The Best of the Best in Hunting and Fishing
Andy and Tami McDaniels 11.18.13
If you have a friend or loved one that is passionate about hunting or fishing, then this gift guide is certain to have something that will make them smile this holiday season. This “best of the best” list features some of what knowledgeable outdoorsmen and women consider the best hunting and fishing products for 2013. All of these items are field-tested and have proven to be effective and dependable. A quick Google search will in many cases turn up better pricing for the holiday season, but for the sake of convenience we have listed the MSRP for each item.
LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro boots ($140)
High-quality, scent-free rubber with naturally insulating neoprene make the revitalized LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro boots a top pick for the 2013 holiday season. Since 1897, Lacrosse has offered well-made quality products. The refreshed Alphaburly was designed to focus on a more personalized, comfortable fit and is more flexible and easier to get on and off your foot. LaCrosse replaced the fleece lining with a new neoprene liner that provides good air circulation to keep legs and feet cool and comfortable. Not wanting to change perfection, they retained the adjustable neoprene gusset for increased stability. They adjust to just about any calf size.
Bushnell Power Sync SolarWrap Mini ($88.95)
For peace of mind when you’re off the grid, the Bushnell Power Sync SolarWrap Mini offers reliable power for charging your devices. No matter where you are, you have a reliable and lightweight tool to charge your GPS, MP3 player, camera, or smartphone. The flexible solar panels are very durable and roll up into a small package for easy storage, and the Wrap works in even less than full sunlight. They’re a great choice for any outdoorsperson.
NuCanoe Frontier 12 ($1,229)
Ideal for hunting and fishing, the NuCanoe Frontier model offers well-priced versatility that can be customized to fit any situation. The NuCanoe Frontier is perfect for hunting or fishing rivers, lakes, marsh, the surf, or an afternoon paddle—the opportunities are endless. The Frontier offers the option of going solo or tandem and can accommodate any type of gear you want to carry. There are five different colors to choose from and it is stable enough to stand up in whatever you want to do on the water. The Frontier will be a gift they will cherish for years to come.
Engel Deep Blue 65 Cooler ($339.99)
Sure to please, the Engel Deep Blue is certified bear-resistant and best in class for ice retention and overall performance, an impeccable choice for the outdoorsman. The Engel has two inches of insulation all around and will hold ice easily for eight to 10 days, this is the perfect answer to carrying your game or fish and keeping your cold stuff cold. The Deep Blue’s integrated lid hinge, secure draw down latches, and rugged construction are built to last a lifetime.
Mitchell 300 Pro Series Spinning Reel ($69.95)
The perfect blending of the old with the new, Mitchell has taken their time honored 300 series and added updated features, materials, and design to make a more comfortable and dependable spinning reel. The 300 Pro series come equipped with a carbon hybrid drag system, machined aluminum spool, 10 bearings with an auto reverse, a new Bail Halo system for added strength, and an advanced polymer body that is super-tough. Any angler would be excited to find this under the tree.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combos ($39.95-59.95)
The new Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combos combine graphite and fiberglass to create a rod with better balance. The iconic Ugly Stik retained the Ugly Stik Clear Tip, which delivers the extra strength where it’s needed, and has been updated with a newly designed one-piece, stamped stainless steel guide that provides extreme durability without insert pop-outs. Shakespeare got this one right with the same toughness and durability people have come to expect with an added balance and sensitivity of a higher-priced rod.
Fenwick Methods five-piece Travel Rods ($149.95)
Versatility meets portability in the new Fenwick Methods Travel rods series. Featuring Fenwick’s new Dual Power Blank Technology, the Methods series allows anglers to create four different rods from one five-piece interchangeable set. The Dual Power Blank Technology allows an angler to select the rods power and action by switching between two interchangeable midsections, this makes the Methods series one of the most versatile rods on the market.
Bushnell Nature View 6x30mm Binoculars ($139.99)
Featuring Bushnell’s Porro Prism, BaK-4 prisms for bright, clear crisp viewing, the Nature View binoculars are made for being in the outdoors. Anyone on your list that spends time in the outdoors needs good binoculars and the Nature View 6x30s are a great choice. They are lightweight at only 17 ounces, and they have a rugged rubber coating to absorb shock and the rigors of being outside. Easy to manipulate, they are perfect for the novice and the expert. In addition, they magnify whatever you are looking at, making it appear up to six times closer. A great gift and a super value for the holiday season.
Tenzing 4000 Series Pack ($349.99)
Brand New for 2013 the Tenzing 4000 series pack is made for the serious hunter. The Tenzing 4000 weighs just seven pounds, six ounces, and has a massive storage capacity of 4,000 cubic inches. Its lightweight design and substantial cargo capacity are made for hauling everything needed in complete comfort for days in the field, and still be ready and capable of carrying big game back to camp. The Tenzing 4000 series features a fully adjustable torso suspension with added hip support and a foldout gun and bow boot with a foldout rain flap to protect your gear. Like all of the Tenzing line, this pack is designed to be tough enough to stand up to the rigorous demands of any outdoor situation. This is the ultimate gift for the hard-core big game hunter. They will thank you every time they put it on.
