25 fishing gifts to fuel Dad's favorite hobby this Father's Day

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25 fishing gifts to fuel Dad's favorite hobby this Father's Day

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  • If Dad's a fisherman, Father's Day could be a whole lot easier than you've ever realized.
  • Fishing isn't a cheap hobby, and there's always something he needs for the tackle box or the boat.
  • From rods and reels to pliers and coolers, there's surely something of which he's in dire need below.
  • Check out all of our Father's Day gift ideas for 2019 for more inspiration.

If Dad fancies himself a fisherman, chances are good that he's got one expensive hobby. But this makes your chore of finding him the perfect Father's Day gift a breeze. You see, fishing, seemingly, requires more and more gadgets and apparel each year. Who knew he needed a wireless, castable fish camera? (He doesn't.)

There's an endless list of things that need replacing, updating, fixing, or scrapping. Cross one or two items off that list and you're home safe till next year. Fishing, and gearing up for fishing, is an endless obsession, a never-ending procession of new lures, pliers, nets, rods, reels, electronics, safety equipment, apparel, and, well, you get the idea. That's why a fishing gift is always a safe bet.

Sift around through the recommendations below, and if you want to dig a little deeper, have a look at our full fishing rod and reel buying guide for more ideas.

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A fully submersible waterproof ditty bag for tackle and more

A fully submersible waterproof ditty bag for tackle and more
Yeti Sidekick Dry, available at Yeti, $49.99

Tell Dad to toss the flimsy, brittle old plastic boxes for something a little sleeker and handier on the water.

A fisher-friendly inflatable SUP

A fisher-friendly inflatable SUP
Bote Board Rackham 12'4" Inflatable Fishing Standup Paddleboard, available at Amazon, $1,699

If your checking account isn't quite big enough to buy him a boat yet, this is the next best thing, and, better yet, he'll be fooled into getting a bit of exercise on the way to his favorite fishing holes.

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A cool, breathable, UPF-treated fishing shirt

A cool, breathable, UPF-treated fishing shirt
Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt, available at Columbia, $29.90 (16 colors)

Sunproof, lightweight, and breathable. No matter how many of these shirts he has, he can still use another.

A classy, stainless-steel flask with a magnetic, double-walled cup

A classy, stainless-steel flask with a magnetic, double-walled cup
Highcamp Flask, available at Bespoke, $69

Goodness only knows what's living in his decades-old flask, and he's old enough to drink from a proper cup by now anyhow.

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An easy-to-sharpen fillet knife

An easy-to-sharpen fillet knife
Bubba Blade 9 Inch Flex Fillet Knife, available at Amazon, $50.55

If his fillets aren't coming out too hot, this might help.

An electronic fish smoker

An electronic fish smoker
Masterbuilt Front Controller Electric Smoker, available at Amazon, $279.29

You'll thank yourself for this one. Trust me.

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An oyster shucking tool, in case the fishing doesn't always go so well

An oyster shucking tool, in case the fishing doesn't always go so well
Dexter-Russell New Haven-Style Oyster Shucking Tool, available at Amazon, $12.72

The fish aren't always biting, or maybe Dad's just a little at a loss with his fishing skills. Oysters, on the other hand, have nowhere to run. As a one-time oyster shucker (and general bivalve enthusiast), I can say this is one of the most favored tools of oyster shuckers in the US of A, and my personal favorite; I don't go out on the water without one in my tackle box.

Polarized shades made from recycled fishing nets

Polarized shades made from recycled fishing nets
Costa Del Mar Recycled Fishing Net Polarized Glasses, available at Amazon, $193.87

Help clean the waters off Chile and protect Dad's precious, if dwindling, eyesight. A win-win, no?

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A monthly tackle subscription box

A monthly tackle subscription box
Mystery Tackle Box subscription or gift boxes, available at Mystery Tackle Box, from $14.99

Mystery Tackle Box offers all sorts of gift boxes and subscriptions, so no matter what your dad's angling pursuits may be, you'll find something for him here. Plus, if you pick the wrong box, he can always change it out.

Heavy-duty fishing pliers with a line cutter

Heavy-duty fishing pliers with a line cutter
Bubba 7.5 Inch Fishing Pliers, available at Amazon, $45.13

This is about the only fishing tool he'll need on the boat.

