Gift ideas for those who love fishing

Are you searching for gift ideas for a friend, co-worker or loved one who loves fishing and being in the outdoors? If so, here are 10 incredible gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their face:

 Cold-Weather Gear - Some anglers love fishing all year long - even when it's cold outside. Get them jackets, bibs and gloves designed specifically for ice fishing anglers who want to brave the cold. StrikeMaster is one of the most well-known and trusted names for ice fishing augers and ice fishing gear.

 Fillet Knives - Sometimes you want to keep and cook the fish you've caught. As fun as that sounds, it's the filleting the fish part that few truly enjoy. But no more. High-quality electric fillet knives make filleting fish a breeze, and they also can be used to carve up turkey, chicken, beef and pork, too!

 Fishing Lures - For the angler who has practically every fishing lure ever made, there's only one lure that you can't have too many of - a Rapala lure. This legendary lure is made with balsa wood and accounts for more world record fish than any other fishing lure ever made. The X-Rap is considered one of the best multispecies fishing lures ever made. It catches everything.

 Hoodies with UV Protection - When the temperatures start to rise, the best way to stay cool and comfortable on and off the water is with a high-performance hooded long-sleeve shirt. It offers style combined with function, a trendforward design, UPF 50+ UV sun protection, and moisture-wicking performance.

 Rain Gear - When the rain is falling, the wind picks up and water gets choppy, there's nothing more miserable than getting wet while fishing. If you really care about your favorite angler, get them a high-quality rain suit (jacket and bibs) designed by professional anglers and guides.

 Fishing Line - Looking for a perfect idea? Drop a spool of really high-quality fishing line in with the treats and the obligatory orange. Sufix makes fishing lines for nearly every type of fishing situation - freshwater, saltwater and hardwater (ice fishing). If you want to really surprise your favorite angler, give them Sufix 832 Advanced Superline, a fishing line often used by many of the top fishing pros in the U.S.

"If you really care about your favorite angler, get them a high-quality rain suit (jacket and bibs) designed by professional anglers and guides."

 Weigh Scales - Believe it or not, some anglers really do want to know exactly how much their catch weighs. A weigh scale with Touch Screen capabilities is easy to use and can help an angler track their catches all day long.

 Essential Outdoor Tools - Some fish have really sharp teeth and need to be carefully handled. Keep your favorite angler safe with high-quality tools designed specifically to help anglers remove hooks, tie knots, cut line, store hooks and lures, and much, much more. Fishing gloves are essential in protecting hands while removing fish, too.

 Giant Fishing Lure - For those who eat, sleep and breathe fishing, consider a giant replica fishing lure. It's the perfect decoration for a home office, fishing cabin or a man cave.

 Looking for some more fun ideas? Consider giving your favorite angler a new fishing lure key chain, a deck of cards and cribbage board, a traveling coffee mug, a fishing lure-inspired bottle opener, a fishing line remover or even a fish counter, all of which can easily fit in a stocking. Many of these items cost $25 or less.

Courtesy of Brand Point

10 SURPRISING THINGS I LEARNED AFTER SENDING MY CHILD TO CAMP

By Rebecca Hastings

I knew certain things about sending my kids to camp. I knew they would spend a lot of time outside and they would try new things. I was thrilled they would meet new people and learn more about something they love. They would swim and laugh and stay up way too late. These are the things I knew.

But after they got home, I realized there were other things, things I couldn’t have imagined would be true. Despite having gone to camp as a kid, I somehow forgot or didn’t look at it through the same lens. And now, as a mom, I couldn’t hide my surprise at some of what I discovered when they got back. Beyond the fun and the lousy food. After the bonfire stories and the silly games they played, these are the things I didn’t see coming. And I’m starting with the hardest one.

1. They struggled, but it’s worth it. I know this isn’t what we want for them, but it’s actually a good thing. Think about a time you had to work really hard for something. A time you failed and tried again. What happened? You learned. You persevered. You became stronger. So, yes, at camp there was struggle. Maybe they didn’t get the top bunk as they wanted or they weren’t able to stand up on the water skis. Maybe they missed home. A lot. But they made a friend that helped them feel less lonely. Whatever the struggle, it was an opportunity for growth they would not have had at home. And that makes the struggle worth it.

2. Speaking of growing, they grew. They left looking like your baby, and somehow they come home looking more grown-up. It doesn’t matter if they were gone the whole summer or two days. Independence makes them grow. (Side note: they will still be your baby.)

3. That last hug and first hug are the best you have had in a long time, especially if you have tweens or teens. The hug right before they leave might feel harder than you imagined, so you hug tight. And when they get back, the simple act of having your arms around them again, well, that’s just magic. Except…

4. They stink. It doesn’t matter if they went to day camp or three weeks in a cabin. Hygiene is different at camp. Let’s be real: it’s non-existent. But they survived and you can send them right to the shower when they get home.

5. The laundry will surprise you. Somehow all the clothes will smell like damp gym shoes left in a garbage can for a week. This is odd considering the reality that they wore the same clothes most of the time and didn’t bother to change. General rule: if it went to camp it gets washed. Clothes, sleeping bags, people. It all gets washed.

6. They need sleep. You’re going to want to hear all about it. And they will be excited to tell you. For exactly fifteen minutes. And then they will fall into a deep sleep, perhaps even sleeping through dinner straight until the next day. There is nothing wrong, they are simply exhausted from their adventures. It’s okay though because you’ll go in and check on them like you did when they were little, brushing back their hair and kissing their forehead.

7. They have friends you don’t know. They met people. They made new friendships. They’ll talk about these people as if you know them. Just play along. It’s easier on everyone.

8. Camp store money was the best. And yes, they spent it all on candy. They’ll be fine.

9. Your letters/emails/texts meant more to you than they did to them. And it’s okay. If they don’t remember what you wrote or barely toss a thank you nod your way, they served their purpose: they reminded them you are always there for them and they let you feel more connected. Win-win.

10. Even if it was “THE BEST WEEK EVER” they are glad to be home. They spent the whole week being go-go-go. Now, they are back to where they are safe and loved and can relax. And that feels pretty great for both of you.

" I was thrilled they would meet new people and learn more about something they love. They would swim and laugh and stay up way too late. These are the things I knew."

"Pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right food to support their pet's weight loss journey."