Go Fish

Dude, don’t get Dad another tie!

He might wear it…only when you’re in town or when you mention it. He really dreads having to tie one on for you! It’s Father’s Day, put a bit of thought into gifts for the guy who was always thinking of you! Let Dad know he’s legendary.

Long pants or shorts?

Back Country’s Stoic ZipOff pants perform during cool hikes up mountains and warmer jogs down. Comfort and performance are achieved with a breathable, quick dry poly spandex blend with 4 way freedom of movement stretch. Moisture just drips away with the DWR treatment. Zipped off, 5-inch shorts have a leg up on comfort. Closing the leg bottom is a cinch. For a perfect fit, use the integrated belt. backcountry.com

No matter the activity, Sitka’s long sleeve Hanger Henley will become Dad’s all around favorite. Comfort meets design, with technologies like Insect Shield and Polygiene® Odor Control, prevent the outdoors from bugging Dad and keeping him smelling like a rose, no matter his activity. A quickdrying lightweight Polyester/ Spandex blend provides comfort and stretch. Stylish 3 button design is built tough for comfort and performance. sitkagear.com

Take his favorite swim and hiking shorts, add polyester mesh draining pockets, and Dad will appreciate Filson’s Gline Canyon multi-use shorts. Nothing short about Gline Canyon’s 8 inch inseam. A no-rust plastic snap waist closure stays snug. Thigh cargo pocket, with a hidden key clip, zips for security. Practical clothing since the Gold Rush, Filson’s new Gline Canyon shorts are quick-drying, have an elastic waistband, and can be worn with a belt. filson.com

Keeping Dad cool and clean, Gill’s XPEL Tec Hoody blocks harmful sun rays with 50+ UV and a hood for maximum protection. Thumb loops keep the shirt over the wrist. The comfortable lightweight XPEL Tec Hoody wicks moisture away from skin and an exclusive plantbased fabric treatment amazingly repels water and other fluids. Seams are flatlocked to add comfort. This will be Dad’s favorite fishing shirt that he will also wear off the water. gillmarine. com Nothing feels better than merino wool

Wool naturally provides warmth, breathability, and comfort. Sock it to Dad with Minus33 Mountain Heritage socks. Wool/nylon yarn technology creates a durable sock. A variety of heights and weights, 3 zones of elastic support, keep socks in place. Odor resistant wool with light heel and toe cushion are comfortable and long-lasting without unnecessary bulk. Sock top venting keeps feet cool. Minus33 socks will touch Dad’s sole. minus33.com

Protecting hands from the elements and the physical aspect of fishing, Dad needs comfortable gloves that allow him to tie knots and cast while keeping his grip with a sticky grip on the palm. Gill’s

It’s topwater time.

Braid and CoPoly lines are best. Never fluorocarbon. It sinks! Gamma Torque 60-pound braid works well with walking baits and frogs on casting gear. A slightly softer rod works well with buzzbaits and toads. For spinning gear, drop to 20-pound test.

Instead of traditional skirts, thread buzz toads on buzzbaits. This helps baits stay on the surface and allows them to be slowly crawled over grass and other cover. Use stinger hooks!

For poppers, make long casts. At the beginning of the retrieve, pop baits with the rod tip up to prevent poppers from diving. As it gets closer, lower the rod, or baits will jump out of the water.

Another great post spawn bait is the jerkbait with a tail prop. Snap it down and let it slowly rise. The snap causes an erratic action, and the prop not only creates a disturbance on the dive, but also slows the rise of the bait.

Pitch tubes to wood, docks, and grass cover. Use 14-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. Peg 3/16-ounce bullet weights. Watch for bites on the fall.

GO FISH > PAGE 43

John CrouCh TobacconisT