Florida Sportsman 2018 Father's Day Gift Guide

Get dad what he really wants this fathers day.

: PENN Slammer III
If you are looking for something that is as sleek as it is effective, look no further. Built for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore and trusted by charter captains all over the world, the Slammer III is back and better than ever. The reinvented, award winning PENN reel features a full metal body, sideplate, and rotor, CNC machined gears, 7+1 stainless steel bearing system, new IPX6 water sealed system to keep water out of the gear box and drag system, an updated Dura-Drag system, and capacities to make a yellowfin cry uncle. MSRP ranges from $249.95 to $349.95

: Cuda Carbon Fiber Gaff
Help Dad strike like a Cuda! The company’s series of carbon-fiber gaffs offers a lightweight, powerful solution for boating offshore fish of all sizes. Four, 6- and 8-foot shaft lengths are available with corded grips and hooks of 2 and 4 inches. Shown is 8-footer with 4-inch hook ($310.49) ready to bring a big dolphin to the ice box.

: Shimano Stella FJ Spinning Reel
These are high-end, technical spinning reels designed to bring big fish in, keep salt water out, and do so for a lifetime of performance. For smooth, powerful cranking, Shimano applies its MicroModule II vibration-canceling gear teeth and rugged, Hagane gear construction. X-Protect labyrinth design prevents water intrusion—as does the strategic deletion of the anti-reverse switch, basically an unnecessary feature on saltwater reels. Size ranges from ultralight 1000-series (MSRP $699.99, capacity 95 yards 10 lb. Power Pro) on up to 5000 ($709.99, capacity 220 yards of 20 lb. Power Pro).

: Plano KVD Signature Tackle Bag
Versatility is a big part of Kevin VanDam’s remarkable bass-fishing success—so makes sense that his signature is now on a deluxe tackle bag system designed around managing diverse tackle needs. The KVD Signature Series Tackle Bag is available in 3600 and 3700 sizes (MSRP $99.99 and $119.99, respectively). Up top, rubberized corners secure a StowAway® Utility Box right where you need it. Molded-in attachment points allow these bags to easily be secured to boat decks, truck beds, ATVs, trailers or kayaks. The rail offers attachment points for every accessory imaginable: clippers, split ring pliers, towel, hook file, wacky rig tool and more. Rubberized feet keep these bags firmly planted and out of any standing water. Water-resistant TPE coating and failsafe looped zipper hide five more StowAway boxes in the 3600 size, or six in the larger 3700 size. Waterproof pocket for smartphone or wallet; mesh back pocket and compartmentalized front pockets; plier holder and padded adjustable shoulder strap also included. Dad will love it.

: Hook+Gaff Sportfisher II Moonphase Dial Watch
The new Sportfisher II Moonphase Dial watch houses a custom Swiss quartz movement with moon phase and date. The crown is uniquely placed on the left side of the watch face to avoid irritation during active angling situations. The titanium case is corrosion-and-water-resistant, in addition to being a poor conductor of heat for those hot days on the water. Specifications include: 41mm solid titanium screw down case; anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; Swiss Super Luminova™ dials and hour markers; and water-resistance to 200m/660ft. The Sportfisher II Moonphase is offered with a selection of straps. Each dial and strap color combination has been curated by Hook+Gaff designers. MSRP $650

: Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner/Wax Combo
Help make Dad’s afternoon a little easier with this perfect solution to the gore and grime that lurks in non-skid fiberglass boat decks. With Star brite’s Non-Skid Deck Cleaner, he can say goodbye to heavy scrubbing, caustic bleach or acid-based cleaners. This stuff works fast. Buy it and don’t forget some of the company’s excellent Non-Skid Deck Wax, which offers UV protection without compromising that grippy surface—just spray on, wipe it off. Retail price $18.99 for a quart of cleaner at West Marine; $19.99 for 16-oz spray bottle of the wax. It’s good stuff!

: YakGear YakStick Floating Stake-Out Stick
If the father of the house fishes out of a kayak or a canoe, this is the thing he’ll want to make quiet stops while casting to spooky fish. As bonuses, he can use it as a pushpole and attach a camera. The YakStick is built of cross pultrusion-formed fiberglass, and has a multi-purpose handle that doubles as a true mud foot: Propel paddle craft on soft bottom, or stick the nylon point fast and rope-off through one of the holes in the mud foot. Two lengths: 6 feet, 4 inches and 8 feet, 7 inches, starting at $51.99.

: TFO Traveler Series Rods
News flash: Dad will be a lot more excited about your idea of a family vacation if you treat him to a sweet new multi-piece travel rod. Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) recently introduced a series of 7-foot, , 3-piece spinning and casting rods mirroring the look and feel of the legendary Tactical family of fishing rods. These are heirloom quality, light, sensitive, fast-action high-performance fishing tools with top-quality components. Of the five spinning models, the lightest, for 1/8- to 3/8-ounce lures, looks to be the pick for tropical bonefish flats, while the mid-size stick would be ideal for snook, redfish and other U.S. coastal species. The heaviest model would be a winner for big snook, blues or northeastern striped bass. Price is $199.95, and that includes rod sock and airline overhead friendly, 32-inch hard nylon tube.

: Daiwa Saltist Star Drag
Strong. Compact. Light. Versatile. These are appealing qualities in a general-purpose offshore conventional reel. Dad knows it, and Daiwa knows how to do it right. The new Saltist Star Drag reels are available in five sizes for lines from 12- to 40-pound-test monofilament (and of course braid up to 80). These are precision machined aluminum reels with stainless steel bearings and effortless-casting freespool and centrifugal braking mechanisms. Dad could pitch live bait for mahi, slow-troll for kings, flip greenies for tarpon, you name it. The 6.4:1 gear ratio is fast enough for jigging, too. Max drag is 17 to 25 pounds, depending on model. Retail prices range from $239.99 to $259.99.

: Florida Hog Hunt
Don’t forget that sometimes the best gift is an experience. Dad will surely remember a morning hunt—and the whole family will appreciate the delicious reward of wild game meat. Florida has year-round hog hunting on private lands, and countless family ranches and outfitters who’ll set everything up, from simple stand hunts to exciting dog chases in the palmetto. Fox Brown Outfitters in Indiantown, in Southeast Florida, is one example; they have premium packages for exotics and seasonal Florida native game, but anytime hog hunting is affordable and thrilling. In April, a Florida Sportsman staffer paid $200 to harvest a 120-pound Fox Brown sow—perfect eating kind–plus a $40 gratuity for skinning, quartering and icing.

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Florida Sportsman 2018 Father’s Day Gift Guide