Florida Sportsman Father's Day Gift Guide 2023

Equipping finesse anglers with ultimate baitcasting distance and control, Lew's is pleased to introduce the Custom Lite Shallow Spool Baitcast Reel. Built for baitcast enthusiasts who rely on finesse crankbaits, small topwaters and lightweight soft plastics to get the job done, the Custom Lite is built with a premium QuietCast® Adjustable Centrifugal Braking system and Lew's innovative free spool rotation design to deliver an exceptionally long and accurate cast with finesse-sized baits.

If Dad enjoys sitting in the duck blind or venturing deep into the backcountry, then he’s no stranger to biting insects. A perfect Father’s Day gift, Thermacell’s scent-free repellent devices have a proven track record of effectiveness in protecting Florida’s outdoorsmen from mosquitoes. The portable MR300 runs on butane and uses small, disposable mats that provide 4 hours of protection. Once heated, the mats disperse a repellent that creates a 15-foot zone of coverage. The included camo hip holster carries an extra fuel cartridge and replacement repellent mats.

Gerber makes some great utility tools always worthy of Father’s Day consideration. The company’s relatively new and growing Armbar series of tools is a 21st Century answer to the classic Swiss Army platform: A pocketknife with useful fittings to handle chores a knife really isn’t “cut out” for. There are several editions, but the Armbar Drive might be the best for the fisherman/boater/hunter.  It has a 2 ½-inch fine edge blade with frame lock, an extension bit driver with 2-sided bit, awl, pry bar, bottle opener and—possibly best of all—Gerber scissors. Weight is 3.1 ounces.

$45 | gerbergear.com

The FireDisc is a unique propane cooker that heats up fast, cooks virtually anything, and can withstand the toughest outdoor environments. Constructed from ultra-high carbon steel, this modernized tractor plow disc provides 380 square inches of curved cooking surface with individual temperature zones. It’s a glorified cowboy wok that seasons like a cast-iron skillet, cleans up quickly with just water, and stores flat with its three-piece design. Perfect for the boat, RV, campsite, or tailgating before the big game.

Trika is a relatively new brand offering high-performance fishing rods built in the U.S.  The rods feature state-of-the-art carbon weave blanks, carbon seats and unique hollow carbon handles which amplify and clarify the slightest vibrations from fish strikes—and deliver fast, powerful hooksets. Currently, there are a half-dozen models each in spin and baitcast configurations, ranging in popular lengths from 6 feet, 6 inches to 7 feet, 6 inches in several useful line- and lure-weight capacity ratings. Weights are very competitive, edging in at 5 to 10 percent lighter than numerous premium rodbuilders’ models, according to company data. Florida Sportsman editors have been field-testing Trika spinning and baitcasting models with favorable results.

Want Dad to have a real blast this year?  A round of sporting clays is an excellent Father’s Day gift, and Florida has several terrific sporting clays ranges around the state.  One of the premiere destinations is Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in rural southeast Florida, a few miles east of Okeechobee. Non-member rates are $55 per 100 targets, $30 for golf cart rental, and $30 for a gun rental (Beretta and Rizzini over-and-unders or semi-automatics). Be sure to hand Dad a little extra cash for lunch—Quail Creek serves up great food Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

$55-$115 | quailcreeksportingranch.com

Fin-Nor is a new name in premium sunglasses for the boater and avid angler, but it’s hardly a new brand in the fishing business. Fin-Nor has long been associated with the development of durable, high-performance fishing equipment, going all the way back to the ground-breaking (and record-breaking) big-game reels of the mid-1930s. Today the company is becoming known for quality optics, with a variety of lenses and frames to suit the needs of anglers. The Sandspur model, for instance, is an aviator style equipped with Lateral Line lens technology to allow for optimal clarity and polarization. An oleophobic/hydrophobic top and bottom coat prevent scratches and smudges while the adjustable nose pads and rubber temple tips provide comfort for all-day wear. Many other styles are also available.

A fixed-blade, well-designed knife built to stand up to salt water and/or permanent life on a boat: Any Florida Dad would be stoked to own one. The new Sport Leisure Series (SLS) knives from Ontario Knife Company are crafted on the company’s Magnacut steel for the highest corrosion resistance. They’re also built with high-vis orange handles and snap-lock, belt-compatible sheaths for quick and sure access above or beneath the water. Hardest decision would be whether to go with the Dive Knife or the Pack Knife. The Dive Knife ($229.95) is 8.6 inches overall with a 4.14-inch blade with serrations and a chisel/pry tip—the serrated part is useful for cutting cordage, and the blunted tip is preferred by divers, to avoid accidental punctures. The Pack Knife ($169.95) is 8 inches overall with a 3.9-inch drop-point blade. If Dad’s a serious diver, go with the dive model. If he’s a Dad-of-all-trades, the Pack. Or, buy one of each. Made in the U.S.A.

