12 Days of Fishmas: Unique Fishing Gifts for Any Angler
Happy 12 days of…Christmas? Giftmas? Fishmas? Whatever you’re celebrating, finding the right gift for the fishing fan in your life can be tricky. Same old baits? Nah. We’ve got 12 awesome gift ideas that’ll make a splash this holiday season!
Whether it’s your husband gearing up for his 20th year on the water, your nephew who just cast his first line, or a coworker for Secret Santa, these gifts are sure to bring the holiday cheer.
Count down to Christmas—or Fishmas—with us as we share some cool, practical, and fun fishing gift ideas. Think must-have color-changing lures, tackle box upgrades, and more. Let’s dive in (sorry, we had to)!
Day 1: Start Small with Grubs
Kick off your Fishmas countdown with a classic fishing tackle gift: grub baits. Smartbaits’ Gifted Grub and Gotcha Grub are compact lures, perfect for light tackle fishing.
Grubs are a great choice for smallmouth and largemouth bass and are ideal for reservoirs without extensive cover. They’re versatile and easy to use—perfect for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike. Plus, their small size makes them a great stocking stuffer!
Day 2: Senko-Style Baits
As a favorite among bass fishermen, it’s hard to go wrong with Senko-style baits. Senkos like the Smart Bomb Worm appear simple, but they can be used to trick bass in many ways. If the angler in your life has ever mentioned “rigging them wacky-style,” this is the perfect gift for them.
These baits are a must-have for any tackle box—especially for more experienced anglers—and an excellent addition to your list of cool fishing gear gifts.
Day 3: Minnow Lures
Minnows are a staple for targeting predatory fish like bass and walleye, and they also make great fishing ideas for Christmas. Smartbaits’ minnow baits have lifelike designs that mimic real prey, making them a top pick for anglers.
These lures add an edge to every fishing trip with their realistic movement and color-changing technology. Anglers will love opening up this refill or addition to their tackle box!
Day 4: Goby Lures
Goby baits are another fun stocking stuffer and useful lure. The Smartbaits Goby is a must-have for mimicking bottom-dwelling prey like gobies, an invasive species in the Great Lakes watershed, and a favorite food for bass.
Perfect on a swim jig or Texas rig, this color-changing bait catches bass even where gobies aren’t found—making it a great gift for both novice and seasoned anglers. For anyone looking for gifts for bass fishermen, these are sure to be a hit.
Day 5: Drop Shot Lures
When lively action with little effort is needed, drop shot lures like Smartbaits’ Straight Shooter are ideal. Designed to stay effective when other lure types fall short—especially during the winter months—they’re ready to use right after the holidays. If you know someone who’s itching to get out and fish in the cold months, drop shots are thoughtful fishing tackle gifts.
Day 6: Bulk Pack of Soft Plastics
If you’re on the hunt for a larger gift, a bulk pack of softbaits is a perfect choice. Smartbaits’ softbaits feature patented color-changing technology that adapts to water conditions and has proven to boost success for anglers.
Experienced anglers will appreciate the innovative performance, while younger fishermen will enjoy seeing the magic in action. A variety pack keeps every fishing trip exciting and the tackle box stocked with options, making it an excellent pick for fishing gear gifts.
Day 7: Customizable Tackle Box
Give the gift of organization with a ready-to-go tackle box filled with lures! This idea is perfect if you know the angler’s bait preferences and needs or want to get someone who is interested in fishing started out.
Simply pick out a tackle box in their favorite color from Amazon and fill it with a few packs of lures. This personalized gift keeps their gear organized and ready for action, making for a thoughtful way to gift fishing stuff for Christmas.
Day 8: Glowbaits
Who doesn’t get a kick out of things that glow in the dark? For night fishing or low-light conditions, glowbaits add an exciting twist. These lures illuminate the water, targeting species that feed after dark. They’re fun and cool fishing gifts!
Day 9: Ribbon Worm Tail Baits
Know an angler who needs a refill on ribbon worm tail baits? Has the person you’re shopping for been struggling to get many catches?
It’s a proven fact that fish feed on sound vibrations given off when a bait moves through the water, and the Smartbaits Robbie Ribbon worm is one of the best “vibrating” soft plastic worms on the market. They make great gifts for a fishing enthusiast or beginner!
Day 10: Swimbaits
Swimbaits are the perfect gift for anglers who want to mimic the movement of live prey. With their realistic swimming action, they’re ideal for targeting bass, pike, and other predatory fish as well as gliding through lily pads, hydrilla beds, milfoil mats, and submerged logs.
If you’re looking for fishing tackle gifts that will give your recipient a real advantage on the water, swimbaits are a thoughtful and practical choice.
Day 11: Surprise Fishing Trip
Still not sure what gear to get? For a truly unique and unforgettable gift, plan a surprise fishing trip! You can pair it with a few packs of grub or Senko baits to hint at the adventure. It’s the ultimate fishing gift for anglers who love creating memories out on the water.
Day 12: The Ultimate Stocking Full of Baits
Wrap up Fishmas with the ultimate bundle: a stocking full of Smartbaits’ greatest hits. The Smartbaits Holiday Stocking combines grubs, minnows, gobies, and more to create a festive surprise that any angler will love.
Choose from three stockings to gift up to five color-changing baits—it’ll even save you the job of wrapping.
“Hook” Them Up with the Perfect Gift
Whether you go for a single stocking stuffer or a fully stocked tackle box, each of these lure gifts is useful, unique, and a surefire way to bring joy to the angler in your life. So, wrap it up—or don’t, in the case of the Smartbaits Holiday Stocking—and get ready to celebrate!
