2024 Open-Water Anglers Gift Guide

Our 2024 Angling Gift Guide shares hot, new fishing products and fan favourites sure to please the anglers on your holiday shopping list. Fishing gift ideas are separated into three categories — $20 or less, $20 to $50, and $50+ — and cover fishing essentials, like lures, tackle, fishing line, fillet knives, fishing tools, rods and reels, angling lifestyle gear and more.

You can’t go wrong gifting any angler Rapala’s CrushCity soft plastics ($8.99+), including the latest additions to this impressive collection. 

The Mooch Minnow, for instance, is a tournament-proven, in-demand finesse bait deadly on bass, walleye, trout, panfish and more.

The PigStick takes stickbaits to the next level with extra salt for the perfect shimmying action on the fall, and an integrated saddle for use in conjunction with a VMC Crossover Ring ($7.99+ per pack) for increased bait durability and lifespan when Neko or Wacky rigging. Bundling some PigStick packs with a pair of Crossover Pliers ($22.99) and Crossover Ring packs is good idea. 

Also sure to be a hit are the new sizes, like the 2-1/2” The Mayor, the 3” and 5.5” Heavy Hitter, and 5” and 7” The Jerk. 

Just as gift worthy are the new colour options for the Bronco Bug, Cleanup Craw, Freeloader and Ned BLT.

Straight from elite bass angler Ott DeFoe’s garage comes the newest member of the Rocco family. The OG Big Rocco 6 ($18.99), a size up from the OG Rocco 5 ($16.49), is an unbeatable bass catcher. Impressively castable for a floating, balsa bait, its medium rolling action, 6 foot running depth and square bill design make it great for catching largemouth, smallmouth and other fish in shallow water relating to cover.

The newest member to grow the Jigging Rap family, this “Magnum” version is all about making a big scene. At 2-3/4” and 1-1/8-ounces, it’s ideal for live-sonar tactics for walleye, bass, pike and trout — but rest assured the Jigging Rap Magnum ($16.49) catches ‘em just as well cast, pitched or vertically jigged for those using traditional 2D sonar.

Fans of the original Jigging Rap ($8.99+) will love the colours added to the collection this year. Juicy Lucy, Pure Chrome, Purple Shades and Wonder Tiger are all top-shelf choices for walleye, smallmouth, pike and trout.

It gets better. The Jigging Shadow Rap ($16.49) now comes in 3/8 ounces (07 size). It and the original 09 also now come in four fresh colours: Bad Lipstick, Moldy Fruit, Juicy Lucy and Leprechaun. 

Any walleye angler on your shopping list is going to love getting the new Gold Miner 30 ($16.99). Quickly diving to 30 feet, this durable crankbait has a distinct rattle, wide tail action, and can be trolled slow or fast.

Tungsten is trending on the angling scene. One reason is tungsten provides a better return on Forward Facing Sonar than lead, but it can also help get a bait faster into the strike zone. This to say, any angler will relish getting VMC’s new lead-free jigs. The RedLine Series Tungsten Swimbit Jig ($10.99) and RedLine Series Ned Head Jig ($9.49) deliver tungsten’s benefits with the ultra-premium, sticky sharp RedLine hooks. No less impressive is Tungsten Moon Eye Jig ($7.49+), which will certainly be popular among anglers given the original Moon Eye Jig has jad widespread appeal walleye, bass, trout and panfish enthusiasts.

Soft plastic tubes have long been popular for catching bass, walleye, pike, trout, trophy panfish and more. What’s historically been a challenge is finding a jig with a quality hook appropriately sized for smaller tubes — but not any more thanks to the Finesse Tube Jig ($6.99), which features a 1X, hybrid wide gap, Vanadium steel VMC hook. 

The Super Vibrax Tri-Pack ($19.99+) bundles three of Blue Fox’s most popular inline spinner patterns in one package, giving anglers all they need to catch bass, trout, panfish and more. A fantastic gift for beginners and experienced anglers alike. 

CountDown Elites ($18.49+) are multi-species workhorses. Featuring modern construction, they come in four sizes, spanning 1-1/2” to 3-3/4”, and 23 high-definition colour patterns. These lures have a precise 1-1/2 foot-per-second sink rate allowing for precise depth control and consistent fish-catching action.

Always gift-worthy are VMC’s state-of-the-art RedLine hook series. New this year are the RedLine Series Heavy Duty Wide Gap ($12.99) and new sizes to the RedLine Series Finesse Treble ($8.99+). The RedLine Neko and Drop Shot ($8.99) hooks are popular for bass, walleye and panfish, while anglers who like fishing big plastics with stout gear for bass will appreciate the RedLine Heavy Duty Flippin’ ($12.99), Hybrid Wide Gap and Hybrid Worm ($8.99) hooks.

