It is that giving time of year. If you have fishing people on your list of people you need to get something for, perhaps I can help you with some ideas. I have ideas for both the regular angler and the kayak angler. I have ideas on where to obtain these goods as well. Not into fishing but the outdoors? Simple, just go to Bill Jackson Shop For Adventure in Pinellas Park. You will find everything you need ther. Links to company web sites or product reviews I wrote are linked to the company names. Have a very Happy Holidays!
Neil Taylor, owner and guide Strike Three Kayak Fishing; owner and Administrator www.capmel.com
Native Watercraft: The Slayer Propel is in. The Ultimate, my all-time favorite boat, an investment you will enjoy for decades to come. Also options for the Manta Ray. These are the craft I use and a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to get into kayak fishing. These are available at Native dealers all over the country and at Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park.
St Croix rods- Holiday promotion information, these are the rods I use and anything you buy that says “St Croix” is quality. If you purchase
• 1 St. Croix rod with a total *value of at least $100 and receive a
St. Croix performance long-sleeve shirt.
• Purchase 2 or more St. Croix rods and receive a St. Croix performance
long-sleeve shirt and a cap.
• Rods must be purchased from December 1, 2013 thru April 30, 2014
• Rods do not have to be purchased at the same time.
For complete details (because this is partial info) click HERE
Daiwa reels: My sponsor and the only reels I have used for seven years now, there are many options to choose from. For the inshore angler, I suggest the Ballistic 2500 (2000 if you like to go lighter). New reels I have that I like but have not yet used long enough to review: The Procyon and the Lexa. These are also available at Bill Jackson’s.
Steel Core locking straps, exclusively available at Bill Jackson’s, this is a locking strap that has unlimited uses. I use mine as a lock and not a strap. Keep your belongings safe from thieves!
Smith Optics Polarized eyewear: My favorite fishing sunglasses all time. Every pair I have ever had is still being used. Available at Bill Jackson’s, try these out before you choose any eyewear. If they are a gift, get a Bill Jackson’s gift certificate for that special someone to tell them to buy the Smith brand.
Lamson fly reels: I have the Speedster and it is really nice. The clients use it and are in awe. I am still a gawker when it comes to the fly stuff but without question, if fly fishing is you game, at least look at this one (the 3.5, great choice: See the guys at the counter in the fishing department at Bill Jackson’s)
Werner Paddles. If your friends own a piece of junk paddle, or you do and you need to drop a hint: Get a Skagit, a Tybee or a Cypress– the three are what I use and all are available at Bill Jackson’s. Enjoy your time on the water better: Upgrade to a quality paddle!
Icehole coolers: New for 2013, this is a superior cooler. A Captain Mel Classic sponsor, their product holds ice an extremely long time. The first time I used mine, the two bags of ice were still in it three full days later.
The Cutco Fisherman’s Solution: my filet knife for the past four years, this is a great product. They make way more than the FS so the options are significantly strong for someone who needs a variety of cutlery wares. Jamie King is a great contact: cutcojamie@yahoo.com
Simms. Look it up. If you can’t find something for someone in the Simms line, they probably aren’t an outdoorsman. A lot of the Simms apparel line is available at Bill Jackson’s
Kayracks.com: Wall mounts and racks for kayaks. Buy it and you will have it forever. They also build more extravagant rack systems for trailers and can talk to you about custom projects if needed.
Stocking Stuffers:
12 Fathom Lures: My soft plastic bait sponsor for nearly my entire guiding career, they make a quality product that is winning the battles out there every day of the year. Carried by Bill Jackson’s and Dunedin Fishing Center in larger quantities, buy the 3 inch mullet, SlamR and Buzz Tail Shad for your friends. They will thank you for it. If you do not have a store nearby that carries them, order directly from the company and they will send them to you.
Added! Native Watercraft Paddle Holders: Available at Bill Jackson’s (hurry, because I think they will sell out fast). These have multiple functions. If you have an older kayak, talk to Sam in the store about adding some accessory rail to accomodate this accessory.
Mirrolures: Eric Bachnik has become a close friend this year. Sharing a lot of conservation ethics, I got along with him well anyway and treasured his involvement in the Captain Mel Classic (same as 12 Fathom lure). I use a lot of Eric’s topwater lures but everything they sell has great uses. Again, Bill Jackson’s and Dunedin Fishing Center are great places to find these lures. Top Pup, Top Dog Jr, Mirrodine, Mirromullet, Mirrominnow: They are all great choices.
The Edje Jighead by Captain Joe. Weedless jigheads are a great tool and this is a great choice for doing it. Available at Bill Jackson’s.
Stick It Anchor Pin
For attaching your boat or kayak to Earth, this is what you want to use.
The Fish Grip
Still one of the best gift ideas out there, if someone doesn’t own one of these, buy them one. This is a well built, great tool for every angler.
Straps: Sold in sets, kayak straps are way better than hardware store “ratchet” straps. Buy them at Bill Jackson’s, they last a long time and are much easier to use.
Silly Willy kits: Does your special someone like pompano fishing? Look no farther!
Tuf Line
My braided line sponsor for a few years now, this is a great product. Great value!
Seaguar
The original fluorocarbon leader line. This is my favorite and a pure fluorocarbon product.
Sawyer Products: Available at Bill Jackson’s, this is my sunscreen and bug repellent.
Yak Attack”, accessories for kayaks. Many options available at Bill Jackson’s for accessories, a great option for nighttime fishing is the VisiHYPERLINK “http://www.b3fishing.com/2013/02/26/yak-attack-visipole” Carbon Pro light. For those who want to add a new Native paddle holder to an older model boat, buy the YA accessory rail kit from Bill Jackson’s to install to your kayak.
Princeton Tec headlamps, available at Bill Jackson’s, the very best quality lamps I have ever used.
Boomerang Tool Company: The Clip and pliers. Great tools for your time on the water. Inquire at stores to see if they have it.
Available in the old standard gold and silver, they also have a variety of other choices like the pinfish, pilchard and mullet. I like the 1/4-ounce best. Available at Bill Jackson’s.
Bar Fly Safety Harbor: A great little bar and restaurant, if you haven’t been there yet, get on in for the food and fun. Gift certificates are available.
A kayak fishing charter: Instructional kayak fishing trips with Neil, a great investment for that someone special. They will increase their skills enjoying their fishing all year long. Contact me directly to set this up at the info below and I will get you the certificate to put under the tree!
Added! Tampa Bay Watch: This organization is completing a 100 ton oyster project at Honeymoon Island. Check out their membership programs: Your membership dollars are spent to fund future projects. Stay tuned for an article on the Honeymoon Island project (a site I proposed and they set up and fulfilled VERY WELL!)
Bill Jackson Shop For Adventure is located on US 19 in Pinellas Park. You could easily go in here and find 50 other things that would be good gift ideas for people you know. Call ahead to check on availability of the products mentioned but I have little doubt, you can get a lot of your holiday shopping done at this store. Wintertime apparel, footwear, hunting, camping, hiking, climbing? You can find it here.
Neil Taylor
Owner and guide: www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345 LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator: www.capmel.com
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