OUTDOORS

from Anna Maria Island Sun December 8, 2021

by Anna Maria Island Sun

CROSSWORD

DECEMBER 8, 2021 OUTDOORS THE SUN 23

Guides' gift guide

Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

Who better to suggest a good present for a fishing friend than one of our local fishing guides? These men and women spend over 200 days a year on the water and know better than anyone what works and what doesn’t work.

Our first recommendation comes from Captain Todd Romine. Romine uses braided line like many other anglers. This line is an excellent choice in most cases but can be hard to work with. That includes cutting, which requires a quality, sharp tool. There are a lot of braided line scissors on the market and while most do an excellent job right out of the package, make sure your choice can stand the rigors of saltwater and are kept sharp. Romine's choice: SAMSFX Fishing Braid Line Scissors.

His second suggestion is the Regions Heavy Duty Saltwater Hook Remover, one of the simplest tools you’ll ever use and one of the most important. While they come in many shapes and sizes, any model with a comfortable handle (wood or aluminum) and a stainless-steel shaft will do the job. With this simple device, you’ll be able to release a fish without ever taking it from the water (catch and release) and you’ll really appreciate it when dealing with toothy fish like barracuda and Spanish mackerel.

Captain Justin Moore was raised on the island by Captain Scott Moore, who needs no introduction to local anglers. Moore was quick to recommend the XTRATUF Performance Deck Boot. If a working captain who throws a net for bait before most charters highly recommends this footwear, you can be sure they keep your feet dry in comfort. According to Moore, “I like them because you can wear them even when it’s warmer out. They provide lots of support and are made for boaters." Moore characterizes them as "super good quality footwear that will last." Captain Kyle McWorther was quick to recommend the Boomerang SNIP line cutter. This tool has a retractable tether and stainless-steel cutters that can handle braid, monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. When a full-time fishing guide can say, “I’m not sure what my life would be like without these,” that’s taking it to the bank for this writer.

These products might not be as pricey as last week’s suggestions, but are great gifts for any dedicated angler. With a little care, they will pay dividends in the field instead of being relegated to a musty hatch in your boat. As I mentioned last week (but bears repeating), if you’re serious about your fishing, developing a relationship with a reputable local dealer will be one of the best decisions you’ll make. Online outlets might be a quick fix but they won’t be able to advise you on local lure and fly selection or places where the fishing has been hot. Besides our local shops, AMI Outfitters (fly tackle) and Island Discount Tackle, check out Discount Tackle Outlet in Bradenton, a full-service shop where you can get just about anything you might need for fishing. They also have a terrific selection of fishing kayaks set up in different configurations. Sarasota fly anglers will want to check out The Compound Board Shop, which has a full line of fly tackle, tying materials and much more. Both shops have courteous and knowledgeable staff. Happy holidays.