New, fresh custom-paint inspired colours are now available in many fan favourites. Some include the Shad Rap ($11.49+), Rattlin’ Chug Bug ($8.99), Shallow Shad Rap ($14.49), Jointed Shad Rap ($12.49), Scatter Rap Tail Dancer ($17.49) and Scatter Rap Minnow ($16.49), Original Thunderstick ($8.99) and Original Hot ’N Tots ($10.49).

Relative newcomers on the tackle management scene, Rapala Tackle Trays ($10.99+) have already won over legions of fans. The Open Foam model is ideal for organizing jigs, hooks and rigs. But this is just one example of several other tray configurations available in 3600 and 3700 sizes from this impressive product series.

Luhr-Jensen’s lures and trolling accessories are legendary on the Great Lakes, Canadian coasts and other big-water regions. Trout and salmon anglers will appreciate any sampling of the newest releases of the Koho King Spoon ($8.99+), Anchovy Roll ($11.49+), Trout & Kokanee Dodger ($13.49+), and recent colour additions to the Jensen Flash Fly ($11.99), Jet Diver ($15.99+) and Dipsy Diver ($15.99) product lines.

SmartHub Magnetic Tool Holders ($19.99+) are great for keeping tools and tackle organizated in the boat, fishing kayak, tackle room and ice house. This smart storage solution features tool storage drop-in slots with magnetic backers, tool hang hooks and lure storage perimeter holds for hanging baits. Available in 2- or 4-tool slot sizes.

Fishing with fresh line is always a treat, so why not gift-wrap them some spools? Sufix’s fishing line collection covers all the bases for fishing in Canada, but if you’re needing inspiration Recycline Monofilament ($12.49+) and Advance Monofilament ($17.49+) are two good picks.

Rapala’s Precision Xtreme Series are precisely constructed to have unrivalled technical qualities and exceptional fish-catching action. The PXR Jowler 127 ($26.99) is a big-fish topwater bait any bass angler will love unwrapping this holiday season. Likewise, with long-casting performance, strike-triggering action and eye-catching finishes of the new PXR Deep Mavrik 110 ($23.99) and the original Precision Xtreme Mavrik ($22.99).

Catching bass, walleye and other fish using finesse tactics is very popular right now, which is why anglers on your holiday shopping list will love Sufix’s Revolve ($29.99), a premium braid specifically designed for finesse applications. Don’t stop here though, you’ll also want to include some spools of Advance Fluorocarbon Leader ($14.99) for tying on to their main line braid. 

If you’re shopping for someone who fishing tournaments, the large-capacity Tournament Weight Bag ($39.99) is a perfect present.. Features include a magnum, extra large, corrosion-proof zipper, comfortable, padded handles with locking wrap and durable, reinforced material and construction.

Stealth FXF Fillet Knives ($44.99) embody over 50 years of Rapala’s quality craftsmanship and knife expertise. A fusion of innovation and tradition, FXF knives are engineered for Xtreme sharpness and boast premium features, such as a high-traction contour grip, Cerakote coating for corrosion, abrasion and UV protection, full-tang construction and more. Available in 6, 8, and 10 inch lengths. 

Other filleting options to consider are Rapala’s popular Fish ’n Fillet Knife ($28.99+), Presentation Fillet Knife ($48.99+) and Soft Grip Fillet Knife ($25.99+).

Any fillet knife gift is also even better when paired with a Fillet Glove ($29.99) for added finger and hand protection, and a Two-Stage Ceramic Sharpener ($6.99) for quick touch ups.

Rapala’s predator lures are built to attract and trigger strikes from the even the most wary predators. Durability tops the charts, too, so anglers can be as efficient as possible on the water and maximize their catch. Three top pike and muskie lure choices are the Super Shadow Rap ($22.99), X-Rap Otus ($24.99+) and X-Rap Haku ($35.99).

Rapala’s collection of fishing tools provide many options for stocking stuffers and holiday presents. Three fan favourites are the Mag Spring Pliers ($45.99), Precision Line Scissors ($25.99) and Retractable Lanyard ($26.99+). 

The Rap Patch Trucker, Flexfit Classic Mesh Back and Vertical Rapala Caps ($29.99) are always popular with anglers of all ages. The Hooded UV Shirt ($49.99) is another winner and designed with sun safety and comfort in mind.

