Gift suggestions for LI's fishermen

What to buy for the serious angler? It's an oft-asked question pondered by holiday gift givers young and old.

Take inventory of an angler's arsenal and it's hard to imagine the need for reinforcements. Still, tackle and gear lost or damaged needs to be replaced, new gifts of comfort and warmth can be put to good use almost immediately as cod action builds, and rods, reels and lines often need upgrading. Books of local fishing information are also welcomed offerings, as are gift certificates for tackle or fishing trips.

Although a cruise through the Internet and mail-order catalogs will help you gather ideas and perhaps find some bargains, the best starting place for gift buying is your local tackle shop. The folks there are probably already familiar with your angler's current gear and preferences. They can point you in the right direction.

"It's actually hard to go wrong when buying gifts for anglers," said Paul Graniello at J & J Sports in Patchogue. "Rods, reels, lures, fishing gloves, it's all good." Hot items at Graniello's shop have included a medium-sized Aqua Skinz Surf Bag ($89), Lamiglas surf rods ($200+), Glacier Gloves ($20) and Daiwa's Saltist series of spinning reels ($199 to $229).

Down the road at J & H Sports Center in Oakdale, Harry Fuld noted that Avid reels and Shimano's Terez series of rods were on the wish list of many shop regulars. "These are quality gifts that really stand out," Fuld said. The Avid SX reel ($159) is ideal for fluking while the MXL ($179) can be loaded with 50-pound test braided line and used for stripers, blues and sea bass. Codfish fans will love the new Shimano Terez rod, model #TZC80-H ($250), because it's exceptionally strong at half the weight of traditional cod rods. Team it with the MXL reel and you've got a tremendous cod fishing outfit.

"Rods and reels make great gifts," said Bobby Turturello at Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh, "but nothing beats staying warm." To that end, consider giving a Grunden Windjammer Fleece Jacket ($117). Turturello also recommended picking up a spool of Power Pro braided fishing line ($16.95). Choose 20-pound test for fluke or 50-pound test for stripers. Purchasing a tidal clock ($29.99) was another good idea.

Does your angler like to read? Then consider Falvey's Guide to Fishing Long Island (Geared Up Publications, $19.95). It offers a comprehensive look at species-specific techniques, rigging and local hot spots. Bill "Doc" Muller's newly revised Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night (Surfcasting LLC, $17.95) was great the first time around and now features new information, new photos and discussions about new products.

If you simply want to stuff a holiday stocking with a few striper lures consider the Super Strike Needle Fish, 8-inch Tsunami Pencil Popper, a handful of gold, hammered diamond jigs, Tsunami Pro Heavy Swim Shads or Sebile's Soft and Hard Magic Swimmers. Fluke fans will enjoy unwrapping a selection of fluke ball jigs, white, chartreuse and pink teasers, or a bucket of four-inch Berkley Gulp! chartreuse swimming mullets. All of these items retail for less than $20.

E-mail: outdoortom@optonline.net