Hello to all Prostaffers from most of the time sunny California!!

I was thinking about what gear I might need for next year and the thought came to me that you guys must have some favorite items to recommend. And seeing that it's getting near to the Holidays and gift giving season I figured Santa might be able to use a little professional help also.

I'm wide open of course, shoes, sunglasses, raingear, gloves, jackets, socks, boots, pocket knife.... anything you would consider to be a personal favorite. Ya know like one of those special little don't leave home without it to go fishing items you've come to love over the years.

OK..... so you might say "Hey geobass, that's a cool question but how bout a little peak into your favorites bag just to get us in the spirit. Fair enough.... here's one of my alltime favorite fishing accessories.

A palm straw fishing hat from SunBody Hats of (mofish will probably be glad to hear this) Houston, Texas. I bought one of the Mexican Standard Palm Cattleman 4" wide brim hats about ten years ago. It has proven to be a fantastic fishing hat. Handmade in Guatemala, it is constructed in the snake coil fashion sewn overlapping from top to outside like the way shingles overlap on a rooftop. Great sun protection with the wide brim, very durable and good in the rain too, because of the overlapping coils, it is vertually waterproff.

Anyway when I bought it at a shop here in Los Angeles about 10 years ago for about 25 bucks I though it was pretty pricey but man let me tell ya, it has proven to be well worth it. There is already a picture of me wearing the hat posted at the begining of my "Reading the Signs" question... some of you may already have seen that one of me with the rainbow so I won't post it again.

And oh yeah!!! The bass seem to like it also. I've been foutunate enough to catch some pretty good lunkers while wearing it too!

Here's a link to SunBody Hats...... take my word for it, the Mexican Standard Palm Cattleman style hat makes a great fishing hat... I added a chinstrap myself. No big deal, just poked two holes in the brim near my ears and got a good long black shoelace. Worked like a charm.. also it has proven to be real good for ocean fishing as well.

https://ssl.webwize.com/Sunbody/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=196&CFID=2075729&CFTOKEN=33835818

I'm looking forward to hearing about all the Pro's personal favorite fishing accessories and also from anyone else that wants to give good 'ole Saint Nick a pointer or two!!!

Good fishing to you guys, later.......... geobass

Geobass, I like the Wrangler Angler and Diamond Cut jeans, they really wear well and are comfortable. Also I love the Leatherman Multi-tool. Ono's sunglasses with built-in readers lens have been a big benefit to me as well. A plug knocker made by Gripper has saved me lots of time and baits. Lots of good stuff out there. Johnnie

Man that is the exact hat I have hanging on the wall geo! Its right there with the six other hats that I keep for all occasions.

Next thing I like is my Frogg Toggs rain gear. Light weight and wind proof.

Digital scale made by Rapala keeps me honest.

Pro Rule measuring board most accurate measuring board made. Has white lines and numbers so you can see the tail sweep across the line if its close.

My home made AIR system to keep my fish alive. 12v aerator from Academy Sports and Outdoors, and two large air stones, run to each live well, from Wal-Mart.

Oakley sunglasses.

Under Armor, both heat and cold gear, to keep me comfortable while fishing. Unbelievable stuff right here.

The $1.00 packs of hand warmers to keep the hands toasty. (Wal-Mart) All ways have some handy, you never know.

Adidas vented type tennis shoes. Unbelievable comfort in the summer when its hot. Light weight and very cool with all the venting that they have.

Sun block, cant remember the name of them but they come in a small package the look like hand wipes. Very nice and easy to use. You don’t get sun block all over your hands with these things.

That should get you started.

Lets not forget about the hottie we should bring to put on the tanning lotion and supply us with our cold drinks as we are fishing to our hearts content. Be tuff getting her in the stocking. Might as well make it fun. Guess she can fish too. Just a thought..LOL

Yeah, Conley, I forgot them Frogg Toggs-I love 'em. JC

I like the way you think Nunzio !