Other great fishing lifestyle gifts are the 18/8 stainless steel thermal Camp Mug and gift box ($29.99) and comfy cotton terry velour Fish Whisperer Beach Towel ($29.99).

Pro Guide Nets ($59.99+) come in medium and large sizes. These dependable nets showcase top-tier features, including strong, rubberized, fish-friendly mesh, soft grip ergonomics and retractable, quick-lock handle. For kayak, canoe, wading and others needing a compact option, the Single Handed Net ($27.99) won’t disappoint.

The R12 Series of fishing accessories are powered using the same Lithium ION 2Ah battery and make great holiday gifts. The collection includes the R12 Heavy-Duty Lithium Fillet Knife ($199.99), R12 Lithium Spotlight Lantern ($84.99) and R12 Lithium Aerator ($84.99). New this year is the R12 Power Bank Battery Combo ($69.99), which comes with an input/output USB-C Cord for charging the battery or external devices.

The 20 lb. Hig Vis Digital Scale ($249.99) is loaded with tournament-test features. It’s oversized E-Ink display is highly visible, and can be read from all angles — even wearing sunglasses. Three display options (lb./oz., decimal lbs. or kg.), +/1 0.2% pinpoint accuracy, three storage mode options, large ergonomic grip, waterproof construction and optional LED light are highlights of this impressive scale any angler will appreciate receiving.

The Code CLX rod and reel spinning combo ($99.99) is a highly capable fishing setup for those new to freshwater fishing or anglers wanting to grow their inventory. Includes a 7’1”, medium powered, graphite rod paired with a smooth spinning reel. 

Don’t forget to include some 8-pound Sufix Advance Monofilament ($17.49) with the combo so they’re ready to start catching bass, walleye, panfish and more. 

13 Fishing has one again raised the bar on cutting-edge fishing rod design with the all-new Myth series ($219.99). Available in 1- and 2-piece models, Myth rods feature Japanese PVG40T blanks with Zonal Action Technology, Evolve Custom Reel Seats with Soft Touch Finish, and several more features any angler is sure to appreciate every time they pick up and fish with a Myth rod. 

Many anglers have an unquenchable thirst to catch fish wherever they go. Giving them a compact, portable 4-piece travel rod opens up the possibility of wetting a line when away from their home waters. The Omen Quest Travel spinning rods ($159.99), and Fate Quest Travel casting and spinning rods ($119.99+) are superb choices for adventurous anglers. 

Bass rods: Omen Black Gen IIIs ($164.99+) come in lengths, actions and powers covering bass fishing techniques (both current and emerging), and feature light, sensitive and durable Japanese 36 Ton Toray blanks with Poly Vector Graphite technology.

Walleye rods: Omen Gold rods ($164.99) are a collection of trolling and spinning rods designed for a variety of walleye presentations (e.g., long-lining crankbaits, dragging bottom bouncers, bait-rigging, finesse jigging, Jigging Rap snappin’ and so on).

Musky rods: Omen Musky casting rods ($259.99) have precision rod tapers for long, accurate casts and powerful hook sets, strong components, and handle ergonomics to help anglers stay comfortable all day long.

Panfish rods: Omen Panfish/Trout Spinning Rods ($139.99+) span 5’6” ultra-light to 7’ light and are superb for yellow perch, crappie, sunfish and trout.

Best bang for the buck baitcasters: Origin F1 and O1 ($104.99+) are competitively priced and  boast upper-tier baitcasting reel technologies — such as Arrowhead Line Guide and Magnet Control System — typically seen on more expensive reels.

Mid-priced casting reels: Delivering high value and innovative performance features, the Inception G2 ($229.99), the Modus SZ2 ($219.99) and Modus C2 ($179.99) are sure to be a hit when received as holiday gifts.

Top-tier spinner reels: The AL13 ($254.99), Axum ($214.99) and Aerios ($194.99) spinning reels check all the boxes when it comes to advanced technologies and delivering reliable, smooth performance.

Nasty weather is no match for Rapala’s fishing-specific, waterproof, breathable outer wear collection, consisting of the Rapala Pro Rain Jacket ($354.49) and Bibs ($354.49), and the Rapala Rain Jacket ($269.49) and Bibs ($269.49). Consider either suit a fail-proof holiday gift. 

The above items, along with hundreds of other great fishing lures and other gear, are available at rapala.ca. Be sure to visit and shop at Rapala.ca during Black Friday week, starting November 22. We’ll have featured gifts with purchases, lower shipping thresholds and hundreds of products with savings of up to 60% off!