With Christmas just two weeks away it is time to finish up on shopping. 

I have given my top picks for duck and deer hunters already, and now I wanted to target another group.  Bass fishermen are known for having lots of gear, and here are some ideas that will make your fisherman happy.

As a fisherman myself, I have tested all but one of these items and found them to be just what the doctor ordered.

1. A rubber fishing net

These nets are available in various shapes and sizes and range in price from $30 to just under $100. Don’t get too caught up on brand names when buying a net.  The most important thing is that the net part must be rubber. It is super easy to keep clean, lands the fish well, and will help you avoid the dreaded hook in the net disaster. 

There isn’t much that is more frustrating than spending precious fishing time untangling a hook from a net. Simply put, it won’t happen with a rubber net.

2. H2O Express Deluxe Tackle Bag

I admit that it has taken me years to come around, but I have finally parted ways with my old school tackle box. I held on to the idea that if it was good enough for grandpa than it is good enough for me. Now I realize that if grandpa could have bought one of these soft bag tackle bags, he would have chunked the old box long ago. This bag contains five utility boxes that make organizing your tackle a dream. You can separate top waters from rattle traps and spinner baits and have easy access to them in no time. The bag fits nicely in most boat storage compartments.

Cost is $39.99.

3. Lew’s American Hero bait casting combo

This is a super nice rod and reel combo for most bass fishing applications. The reel has five stainless steel bearings that help ensure a smooth operation. It casts easily with plenty of adjustment and packs a 6.4:1 ratio to get the job done. The rod is built from a light but strong IM6 graphite blank and has a good feeling handle.

In honor of American veterans, Lew’s promises a portion of the profits will be spent to help fund fishing programs to assist veterans, especially wounded veterans, who are transitioning back into civilian life. In other words … when you buy this combo, not only will you get a great deal, you will help a well deserving veteran as well. This is truly a win-win situation. Combo retails for around $80

4. Lowrance Hook 7 Downscan fish finder/GPS

This is the one product on my list that I haven’t  personally tried. However I own the much more costly HD7 model and this unit seems to have the features I use most at a mere fraction of the cost.

The 7-inch screen is plenty big for most fisherman. The unit comes preloaded with over 3,000 lakes and rivers. You can see the contours with the down scan or use the regular sonar mode. The GPS will help with navigation and allow you to mark your favorite fishing holes. This item is regularly over $400 but is now a hot buy at Academy for only $299.

5. Top Toad Kit by Stanley Jigs

As I have mentioned in previous articles, the Top Toad is one of my favorite baits of all time. I have caught giant bass on several lakes throughout Texas using this lure and have seen the size of my average bass increase by almost two pounds.

This kit includes all six of the newest colors. It includes one rigged Toad, a spare double take hook, and five extra toads. Everything comes in a plastic Plano box to help keep your frogs organized. This is kind of a sample pack that will help you decide on your favorite color. Price of the kit is $16. Tie a Toad on the end of your line and you will be glad you did!

6. Polarized fishing glasses

These are a must have for every fisherman. The polarized lens helps take the glare off of the water making it easier to see beneath the surface. A pair of polarized glasses is especially helpful in the springtime when bass can be seen spawning in the shallows. Not only are fishing glasses helpful for seeing fish, they also look cool. The price varies considerably from around $20 for a cheap pair of Strike King to several hundred dollars for the ultra popular Costa brand.  Obviously you get what you pay for in terms of quality and longevity, but they all help you fish better.

I hope this list makes it a little easier for you to shop for the fisherman on your list.  Enjoy your Christmas Holiday and always keep in mind the REAL reason we are celebrating.

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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and the outdoors writer for The News.