Each year I compile a list of cool new things that kayak anglers (namely me) would like to be given for Christmas. Everyone has different budgets and there is no really nice way to ask someone how much they plan to spend. I try to cover lots of different price points every year. If you see something you like, pass it along to your gift buyer. And who knows, you might just get an upgrade. All explanations in italics are from the manufacturers’ descriptions.

Under $20

Let’s be honest. This is the brother-in-law, we drew names and set a limit gift. It might also be a stocking stuffer or something to get your boss. Two words for this one: Gift. Card.

There are lots of places to get kayak anglers gift cards and there are some not so great places. Here are a few safe bets:

Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, HOOK 1 Kayak Fishing Gear, and of course Tackle Warehouse.

The rest of these categories are pretty self explanatory. Some of the items I have used, some I’d like to. Hopefully this will help generate some ideas for your list.

$21-50

The Torpedo Bait Bucket- $29

The most hydrodynamic bait bucket in the world! Redefining the live bait bucket for sport and kayak fishing. Our Torpedo Bait Bucket is designed to work with you and reduce nearly all drag commonly caused with traditional tow behind bait buckets.

NRS Wingman Knife- $35

The NRS Wingman Knife's flip-out blade fulfills your need for speed. Its safety features help you break out of the danger zone and a handy bottle opener makes sure you'll never fly solo again.

$51-100

Penn Battle II 3000- $99

Battle II spinning reels have Penn's HT-100 Versa-Drag washers keyed into the spool which allows both sides of each drag washer to be used. This gives the Battle II higher max drags, more range, and smoother start ups than the competition. All HT-100 washers are greased with Penn's proprietary PENN grease for longevity.

NRS Chinook PFD- $99

Pockets on pockets, lots of gear attachment points, plus flotation if you swim -- what's not to like about the NRS Chinook Life Jacket? Fishermen, sea kayakers and anyone who wants a vest with lots of storage will love this PFD.

$101-200

Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat- $120

This waterproof, seam sealed and insulated winter boot is a true workhorse for activities in cold winter weather. Fortified with new hardware, including bombproof eyelets for easy and secure lacing, we’ve also added double rivets for durability. The reflective lining traps body heat to amplify the warming power of 200 grams of Omni-Heat® insulation. When terrain becomes truly treacherous and unpredictable, the dual compound high traction rubber keeps you safe and stable.

GoPro Hero HD- $129

The perfect entry-level GoPro.HERO makes it simple to capture and share your life. Built directly into a rugged, waterproof housing, and featuring high-quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, HERO delivers the same immersive footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world—all in a simplified experience that’s easy for everyone.

Astral Ronny Fisher PFD- $160

For ASTRAL, a true fishing PFD was a different challenge than our whitewater and recreational designs of the past. In order to clearly identify the needs of kayak fishing, the Astral design team enlisted crucial feedback and ideas from the North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association (NCKFA) a group of expert kayak anglers based in our home state of North Carolina. Most notably, our good friend and NCKFA president, Mark Patterson was instrumental in this process.

Daiwa Tatula Type R- $179

Designed to meet the durability and performance requirements of the pro angler, TATULA offers a rugged gear train, fully supported within a rigid aluminum housing. Up front, a unique, hybrid-design levelwind combines the durability of a standard levelwind with the casting performance of Daiwa’s T-Wing aperture.

$201-500

Smith Optics Chief Glasses with Blue Mirrored Chroma Pop Lenses- $209

You don't have to be a leader of men to appreciate the respect you will command when you rock these premium shades. The Chief makes a powerful first impression, but dig deeper and you will recognize something more profound at play. In fact, beneath the luxurious Italian finishing and premium features you will find the hallmark quality, performance, and style of an authentic Smith sunglass.

Orvis Hydros IV Fly Reel- $290

There is not another true large arbor, big-game fly-fishing reel out there that carries this drag system performance at a price starting at just $225. It's unheard of until now. The new Hydros® Reel Series features a sealed drag surface that increases total drag surface by model: The larger the reel, the larger the drag surface and the more resistance available to handle larger fish. Using stacked carbon washers, controlled by a positive click adjustment system, the Hydros can be fine-tuned to handle any fish from a trout to a tuna with sustained and infinitely durable drag pressure.

St Croix Legend X 7wt Fly Rod- $470

Introduced last year, this revolutionary rod is just what the counter-fly-culture crew has been craving: A masterful, multi-dynamic blend of four carbon materials capable of getting big flies out to the meanest predatory fish – bass, pike and musky. Loaded with IPC® and ART,™ these bad boys are ready for whatever natural disaster you can cook up.

Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp 83/200 + 455/800- $499

The Lowrance® Elite-5 CHIRP Fish Finder/Chartplotter combines top-notch features and functionality with its CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging&trade, built-in GPS, detailed maps and more. The 5 in. color screen is high-resolution and has a multi-window display that loets you choose between pre-set layouts and access to all features with simple, one-thumb operation.

CHIRP sonar allows you to identify bait and game fish targets at greater depths, mark fish clearly at faster boat speeds and view multiple CHIRP sonar settings on one display for the ultimate fish finder/chartplotter combo.