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).