OtterBox Preserver Series for iPhone 5 ($89.95)
Dependable and seriously waterproof, the new OtterBox Preserver Series for the iPhone 5 is a case you can trust. This case is built for the outdoors, it is waterproof and drop-proof up to 6.6 feet, taking the trusted OtterBox name to a whole new level. This case is super easy to put together and comes in four different cool colors. It is worth every penny.
Sebile Action First Hard Baits ($5.95-7.95)
Sebile baits have been an industry leader since their introduction in 2006; these baits are made for catching fish. What else would you expect from an angler who holds 26 current IGFA world records and has fished in nearly 60 countries using baits he designed? The action first series consists of seven new baits that are designed for bass fishing. They are offered in a wide array of colors and feature an Xternal Weight System that optimizes swim action, tracking, and durability. Each has the exclusive Sebile 3D eye. The hooks are black nickel with the belly hooks cemented in the weight. The ultimate stocking stuffer for the discerning angler on your list.
MobileStrong Mobile Storage Unit for Trucks and SUVs ($1,199-2,399)
The MobileStrong storage unit is the answer for the outdoorsman who needs to safely secure their outdoor equipment. They offer units for both trucks and SUVs. Tough doesn’t even begin to explain the durability of the MobileStrong storage units—they will take a beating and still preform like new. They are built to withstand the elements and keep your expensive hunting and fishing gear safe. Ensure your special hunter or angler’s expensive gear is safe this holiday season with the MobileStrong. They will love you for it.
HEVI-Shot Ammunition ($9.99-64.99)
If you can hunt it with a shotgun, Hevi-SHOT has you covered, from waterfowl to turkeys to coyotes and hogs, you can trust in the quality and reliability of the Hevi-SHOT brand. They also make several well priced, top-of-the-line choke tubes that are manufactured to put the maximum amount of pellets on whatever target you’re shooting at.
Weston Pro 2300 Vacuum Sealer ($499.99)
The Weston Pro 2300 Vacuum Sealer is arguably the best vacuum sealer of its kind on the market today. It can handle as much big game, small game, fish, or fowl as you can run through it, and it preforms flawlessly. The Weston Pro 2300 is easy to use, dependable, and ensures freshness while greatly extending the freezing time of fish and wild game.
BLACKHAWK! Diversion Bags ($54.99-174.99)
The BLACKHAWK! Diversion bags take firearms concealment to the next level. With seven different choices, the Diversion bags mimic ordinary carrying cases like racquet bags, skateboard backpacks, or workout bags to conceal your guns while transporting them to and from the range, and they provide an excellent choice for concealed carry.
Z-Man ElaZtech Plastic Baits ($4.49-4.99)
One super tough plastic bait, the Z-Man ElaZtech series of plastic baits covers the bases for both saltwater and fresh water fishing. ElaZtech baits are soft and pliable, and as much as 10 times tougher than other traditional soft plastic baits. The ElaZtech line resists nicks, cuts, and tears better than traditional soft plastic baits making it a great choice for that consummate angler in your life. They will love the way these baits preform in the water and how they hold up to the abuse of catching fish after fish on the same bait before having to replace them.
Top Brass Tungsten Weights ($4.79-7.99)
Top Brass makes some wonderful products for any angler on your list, but their new tungsten weights made my best of the best guide for their outstanding features that include a chip-resistant finish and the polished thru-holes that reduce line wear and tear. The new Tungsten line comes in either worm weights or flipping weights and they have an excellent range of sizes to fit just about any fishing application. A stocking full of these would be any angler’s dream.
NikWax Tech Wash ($9.75-26.50)
NikWax makes several products for waterproofing, cleaning, and protecting your outdoor gear. Tech Wash made the cut for this year for its outstanding performance on restoring and cleaning, while reviving the breathability and water repellency of your wet-weather gear.
Andy McDaniels is the Sportsmen’s Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise Campaign. Andy works with hunters, anglers, outdoor media and the hunting and fishing industry throughout the United States. Andy also serves as the Conservation Director of Pro-Staff for Hardcore Decoys and Huntducks.com. He believes that conservation is the cornerstone of hunting and fishing, and he has committed himself to educating hunters and fishermen about the conservation issues that will affect our children and grandchildren. His effort on behalf of conservation and his outreach to hunters, anglers, congressional members, political groups, and citizen action organizations has been monumental. In 2003 and 2004 Andy was recognized for his work on State Wildlife Grants by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. His efforts on the Farm Bill garnered him the esteemed Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award from the National Wildlife Federation in May 2008.
Tami is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a certified English teacher and freelance writer. She has published numerous articles on a variety of outdoor topics. Her most recent articles on outdoor subjects include 10 Indicators of a Quality Guide, The Anatomy of a Hunting Guide Website, Hunting Guides along the Corridor, and First Steps to Get Kids Hunting and Back into the Outdoors. In addition, she is the web content administrator for three websites. Her volunteer work includes managing web and social media sites, writing grants, organizing fundraising activities, and planning community events.
