coat for anglers fishing overnight in the winter. It doubles up as a great throw for a bedchair/sleeping bag too when you haven't got it on - they really are that warm!
Pros
- Incredibly warm and comfortable to wear.
- Good waterproofing.
Cons
- The style won't be to everyone's taste.
Best Christmas fishing bundle
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Fortis Christmas Bundle is a wicked gift for any angler, full of useful accessories. The bundle contains Fortis' popular Amber Wrap glasses, which are vital for all anglers fishing in the summer months, or on bright days in the winter. This is supplied in a gift bag that also has an Olive Fold Beanie, DPM Multiscarf, Reece Mug, Flipper Lighter, Orange Lanyard and stickers. We are sure 99% of anglers would approve of this nicely presented Christmas bundle. The hat and multi scarf will come in handy almost instantly now the cold weather is here.
Pros
- Fortis Amber Wrap glasses are superb.
- Other accessories are unique and really useful.
Cons
- The bundle contains a lighter which you may want to remove for younger anglers.
What to look for in a fishing gift
Anglers can be very difficult to buy for, especially if you know nothing about fishing. The best fishing gifts crossover into the various branches of angling, so you won’t get it entirely wrong whatever it is you decide to buy.
If you know exactly what style of fishing the angler you are getting the gift for does, you can choose a specific product for a specific fish. For example lures for predatory fish or carp fishing products for carp anglers, will make them much happier than a general fishing gift which may not be useful to them.
If you are really stuck, the best fishing gift is always clothing, especially with the cold weather that is imminently approaching, so a good base layer or flask would be a great buy.
If you genuinely still have no idea, the advent calendars listed above are ideal, they add a bit of fun to the gift whilst providing some really useful products too.
Glossary
Coarse fishing: The term given to the type of angling where anglers fish for freshwater species.
Carp angling: A specific type of angling that involves solely targeting big carp.
Lure fishing: Angling for predatory species of fish using lures designed to imitate prey fish.
Frequently asked questions on fishing gifts
What gift do you get an angler?
Anglers can be hard to buy for, especially if you know nothing about fishing. Some great ideas are fishing clothing, fishing reels or items like thermal flasks. You can even get fishing advent calendars for the angler in your life.
How can I find out what species they fish for?
If you want to get a specific gift it can definitely pay to find out what style of angling the angler you are buying a gift for enjoys. Ask simple questions like "what did you catch today" or ask "what fish are you trying to catch", they should soon give you the answers you are looking for.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.