The Christmas season and annual bank account splurge is upon us and our writers and contributors have assembled a list of some of the newest, proven, and successful tackle and fishing gear we recommend for the fisherman who is on your shopping list. We explore our favorite rods and reels, lures and baits, apparel and outfitter gear, and marine equipment. We’ve got it all covered for every type of angler and unique angling situation and give readers thoughtful options. Grab a notepad and start your list, check it twice, and PLEASE ONLY buy for the nice.

Stankx Bait Company NXT LVL soft baits

Written by: Fishing-Headquarters.com
Price: 5ct, $14.99
Colors: Custom, Unlimited
Website: www.stankxbaitco.com

New for 2014, available this December, Travis Crosman of Stankx Bait Company, has released a next generation line of soft plastic baits named the NXT LVL. Taking the custom lure game to the next level, modeled by custom crankbait painters, a new airbrush style of soft plastics has been developed to appropriately ‘match the hatch’ and become a new favorite amongst bass fishermen and plastic bait aficionados. These custom soft baits are available in 5ct boxes for $14.99 exclusively through their Facebook page, and online through the website as early as January 2014.

Freedom Lures Spinnerbait

Written by: Fishing-Headquarters.com
Price: N/A
Colors: 7/16 oz. Golden shiner, Threadfin shad, Chartreuse perch, Perch
Website: www.freedomlures.com

With a year under their belt, Freedom Tackle expands on their already unique line of hybrid jigs by introducing their spinner bait, new for 2014 (and now available). Based on its Stealth jig, the spinner bait arm of 300lb through-wire construction follows into its interchangeable free motion hook design. The free motion black nickel hook with trailer keeper, allows for a weedless spinner bait presentation and gives the fish little leverage, which means less thrown hooks. According to some anglers who’ve tested it and been through its developmental stages, this may be the best spinnerbait ever designed…. by a fellow not named KVD.  [ watch video]

Cortland Master Braid

Written by: Andrew Ragas
Price: $14.99-$21.99
Colors: White, Bronze, Hi-vis Yellow, Blue, Moss Green, Red
Website: www.cortlandline.com

I’ve been using Cortland Masterbraid since 2011 for my multi-species fishing applications and it has become the ‘Cadillac’ of braided super lines thanks to its long shelf life, fiber-tech protection which repels water and improves handling, and lack of messy waxy film which is prevalent on other brands. It is the toughest, most durable and best handling super braid on the market today.  Master Braid line is offered in 15 and 300 yd spools in a variety of strengths including ten- , 15-, 20-, 30-, 50-, 65-, 80-, 100-, 130- and 200-pound. Cortland Master Braid is competitively priced and is a great choice if you fish hard and put a lot of time on your tackle going after a variety of fresh and saltwater gamefish species. It’s made in the USA at Cortland’s plant located Cortland, NY. A spool of Cortland Masterbraid will make for a fine stocking stuffer this Christmas season!

Quantum Energy & Catalyst & Accurist PT Spinning Reels

Written by: Andrew Ragas
Price: $139 (Energy), $119 (Catalyst), $99 (Accurist)
Sizes: 15, 25, 30
Website: www.quantumfishing.com

New and improved for 2014, and competitively priced for better affordability, the Quantum PTi series of spinning reels have attained a legendary reputation as a solid performer on the professional tournament trail, and for the weekend angler that knows how to target big fish. With ultra-smooth cranking and an indestructible titanium bail wire, the Energy, Catalyst, and Accurist PT spinning reels provide durability, lightweight construction, and worry-free fishing when it’s all on the line. These reels are must-have items if you are a trophy smallmouth bass chaser like me.

Lazer Trokar XL Hook Packs

Written by: Fishing-Headquarters.com
Price: $15.99 / 15ct
Website: www.lazertrokar.com

Lazer TroKar has become the go-to fishhook for serious and discerning tournament bass anglers across the country. One flip or click through a bass magazine or website quickly reveals TroKar’s presence in the boats of the top anglers in the country. The insatiable demand for the Surgically Sharpened hooks that are made in Denver, CO has become so great that Lazer TroKar has come to the table with their “XL” packs of hooks. Highlighting the most popular styles and sizes, the Lazer TroKar XL packs feature an increased quantity of fishhooks per pack, along with an increased value. Currently the XL packs are offered in the TK100 Round Bend HD, TK110 EWG, TK120 Magworm, and the ever-popular, best in the business TK130 Flippin’ hook. Packed to the brim with 15 hooks each, these XL packs deliver anglers that are out to win all the fire-power they can handle.

