The Angler's Guide to Holiday Gifting

Updated November 20, 2025 07:41AM

Founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris as a small fishing section inside his father’s liquor store, Bass Pro Shops has grown into a household name for anyone who loves the outdoors. More than 50 years later, Morris’s vision has evolved into an empire—part outfitter, part conservation leader, and part theme park for outdoor enthusiasts. (The stores have even been called “Disneylands for outdoorsmen.”)

While Bass Pro now sells just about everything under the sun, its true heart has always been on the water. What started with a few shelves of tackle in a corner shop is now the go-to destination for generations of anglers. From first casts to lifelong fishing obsessions, Bass Pro remains the best place to gear up for every kind of fisherman on your list.

Bass Pro Shops Polar Cap Large Cooler

No fishing boat or riverside setup is complete without a bomber cooler. This classic from Bass Pro features a freezer-grade gasket to lock in cold for whatever you’re storing, be it post-fishing drinks or the trout you just caught. Little things, like feet to keep it elevated and cool to the flush-mount and rope handles, set it apart from the competition.

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Bass Pro Shops Pole In One Spinning Travel Combo

This isn’t a toy or a novelty—it’s a real, fully functional fishing setup that just happens to fit in your golf bag (or backpack). The rod collapses into two pieces and packs neatly into a hard case (complete with a funny little bass head cover), so it’s easy to stash or travel with. Alignment dots make for quick deployment, and the mix of fiberglass and graphite makes it both strong and flexible.

Bass Pro Shops Vintage Sign Trucker Cap

Looking for something for that hard-to-shop-for cousin? This vintage-style trucker hat comes in eight different colors and is a fun take on the classic Bass Pro Shops cap. Breathable mesh, an internal sweatband, and a snapback closure for a personalized fit make it a great gift for anyone.

Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Fillet Knife

If your favorite angler loves to fish but dreads cleaning the catch, this is the perfect gift. This battery-powered fillet knife makes cleaning the day’s catch faster, easier, and way less of a workout. The motorized blades glide like butter through everything from perch to pike, giving you clean, restaurant-worthy fillets in seconds. No outlet needed—just charge it up and take it to the dock, boat, or campsite.

Bass Pro Shops XPS Backpack Tackle Bag

We love Grandpa’s old-school tackle box as much as the next angler, but if the fisherman on your list is always on the move, a backpack-style tackle bag is a better way to go. It’s durable and abrasion-resistant, which is especially important for fishing adventures that take you through dense foliage or rough terrain. The double-decker design gives you twice the storage without compromising on comfort and ease of transport.

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Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Bio Bait

Need to help your giftee stock up that tackle bag? New for 2025 at Bass Pro Shops is BioBait—lures made from a revolutionary formula that breaks down faster than traditional plastic baits. They’re made with durability and sustainability in mind, meaning you can fish while supporting generations of anglers to come.

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Steak Strips

This is the perfect stocking stuffer. Packed with nine grams of protein and made with premium cuts of 100 percent beef, this snack packs the most punch for your long days on the river. You’ll be happily chomping away—even if the fish aren’t.

Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, providing customers with unmatched offerings spanning destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. Guided by the leadership of founder Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.