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Fishing bibs for a messier day at sea

Fishing bibs for a messier day at sea
Grundens Balder 504 Bib Pants, available at Amazon, $159.98

Bib pants will catch all the blood and gore before it works its way home and into the washing machine. Someone will appreciate that. It'll also keep dear old Dad warm out on the high seas in the shoulder seasons.

A humane fish-killing tool

A humane fish-killing tool
Svord Ike Jime Tool, available at Amazon, $12.13

It looks barbaric, but what Pops does to euthanize your dinner is likely tenfold.

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A focal magnifier for knot tying

A focal magnifier for knot tying
Flip Focal Magnifier, available at L.L.Bean, $19.95

Everyone but Dad knows his eyesight is starting to go. Give him a hint (and a hand).

A fishing-line welder so he can stop tying (or trying to tie) knots altogether

A fishing-line welder so he can stop tying (or trying to tie) knots altogether
Tauten Linewelder, available at The Grommet, $139.99

We all know his knot game is remiss; save him the agony of losing the catch of his life (that is, second to Mom, of course).

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A humane and corrosion-resistant fishing net

A humane and corrosion-resistant fishing net
Bubba Corrosion-Resistant Landing Net, available at Amazon, $120.63-$194.95 (prices vary by size)

Lest he harm a fish he was planning to let go.

A new fly rod and reel outfit

A new fly rod and reel outfit
Orvis Clearwater V Fly Rod and Reel Outfit, available at Orvis, from $311

That old bamboo cane pole he has is cute and all, but it's heavy, and his casting shoulder is not as strong as it once was. Bring him up to date and lighten his load with some newfangled technology.

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A LifeProof phone case

A LifeProof phone case
Lifeproof Frē Series Waterproof Phone Case, available at Amazon, $52.01

Next time your dad drops his phone into the drink, he'll actually have a chance at recovering it.

A fly-tying starter kit

A fly-tying starter kit
Orvis Premium Fly-Tying Kit, available at Orvis, $198

Flies are expensive, and if your father's tucked into retirement, maybe the budget is a little tight. This will not only keep him occupied (and out of yours and Mom's and everyone else's hair), it'll take a little sting out of this oh-so-pricey hobby.

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A fully submersible waterproof backpack

A fully submersible waterproof backpack
Yeti Backpack 28, available at Yeti, $299.99

If he's still venturing out above the waist, or likely to soak his camera, this waterproof backpack should spare him a small tragedy or two.

State-of-the-art, lightweight, and packable waders

State-of-the-art, lightweight, and packable waders
Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders, available at Patagonia, $349

Chunky, heavy neoprene can be nice for the winter, but get him something he can hike with up to the rivers less fished.

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A UPF-treated adventure hat

A UPF-treated adventure hat
Sunday Afternoon Hats, available at Amazon, from $19 (prices vary by style)

Whether he's bald or balding, he can never have enough hats. And unlike his ratty old straw hat, these are made to take a little abuse.

A folding chair with compartments and backpack straps

A folding chair with compartments and backpack straps
ONIVA Picnic Time Folding Chair, available at Amazon, $57.30 and up ONIVA Picnic Time Fusion Folding Chair, available at Amazon, $85.99 and up

It's light, easy to carry (with backpack straps), and if he's a thrifty packer, he can forego the heavy cooler and beach cart and not break his back hauling everything out to the beach.

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A brand-new spin-fishing rod

A brand-new spin-fishing rod
Tsunami Slimwave White, available at Amazon, $116.38-$124.98

It doesn't matter how many fishing poles are gathering up cobwebs in the garage, he'll always appreciate a new one. (Pro tip: If you're not sure which size or kind of fishing rod to buy, go look at his gear, find the oldest, most used, and abused fishing rod he has, or his most popular, and match it).

... and a spinning reel to go with it

... and a spinning reel to go with it
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel, available at Amazon, $74.99-$262.74

Fishing reels have come a long way. And probably a really long way since he last purchased one. Catapult him into modernity with this ultra-light, smooth-as-can-be piece of machinery. (Pro tip: As with a fishing rod, if you're not sure which size or kind of fishing rod to buy, go look at his gear, find the oldest, most used and abused reel he has, or his most popular, and match it).

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Sunscreen with bug spray

Sunscreen with bug spray
Badger Anti-Bug Sunscreen, available at Thrive Market, $14

A two-in-one accessory to keep the sun and bugs at bay, which he'll more than likely thank you for, repeatedly. Reef-safe, non-coated, non-nano, mineral-based sunscreen.