The Rod Glove Wrapz

Written by: Andrew Ragas
Price: $6.99 / 1 pair
Website: www.therodglove.com

The Rod Glove specializes in protecting and organizing fishing rods and reels for transport and storage, and has pioneered the concept of providing anglers with premium rod sleeves and covers. One of the products they make, The Rod Glove Wrapz, is a great gift idea for anglers who are always in transport. Keeping your rods bundled together and out of harms way during transport is a great way to protect and secure your investments.  The neoprene Wrapz simply wrap around the group of rod blanks and velcro the bundle together, and makes for substantially easier boat and cargo storage. Available at $6.99 a pair, they come in 10 and 15 inch diameter sizes to wrap the top and bottom of your rod bundles.  [Read Review]

GSX Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD

Written by: Andrew Ragas
Price: $139.99
Sizes: universal
Website: www.gandermountain.com

Besides a perfectly operating outboard, a personal floatation device is the next most important piece of equipment I keep on my boat at all times. It’s a state law to have one, and if you fish by yourself as often as I do it’s a mandatory safety item and one that should be worn at all times when driving across the lake. This autumn we purchased a GSX jacket and I’m glad we did! The universal sized vest is lightweight and comfortable, fitting most adults over 80lbs and can be worn over layers of clothing and all-weather suits. Additionally the reflective piping increases visibility, the re-arming kit and cartridge is of small profile and always out of arms way while fishing. Affordably priced at $139.99, it is a great price to pay in comparison to the more expensive Mustang survival PFD’s and its super obnoxious logo placements.

Tight Rope Baby Firework Jigs

Written by: Tyler Uteg
Price: N/A
Size: 1/8 oz, 5/16oz
Colors: Custom
Website: www.tightropefishing.com

If you’ve read anything I’ve written before, you know that I’m a huge fan of fishing jigs.  Early in the season, I prefer fishing smaller jigs with smaller trailers, especially up shallow in wood and stained water.  Recently, I’ve discovered some new hand-tied jigs coming out of Chicago.  They’re called Baby Fireworks, and are made by Tight Rope Fishing.  The tiny jigs are hand-tied on ball-head jigs with a wire weedguard.  While I really like them for largemouth, some of the guys from CAST Crew in Chicago have been absolutely crushing Smallmouth with them late this year.

TH Kustoms Squarebill 1.5 Crankbait

Written by: Tyler Uteg
Price: $15 paints $7-10 re-sprays
Colors: Custom Airbrush
Website: www.threeltuningandcleaning.com

Another must have in my book is the hand-painted crankbaits from TH Kustoms in Missouri .  I’m a big fan of throwing squarebill crankbaits in the Spring and Fall, and these guys do phenomenal work for a great price.  I really like the Summer Gill or Marauder Shad patterns, depending on your fishery.  They’re best when fished on flats, along docks or over grass at a medium to fast retrieve.  I also like throwing them in wood for a reaction bite.

Missile Baits D-Bomb

Written by: Tyler Uteg
Price: $4.39 6ct
Size: 4in
Colors: 10 available
Website: www.missilebaits.com

I also mentioned my love for the Missile Baits D Bomb in another article, but for 2014 I highly recommend checking out the Baby D Bomb.  I frequently trim the large D Bomb to make it a jig trailer, but having a smaller one to start with is a great addition to the arsenal, especially when paired with a smaller jig for those finicky or high pressured bites.  I plan to pair it up with a 1/4oz – 3/8oz ball or Arkie style jig fished in wood, docks or light grass.  Match the hatch with a black/blue jig and super bug trailer, or a brown/orange jig with a green pumpkin watermelon on the back.

Anker Astro E5 15000mAh External Battery

Written by: The Bassassins
Price: $49.99
Specs: Portable Ultra-High Density High Capacity External Battery Backup Charger for most smartphones and tablets.
Website: http://www.ianker.com/

With so many gadgets that are vital for capturing our fishing experiences we don’t go anywhere without our Anker.  This dual port external battery charger is compact and packs a lot of juice.  Perfect for those long days of non-stop action or any overnight outdoor adventures – your iPhone, GoPro, or any other USB ported electronic can be freshly charger in a snap.

FISHBUM Outfitters Frozen Tundra Jackets

Written by: The Bassassins
Price: $149.99
Sizes: small up to 5XL
Specs: Windproof, waterproof, dye sublimated
Website: www.fishbumoutfitters.com/

Is the person on your list is a die hard ice fisherman?!  Deck them out in one of these waterproof, wind resistant and dye sublimated ice jackets by FISHBUM Outfitters.  We don’t go on the ice without ours, these jackets make for a great second layer for those warmer then usual days that the big winter jacket is just too much.  When the ice season is over they make amazing rain jackets to keep you dry and on the water in style.

PowerTeam Lures Panic Box

Written by: The Bassassins
Price: $32.99
Colors: Select Your Own
Website: http://www.powerteamlures.com

For the bass fisherman on your list the PowerTeam Lures PanicBox comes with all they will need for any bass fishing challenge.  Pick from an assortment of colors in all of the PowerTeam Lures best soft plastics – including the JP Hammer Shad, Craw D’oeurves, the Bassassins personal favorite Sick Sticks and MUCH MORE!

GoPro Hero 3

Written by: The Bassassins
Price: $199 (white) $299 (silver) $399 (black)
Specs: Varying by model
Website: www.gopro.com

The GoPro Hero3 is the latest in personal HD cameras – even as GoPros become smaller and lighter, their performance continues to improve.  For the adventure seeker on your list you can’t go wrong with this gift.  Whether it is in the air, under the water or on land there isn’t a piece of equipment out there that can capture their experiences in such realism – who knows where they will take you.