Getting fishing and boating gifts for dad can be a tricky affair. Sure, you can get him a rod, a rod holder, or tools – but if you’re not well-versed in fishing, you might end up giving him a gift he can’t or won’t use. For these times, gift cards are usually the answer. But for those who love their dads, warts and all, here are some of my suggestions for the best fishing and boating gifts that he’ll be sure to use.
UPF 30 Long Sleeve Boating and Fishing Shirt
When you’re completely focused on your fishing, it’s all too easy to lose focus of everything else in pursuit of your catch. As the sunburns on my arms and back will attest! If you’re looking for a foolproof fishing and boating gift for your dad, why not get him one of these fine UPF30 long sleeve fishing shirt?
Each of these shirt is made of 100% breathable nylon. Additionally, it’s equipped with Columbia’s signature UPF 30 fabric that’ll protect dad’s skin from long hours in the sun. For those worried about overheating, this shirt is not only very light. But it also features hidden shoulder vents and a quick dry design that makes it great for any outdoor activity.
HUK Men’s Gunwale Rain Water & Wind Proof Jacket
On the flip side, if your dad likes fishing in cold, stormy water and weather that he might call “bracing” and you call “absolutely freezing”, a warm, waterproof jacket will definitely be a welcome present. For men like these (hi dad!), I recommend getting a rain, water, and wind proof jacket like the HUK Men’s Gunwale Jacket.
This jacket also features a lightweight 100% nylon construction that ensures it’s easy to move around in while offering its wearer full protection against the weather. The HUK Men’s Gunwale Jacket has fully taped and reinforced seams, zippered hand pockets, and an adjustable hood to protect dad from the cold and wet. The jacket comes with a triple-layered water repellant coating, so you can be sure that it’ll keep the wearer warm and dry.
Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box PRO Bass Fishing Kit
If your dad’s fishing has gotten a little routine and stale, bring some excitement back into his hobby with the Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box PRO!
There’s a famous quote going around where life is compared to a box of chocolates. It just means that, that you’ll never know what you’re going to get. That’s exactly the case with this mystery tackle box.
Each of these boxes contains roughly 6-7 of the best quality fishing lures. These includes hardbaits, skirted jigs, spinnerbaits, soft plastic – you name it, they’ve got it.
The variety of these lures is such that even veteran anglers will be forced to step up their game and find ways to maximize the box’s contents. And for those worried about getting scammed, don’t worry as the contents of the box is always (more or less) equivalent to its cost.
HOOK-EZE Knot Tying Tool Cover
While dads can be infamous for being stubborn, there’s no denying that hand-eye coordination tapers off with age. Which is why the HOOK-EZE Knot Tying Tool Cover is one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dad. The HOOK-EZE makes tying knots simple, easy, and safe. In fact, even if your dad’s eyesight isn’t what it used to be, he’ll still be able to tie fishing knots like back in the day.
This fishing knot tying tool comes with four pieces (two large, two standard) that can each hold hooks from 10/0 and 9/0 all the way down to hook size #28. A stainless steel line cutter helps with emergency repairs, and keeps your dad’s hands safe no matter how advanced the knots he’s tying are, or how strong the rains are. As an added bonus, the HOOK-EZE Knot Tying Tool Cover also comes with a bottle opener!
Zerust Rust Preventing Vapor Capsule
Since fishing tools are continuously exposed to water and rough conditions. That’s why, it’s very easy for them to degrade and get rusted. And while no one likes rust, few people hate it more than those whose livelihoods and hobbies depend on them. This makes the Zerust Rust Preventing Vapor Capsule one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dad.
This super-affordable anti-rust capsule emits an invisible, non-toxic vapor that coats metallic surfaces, preventing the chemical reaction that transforms iron or steel to rust. And not only is this gift very practical and affordable, but it’ll last a long time too – one capsule protects a radius of two feet for one year!
