When the Atlantic grows ice-cold and festive holiday decorations illuminate coastal towns, tuna fanatics are still dreaming of their next run offshore. From the canyons off Cape Cod to the wrecks off Montauk, the offshore scene doesn’t stop for winter—it just changes its rhythm. Northeast offshore fishermen are a special breed: patient, weather-tested, and always planning ahead in case a bite ignites. But finding the right gift for them means understanding what fuels their passion. Whether it’s the satisfaction of a powerful spinning reel’s drag, a convenient new tackle storage solution, or the pulse of a panicked pollock or tuna translating through a jigging rod, this list is packed with thoughtful ideas for seasoned captains and weekend warriors alike.
(Note: On The Water is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)
Palmarius Slow Pitch Jigging Case
With space for up to 120 jigs, this case keeps tuna jigs organized and ready for action. Color-coded cards and a double-sided accessories pouch make organizing gear even easier, while reinforced straps allow you to bring as many jigs as your shoulder can handle. Starting at $140
Available in large and extra large.
Okuma Tesoro LDJ
Designed for vertical and slow pitch jigging, this lever-drag reel features a rigid, one-piece aluminum frame and forged side plates for durability under heavy drag. It features a cold-forged, anodized spool and a Carbonite Dual Force Drag system capable of delivering up to 46 pounds of smooth resistance. $450
Rapala X-Rap Magnum Xplode
This 5 ¼-inch or 6 3/4-inch popper is now available in a clear plastic design to draw intense surface strikes from even the most finicky of tunas. Starting at $26.49
Shimano Talica 40 IIA
Talica 40IIA fills the gap between the 25IIA and the 50IIA for chunking tuna, trolling plugs, or targeting giant bluefin with jigs. The reel features unparalleled winding power, leveraging a new drag design to increase drag force and reduce side-load pressure. The Cross Carbon Drag delivers up to 66 pounds of pressure to stop fish in their tracks. $1,180
Shimano Ocea Stinger Butterfly Sardine Waver
This unique jig features a boat-like keel on the rear to help impart three random and unique actions as it falls, imitating a wounded baitfish and drawing aggressive strikes. Starting at $16
Shimano Stella 8000 SW D
The latest generation of Stella SW features the X Tough Drag—a complete reengineering of the drag stack—that enhances drag durability while minimizing heat buildup, resulting in smoother performance and more reliable pressure during prolonged fights with strong, fast-moving fish. $1,170
Sig Sauer Canyon Rangefinding Binocular
This 10×42 millimeter binocular features rubber armor to protect against damage and an anti-reflective coating, allowing for ideal light transmission and unobstructed clarity. The powerful rangefinder engine provides data out to 4,000 yards on reflective surfaces, making it an incredibly valuable tool for tuna fishermen on the hunt for surface action. $800
SiriusXM Marine Offshore Plan
When it’s time to run toward the edge, SiriusXM lets captains track wind and weather forecasts via radar, receive tropical weather alerts, view offshore sea surface temperatures, and observe wave height, period, and direction. $65/month
UVT Fishing Murray Popper
The balanced head and hull of this through-wired 7-inch tuna popper allow it to hold position equally in calm seas or heavy swell, and dive just beneath the surface with each swing of the rod, creating an audible and visual eruption of whitewater. $55
VMC 8382R Ringed Nemesis Circle Hook
A welded ring on this 3X-strong hook with a cone-cut point allows freedom of movement for live baits while providing the strength and sharpness to hook and hold big tuna. Starting at $7.49
SPRO Marfix N4
This narrow-bodied lever drag reel fuses premium engineering with finesse, which is why it excels in delivering jigs to hard-fighting pelagic fish like tuna and jacks. To complement the one-piece aluminum frame—which makes it lightweight and durable—the Marfix N4 has a 2-position adjustable aluminum handle for customizable comfort, and a large diameter cork drag that is exceptionally smooth under heavy load. $800
Available in right- and left-handed models.
Jigging World AMF Popping Rod
The Jigging World AMF Popping Rod is crafted from Japanese carbon fiber to deliver exceptional strength and durability. Designed with input from Ralph Craft of Crafty One Customs, it balances backbone with a moderate bend that puts pressure on the fish, not the angler. Starting at $360
UAP Eco-Friendly Jigs
These 5-ounce, 99% lead-free jigs are designed to entice everything from offshore sea bass to bluefin tuna. They come equipped with a single assist hook in sand eel, sardine, chub mackerel, neon pink/white, and polished chrome patterns. $37
Okuma Makaira 20II-SEa
Built with a machined aluminum frame, premium hybrid corrosion-resistant stainless-steel gears, and a dual-force drag system, this 2-speed lever drag reel delivers strength and smoothness, boasting 55 pounds of maximum drag pressure. Perfect under the tree for the big-game fisherman in your life.