What if your father has dreamed about fishing his entire life but he’s never had the time to really do anything about it? Perhaps he has a few pieces of beloved but old fishing gear tucked away in the family garage’s attic for decades. Maybe he took you out once in a while when you were a kid. Those memories are ones you’ll be passing down to your kids, and perhaps they’ll pass them down to theirs.
Five ideas that will no doubt make your dad think about the past and his beloved hobby, come easily to mind:
- A scrapbook you can make him with personal photos and your own words about a few fishing trips from your childhood.
- A brand new and spiffy rod and reel that’ll help him catch that elusive bass which has been eluding him for years.
- A gift certificate for clothing that’ll keep him warm on those cold autumn mornings on the lake.
- A trip to that location he’s been trying to get to for years, but never has.
- A durable thermos for hot coffee or chocolate to keep him warm while he waits for the big strike.
How To Create Those Memories & Gifts
For your scrapbook you can make one with fish-themed pages and throw in a few quotes. All I can say to the kids is if you’ve a problem in fishing or life, if you talk to an older person, you’re gonna end up alright, because nine times out of 10, they’ve been through the same thing. Rex Hunt. Fishing gear does vary in price considerably, so you can think about one or two new pieces with essentials such as a finely crafted creel to go along with a sturdy new reel and rod.
Consider ‘fishing’ around both online auction sites and in catalogs, as well as brick and mortar stores. Clothing like a long-sleeved shirt or a real fishing vest (the kind with lots of pockets!) will help protect against morning mists coming off the lake. A large, stainless steel thermos can be purchased in a variety of sizes and shapes and prices and a day or half day trip to that long wished for secret fishing spot planned simply. Always tell the rest of the family where you are going and make sure that communication lines remain open in case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or a quicker than anticipated return home are necessary.
Entertainment along the way can be a necessity if the trip is long and your dad may have a favorite fishing-related song.And there’s that bass… Of course, these days, you can listen to more of this song digitally on your Crosley jukebox. Think about Down by the lake side, just off the ramp. All them people sleeping in their fishing camp. Some out in the pup tents. Some out on the grass. They all be dreaming ‘bout that 5-pound bass. – entertaining your dad and you as you go on the trip of a lifetime, well equipped with new fishing gear and other gifts to make this particular Christmas Day a memorable one for you and your dad.
A quick note to keep in mind about clothing you may be buying for your dad:
- Purchase several pieces that can be layered. If the Autumn or Spring or Summer day starts out chilly but turns warm later, you don’t want your dad to get overheated while he’s enjoying that peaceful day on the lake.
- A thermal undershirt works well under a short sleeved shirt, perhaps a flannel long-sleeved shirt, and a fishing vest he can tuck away a couple of favorite flies in.
- Buy washable clothing because fishing can get messy at times.
- Purchase something soft and warm for your dad. This can enhance those ‘warm and fuzzy memories’ you are creating.