Gifts for Bass Fishermen Who Already Have the Tackle

The best gifts for bass fishermen are the ones that don't require you to match their tackle: a guided day on a lake they've never fished, an entry fee for a local tournament, a replica mount of their best bass, or a set of glasses with a real fishing lure for the stem. Baits and rods are the risky picks, because bass anglers are very particular about both.

A bass fisherman's tackle box is a record of years of trial and error. You won't improve on it with a guess. You can give them a great day, a trophy or something to raise after the weigh-in.

Quick picks

• A guided day on a new lake. Local knowledge is worth a lot in bass fishing.
• A local tournament entry. For the angler who has been talking about trying one.
• A replica mount of their best bass. From photos and measurements, no fish required.
• A fishing log. Water temperature, depth, time of day, what they threw.
• A boat or kayak upgrade they've mentioned. Only if they named it.
• Glasses with a real lure for the stem. Our pick, below.

Gifts for bass fishermen that aren't baits

A guided day on new water

Bass fishing rewards local knowledge. A day with a guide on a lake they don't know is both a treat and a lesson. Ask the guide about a gift certificate so they can pick the season.

A tournament entry

Many bass anglers talk about entering a local tournament for years before they do. Paying the entry fee for a club event or a small local tournament gives them the push. Check the rules and the date first.

A replica mount

Most bass anglers release their big fish. A replica mount, made from photos and a length measurement, lets them hang that fish on the wall anyway. Expect a wait, so order early.

A fishing log

Bass anglers think in patterns: depth, temperature, cover and time of day. A log with room for each trip turns those patterns into notes they can use next season.

Our pick: glasses with a real lure for the stem

This is the one we make. AnglerVitre crystal glasses have a real fishing lure set into the stem, under a hand-finished crystal bowl. A bass angler will spot the lure from across the room. They come as a set of 2, one for them and one for their fishing partner.

Each set is $89, in wine, martini or champagne glasses, with your choice of lure color: green, pink, purple or yellow. Shipping is free in the U.S., they arrive gift-ready, and they are hand wash only.

See the AnglerVitre collection

What to skip

• Baits and soft plastics. Color, size and brand are personal and change with the water.
• Rods and reels. Bass anglers often own several, each set up for one technique.
• Electronics. Fish finders have to match the boat and what they already run.

Timing

For Christmas, order glasses by December 15 for delivery before the holiday. Replica mounts can take months, so a certificate or a photo of the plan makes a fine gift on the day.

Questions people ask

What do you get a bass fisherman who has everything?

A day with a guide on new water, a tournament entry, a replica mount of their best fish or a set of lure-stem glasses.

Is this a good gift for a trout fisherman too?

Yes. The lure is a display piece set in the stem, so it works for any angler.

Are the glasses dishwasher safe?

No. They are hand wash only, which protects the lure and the crystal.

For more ideas, see unique fishing gifts and fishing gifts for dad.