Northeast bass fishermen are a special breed. In the spring, we spend late nights tossing super-size wakebaits in quiet corners of small ponds, many of which were frozen over just weeks ago. Come summer, we’re punching jigs through dense weed lines in deep kettle lakes, and during the fall, we chase open water largemouth and smallmouth as they follow and feed on young-of-the-year yellow perch, alewives, and shad. We’re a dynamic bunch, forced to be versatile by changing seasons and ever-shifting patterns which, when holiday season rolls around, is why our friends and family members are challenged to find suitable fishing gifts. To help them out, we compiled this list of gift ideas tailored to freshwater bass fishermen from Maryland to Maine.
(Note: On The Water is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)
Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite
Featuring a 60-pound weight capacity, an IPX4 water-resistant rating, a full-color LCD screen, and Bubba’s iconic non-slip grip, this easily stowed scale helps manage your livewell and utilize Tournament, Rally, and Competition modes with the Pro BUBBA App subscription. $79
Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow
With its unique pin-tail design, this versatile soft-plastic lure is a minnow and swimbait hybrid that excels on a jighead or drop shot. $7
FishUSA Flagship Bass Casting Rod
This baitcasting rod features a 30- and 36-ton graphite blend for strength and to transmit more vibrations through the rod, while a direct-to-blank handle design further enhances sensitivity. $110
Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
Featuring sunlight-readable displays, an intuitive interface, and wireless connectivity, the XPLORE series Fish Finders deliver Mega-Live 2 forward-facing sonar, ultra-clear imaging, and GPS precision with Lakemaster and Coastmaster Charts that help you locate your fishing spots faster than ever.
Available in 9-, 10- and 12-inch displays.
Panther Martin Bass & Trout Annihilator Kit
This convenient kit includes six ¼-ounce dressed inline spinners in assorted bass and trout patterns, along with a reusable case for secure and seamless, tangle-free storage between fishing spots. $25
Lews KVD Elite Rods
These spinning and casting rods deliver technique-specific, tournament-ready performance with their fast graphite blanks, ultra-light EVA split grips for comfort, and precision Fuji guides. $130
Available in spinning and casting models.
Strike King Hog Father Jr.
This slow-sinking glidebait was built in partnership with Tater Hog Custom Lures. The single-jointed body and natural detailing deliver a realistic bait with a wide swimming action that mimics a wounded baitfish. $45
Shimano Exsence B
This front-drag spinning reel offers feather-light control with its MagnumLite Rotor made from CI4+ carbon, delivering sharp responsiveness and smooth retrieves. Its InfinityLoop spool extends casting range and accuracy for finesse applications. Starting at $650
YETI Roadie 24
Pack this hard cooler with up to 26 pounds of ice or 33 cans of your favorite beverage and strap it to the bass boat or kayak using the Anchorpoint Tie-Down Slots for all-day or overnight fishing trips. $250
Z-Man Fuzzy NuggetZ
These 12-sided, ½-inch finesse baits feature long silicone “tentacles” that produce a subtle action to mimic micro forage like zooplankton and insect larvae to trigger bites from wary or lethargic bass. $10
Seaguar Pounce Bass Leader
This fast-sinking leader is designed to put your lure in the strike zone, providing a more natural presentation, maximum impact resistance and improved mainline-to-leader knot strength. Starting at $7.49
Plano EDGE Frog Box
This durable storage box includes a reusable moisture-wicking packet and features individual line tie hangers to provide secure and accessible tangle-free storage of hollow-bodied frogs. By hanging frogs vertically, their legs dry quickly, which maintains the integrity of each bait while preventing dry rot and rusting of hooks.
Boat Outfitters Cull and Tag Tool Holder
This Cull and Tag Tool Holder keeps bass tournament tools organized within reach, featuring spots for shears, pliers, and up to five cull tags. Starting at $50
SPRO KGB Lil’ Guy 120
At 4.7 inches and just under an ounce, this small glidebait tempts pressured or lethargic bass, making it an excellent choice for cold-water and tournament applications. $60
Bucca Brand Baby Bull Shad
With a three-joint design and seven color patterns that mimic natural forage, Mike Bucca’s Baby Bull Shad packs the proven action of the original resin Bull Shad into a smaller, affordable ABS plastic swimbait. $16
Built on Toray Nano graphite blanks with Fuji Torzite guides and premium cork handles, the sensitivity and balance of the Xtasy series rods helps anglers master finesse techniques like jigs, worms, and drop-shots. Starting at $590
Available in spinning and casting models.
St. Croix Legend X2
Built on a carbon fiber blank and wrapped with durable and anti-corrosive graphene for power and sensitivity in an ultra-lightweight package. The carbon fiber reel seat, split cork grip, and titanium guides further reduce weight, creating a strong, balanced rod with enhanced feel for a range of applications. Starting at $610
Available in spinning and casting models.
Frabill Trophy Haul Net
The basket of this landing net is made with a conservation-forward, tangle-free mesh to protect fish from excessive hook damage and make for quick, clean releases. It has a 48-inch sliding handle and a handled yoke, which work together to reduce strain when scooping and landing big bass. Starting at $130
Available in multiple hoop sizes.