$169.95 - $229.95 | ontarioknife.com

Dad will never have to buy pliers again (if he wears the sheath and lanyard) with the Danco Premios. These corrosion-resistant, 100% machined titanium pliers have a lifetime warranty and feature replaceable side cutters that are suitable for thin braid and heavy hollow core, fluorocarbon, monofilament, and light wire. Designed to be ultra-lightweight, these high-end pliers maintain even pressure along the pointed jaws and will impress Dad for many years to come.

$179.99 | dancopliers.com

If Dad’s a rifle shooter, a Swarovski spotting scope is a no-brainer for a present—he already knows they’re the best tools for identifying trophy game in the field or confirming aim at the range.  But spotting scopes are useful for more than that. Birding, wildlife observation, star-gazing—a good scope literally opens up new horizons. Swarovski offers the best glass around, rendering superior color and sharpness, and a wide range of configurations.  The new ATC (angled) and STC (straight) line of compact scopes are a good choice for the Dad who’s likely to be traveling. They’re compatible with a tripod—the usual accessory for scopes--but also built with a removable half shell for use without a tripod. At 35 ounces and about 10 inches, the compact ATC and STC scopes are binocular weight but with vastly improved magnification: 17X to 40X zoom. The scopes are compatible with a phone adaptor for capturing views. Available in green or orange armor.

$2,721 | swarovskioptik.com

Super lightweight and comfortable, the A1A Woven Button-Down is the perfect choice for Floridian papas because of its breathable flexible fabric that provides a hefty 50+UPF sun protection rating. Built for superior stretch and durability, its lightweight construction offers a versatile aesthetic— perfect for a day on the water or to simply fire up the grill in the backyard. Its textured construction offers greater breathability and increased mechanical stretch for superior comfort on long, hot fishing days. Plus, it looks good doing it. The A1A Button-Down is available in sizes from SM to XXXL and comes in crystal blue (pictured), harbor mist, overland trek and white.

$75 | hukgear.com

Beat the heat with the CamoX Aquashield Long Sleeve Performance tee which features an allover sublimation print, built-in sun shield, HydroChill technology, moisture wicking, antimicrobial properties and stain repellent. Perfect for casual wear and layering during transitioning weather, this shirt is treated for UV50 sun protection to keep your skin safe. The tee is available from sizes from small to 2XL and comes in three colors: kelp (pictured), ebony and blue heather.

$60 | saltlife.com

If your pops is still toting around his old woven nylon landing net, it’s about time for a serious upgrade. Nylon material is harmful to catch-and-release species and results in scale removal and damages a fish’s vital protective slime coat. Switching to a rubber net is a must for any conscientious fisherman. Tenkara Rod Co landing nets are built of carbon fiber so they are built tough, float and are extremely lightweight. The net bag is made of clear rubber, easy to maintain and prevents hooks from getting stuck in the net. They come in small, medium (pictured above) and large sizes. The small net is ideal for smaller freshwater species. Medium would work well for inshore kayak fishermen. Large is recommended for saltwater fishermen who primarily fish from a boat or target larger sportfish, as the longer handle and larger net will be a necessity for these anglers.

$109 - $139 | tenkararodco.com

If dad is a sports fan or likes to show his American pride on a large scale, the XD Flag Pole from Tigress would make a great gift, perfect for flying some of the largest flags on the market. The pole is available in 42", 54", or 72", and the sizes vary depending on the size of the flag. The gimbal butt makes utilizing the flag in any rod holder a breeze. Made of anodized aluminum, the XD Flag Pole is protected from rust and withstands harsh saltwater conditions. To top it all off, the size and compact design of the XD Flag Pole allow for easy storage.

$64.99 – $161.99 | tigressoutriggers.com

On a budget but still want to spoil dad? Head over to Academy Sports + Outdoors and pick out a few things from the H20X line. Evolved from the previous in-house iteration, “H2O Express,” the new and improved H20X line includes affordable options of everything dad could need: rods, reels, combos, lures, soft plastics, tackle bags, terminal tackle, line, pliers, knives, nets and more. Designed to cater to anglers of all experience levels the Premier, Ethos and Evo Series strike the perfect balance from entry-level to hardcore fishing gear. Check out H20X online or in-store for some of the best bang-for-your-buck deals this Father’s Day.

$0.99 - $199.99 | academy.com

Even the most seasoned of anglers will appreciate the gift of a day on the water with a pro. Simply pick your ideal destination, date and group size and Fishing Booker will match you with all charters available within your parameters. Sort your results by price, reviews or recommendations. Don’t know your dates yet? Shop by type of fishing, specific species, destination or technique and go from there. Fishing Booker also dives into detail in each section to give you an idea of what to expect from each location, species and season. I wasn’t even shopping for a charter and I found myself poking around the website learning new things and mentally planning my next vacation spot. With clear pricing, shopper-approved ratings and reviews, instant confirmation as well as important details on the boat, types of fishing, amenities, what’s included and full explanations of policies— you can feel confident and secure during your charter booking process.

Prices Vary | fishingbooker.com