I use traditional stones and a power grinder at home, but find diamond coated mini hones a good field choice. The systems that use two angled white ceramic "sticks work too. My wife notes that good sharpening systems "sometimes" mean sharper kitchen knives too!
Look at lures or flies or hooks as stocking stuffers. Everybody can use a little frying pan assortment or Water Gremlin "eared" shot -- there's an "eco-shot" model to help prevent plumbism too. Everybody can use hooks sized to fit the mouth of the fish they usually catch, and bait anglers can do well with an assortment of British or other long floats -- Thill's for example. Also consider ball-bearing swivels that work better than the cheap brass types.
Check some of the fancy new lines as well. Just about everyone can use spools of new line yearly. Get the size spool that fills a reel. New flylines, extra leaders -- Orvis loop systems are nice -- http://www.orvis.com -- and they have a load of "Daddy Warbucks" gifts.
Lure or fly selection's simple. Check what's in the tackle box and buy duplicates! Then consider color or size variations, for the only thing worse than not having the proper lure is having, and losing, the only one in the right size and hue.
If you start from scratch, look at plastic lures like Gitzits or smaller worms as, even when you add in the extra price of the right kind and size hook, these are a lot less expensive than plugs and such.
As about favorite flies and sizes and check the net. I favor http:www.fineflies.com for a combination of solid quality and good price, but you'll find others. Flies can, of course, be shipped inexpensively.
NO-NO ITEMS
Unless you've got solid hints such as catalogs with turned down pages and circled items, I'd stay away from boats, float tubes, reels, clothing, vests, waders and such. Gear most would toss out can be treasured, and nothing's worse than something that doesn't fit or suit. If you do get something in this line make sure it can be exchanged.
COP OUTS
If all else fails, consider a gift certificate.
All of the above suit fly, spin and casting type anglers.
Go To Page: 1 2
