It’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas….can you believe it? This year flew by, and the holidays are upon us. That means it’s Gift Guide time… This year we are hitting the road. The themes around the gift guides are cities, and what I love to do when I’m visiting each. I think you are all going to enjoy these…
First off, Charleston. My favorite city. There is so much to do in Charleston, including eating, drinking, relaxing, and enjoying the history. It’s also a GREAT fishing town. I’ve caught a bunch of fish over there, and constantly look forward to getting back out. So let’s get going. Here is the Red Clay Soul gift guide #1: Charleston- Gifts for the Fisherman:
From top left:
1. Costa Slack Tide Sunglasses: It’s hard to fish when you can’t see. Over the last year or so, Costa has done a great job creating sunglasses that have a more traditional shape, rather than a race car ‘sport’ look. The Slack Tides are a great example. Polarized lenses are a must.
2. Finn Utility Richmond Travel Roll: Have you ever noticed that carrying a few rod tubes is pretty awkward? The folks at The Sporting Gent offer this handsome roll that looks more like a piece of luggage rather than an architecture drawing case. Well done.
3. ‘Flats Royalty’ by Paul Puckett: Most fishermen are pretty cerebral. How about a nice piece of art to hang in his office? A subtle reminder of what all those hours behind the desk are for…
4. Flood Tide Grand Slam Case Mate: Sometimes you just want a 12-pack. And sometimes you don’t feel like carrying a 20 lb cooler. and you always want easy access. How about this ride? It’s a koozie for a 12-pack. Brilliant.
5. Flood Tide Tailer Trucker Hat: You can never have too many fishing hats. And how about one from the fishing grounds? Pretty nice souvenir, right?
6. Orvis Hydros SL Reel: Looking to make a trip to chase some reds? Why not gear up with a new reel? Buy smart – those bulls will put it to work. Orvis just release a silver version of their Hydros reel, one of best in the business.
7. Poncho Fishing Shirt: These are the best fishing shirts I’ve ever worn, and the price point is extremely attractive. I promise, you are going to be fine wearing a shirt that doesn’t have eight pockets. You can actually wear this to the bar for some post-fishing beers and look like a grown up.
8. Hook & Gaff Sportfisher II Watch: These folks are making some pretty nice fishing watches. They put a lot of thought into the design, and the multiple strap options always keep it fresh.
9. Patagonia R1 Fitz Roy 1/4 Zip: It gets chilly in the mornings or on those long boat rides. Pack accordingly.
10. Keweis Pliers: I know, the Abel and Van Staal pliers are awesome. But for those of us that aren’t guides, these from Keweis work great for me, and for the price, they are impossible to beat. You won’t mind if these fall off the boat.
11. Hook N Hide Redfish Buckle: For that guy that goes sockless. Pair this buckle with a pair of khakis, some drivers, and a comfortable sport shirt… he’ll get it.
12. Fishpond El Jefe Net: The one piece of gear that everyone hates to carry, but loves to have.
13. Orca 26-Qt Cooler: USA made, and a good price for what you get. Orca offers plenty of color options and some great sizes. This 26-qt is perfect for a day on the water.
14. Subscription to ‘The Drake’ Magazine: The finest fly fishing publication out there. Interesting stories and great photography, all around fishing, with a ‘bro’ mentality. I love it.
15. Duxbak Dry Bag: You never know when that quick shower will pop up, so keeping your stuff dry is paramount.
16. Flies from @sandbar_flies: This guy is an absolute artist. His flies are absolutely top shelf – you’ll be amazed at how lifelike they are. Be sure to follow them on Instagram…the imagery itself is worth the swipe.
Fishermen, what did I miss?
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Where do you like to fish around the Lowcountry and do you use any specific guides?