Gerber Gear 22-01471N Suspension Needle Nose Multitool Pliers
When you’re out on the water, the less weight you’re carrying, the better. Not only does this mean increased safety, but it also means that your boat will have more carrying space for your catches.
However, things don’t always go according to plan. And anglers will often find themselves doing “last minute adjustments” to their tools. For those times, your dad will definitely be happy to have a multi-tool by his side, and that’s why the Gerber Gear Multitool Pliers is one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dad.
This field-tested piece of kit comes with a spring-loaded needle nose plier, a regular plier, a wire cutter, a plain edge blade, a large flathead, a small flathead, a cross driver, a saw, a can opener, scissors, a serrated blade, and a bottle opener. No matter the occasion, any angler – dad included – will find a use for this gift, I guarantee it.
For those who are worried about dad’s safety, the Gerber Multitool Pliers comes with their unique Saf.T.Plus system. This system locks all unused components in place when the tool is being used. Meaning, dad won’t accidentally cut himself while fixing his gear.
Rapala RHCDS50 High Contrast Digital Scale
The best way to put fishing tall tales to rest is by giving dad a digital scale. That way, he can get his fish’s weight right down to the decimal. I promise you he’ll round it up, but nobody else needs to know that.
This light digital scale comes with a reverse image LCD for enhanced viewing even on bright and sunny days, as well as directional pad operation and 8 storage locations. For those dads who’d prefer different measurements, you can switch between pounds and ounces, decimal pounds, or kilograms.
Kastking Fillet Knife
Kastking’s fine German knives are excellent tools for a lot of situations, thanks to their high quality and ease of use.. And this set will make one of the best fishing and boating gifts for your dad.
Kastking Fillet Knives come in 6’’, 7’’, and 9’’ lengths, each of which are calibrated for perfect flexibilty and perfect sharpness. These knives have been made to easily and lightly trace contours. This makes them ideal for slicing not just fish, but other thin meats such as poultry. A non-slip polymer grip ensures that dad remains safe while trimming his catch. In addition to that, an included protective sheathe keeps the knives locked when not in use.
Better Boat Premium Scuff Erasers
Cleaning up is never a pleasant task, especially if what you’re cleaning is a boat. There’s lots of things that can go wrong on a boat, and even if things go smoothly, your boat is bound to get sand, dirt, and other debris on it. But those are exactly why premium scuff erasers are one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dad.
These premium boat cleaners are not only super affordable, but super practical too. They’ll easy wipe away dirt, grease, salt, and shoe scuffs from your dad’s deck without using any harsh chemicals. Because of this light composition, these scuff erasers can be used with virtually any boat, and are sure to be a practical and valuable gift.
ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
Your dad may be stubborn about it, but even old hands at fishing need some help from time to time. For those whose parents are already comfortable with smartphones, a bluetooth fish finder is one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dads.
The ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder utilizes patented sonar fish finder technology and bluetooth technology. This delivers its findings directly to an app, so your dad can make sense quicker of all the data. This fish finder offers accurate sonar readings down to a depth of 135’. When it’s not being used as a fish finder, a snap swivel connection allows this gadget to serve as a bobber.
O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest
Few things tell dad “I love you” better than showing concern for his safety, and because of that, a great life vest is one of the best fishing and boating gifts for dads.
The O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest is a fantastic choice for a life vest. Not only does it feature a sleek, black design, but it’s also highly practical. Zipper closures surround its nylon construction, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable yet secure fishing experience. This vest’s anatomical flex points ensure unrestricted movement even in the water. And while this life vest has been pared down for mobility, it’s plenty tough and very safe.
The Gift of Giving
At the end of the day, only you know your dad the best. And whether he’ll enjoy these gift ideas or not is entirely up to him. If none of these work, you could always get him a gift card. But make sure he knows you did it because you couldn’t decipher the mysterious language of fishing gear, and wanted to be sure you got him something he wanted.