Capt'n

Hey guys from beautiful overcast Kentucky Lake. First off, Happy Holidays!!!! Now is definately the time to go over your fishing needs list and check it twice. I agree with some of the other replies. A good pair of Solar Bat sunglasses, Columbia rainsuit, new G Loomis rod and maybe even a Shimano reel or two.
This is also a good time of the year to look at your tackle boxes and replace any that are old and battle worn. The one item I carry in my boat that most people seem to overlook is a good first aid kit. This can save a fishing trip. Hope this helps.

Great suggestions from everyone... Conley you beat me to the punch with Frog Toggs and Under Armor (UA), so I'll have to add that I couldn't agree more about those two items. Both are quality made and extremely functional for fishing. The UA line of clothing is designed for athletes and takes things like sweating and manuverability into consideration with their designs. Their cold weather gear is all extremely light weight, but it keeps you as warm as toast.

Kevin made a great suggestion with the First Aid kit... definetely something you want to have in you boat or tackle bag. You never know when a hook is going to get you bad.

Here's one for you: binoculars (smaller size) I always keep a pair in my boat and they also come in handy when shoreline fishing. Nothing is more annoying than walking half a mile to find out that there is no openings to fish from on a bank.

On a side note, let's all welcome Kevin Springer to the website. He is a new ProStaff member from Kentucky.

And yes, "Happy Holidays" to everyone.

BC

KEVIN WELCOME TO THE SITE!

Great idea on the First Aid Kit, reminded me to replace some stuff in mine.

I would suggest sealed tupperware type containers to place digital cameras, Ipods,ect.. in. If you get caught downpour they come in handy. Others; Flashlight, grease gun, extra trailer bulbs, and a can of carpet cleaner.

Bassin
Butch

OK, I couldn't resist with the Holidays here and this topic, it seems like the right time and place... so I came up with my version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas":

The Twelve Days of “Bass Christmas” - Written by Brendan Cucinello - Bassin' USA

On the first day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the second day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the third day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the fourth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the fifth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the sixth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the seventh day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the eighth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Eight Sonars Sounding
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the ninth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Nine bags of Senkos
Eight Sonars Sounding
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the tenth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Ten Scum Frogs Swimming
Nine bags of Senkos
Eight Sonars Sounding
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Eleven Buzzbaits Buzzing
Ten Scum Frogs Swimming
Nine bags of Senkos
Eight Sonars Sounding
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my sponsors gave to me,
Twelve PopR’s Popping
Eleven Buzzbaits Buzzing
Ten Scum Frogs Swimming
Nine bags of Senkos
Eight Sonars Sounding
Seven Jigs-for-flipping
Six Stor’s IT rod sleeves

FIVE CULLING RINGS!!!

Four Lipless Crankbaits
Three Spinner Baits
Two Loomis rods
A new Skeeter ZX Two-Fifty!

Happy Holidays Everyone (Maybe you'll get a few more ideas from this one)

Brendan C.

Brendan -

Are you trying to tell us this is what you want under the tree this year.

Very good.

Wendy

I'd settle for the ZX250!

Sounds silly but this is a little thing that can be a sure nuisance if you forget it. Clippers!!!!! I now carry three pairs and a back up scissor. The best is to get the one with the retractable cord and leave it attached to your bag.

Nunz

One thing I definatley need up here in Iowa is the Save Phase mask. Man it's tough running a boat in twenty degree weather in the snow or sleet. The mask is a great comfort. Keeps bugs off in summer too.Johnnie

SAVE PHASE how could I have forgot that! Good one Jonnie! I have one too and love it! I also have one of those hunting all in one Neck Gators! Its a hood, neck gator, and face mask all in one. Put that thing on and then the Save Phace and pull up the hood and cinch it down.

Along with the Under Armor 2.0 cold weather gear,Under Armor glove liners, Frog Toggs rain suit to keep out the wind, Neck Gator and Face Mask, and suspenders type Personel Floatation device I am ready for winter fishing. All warm and safe since my PFD is automatic if I fall in, or get thrown out.

Well Santa came early for me, but I could still use these under the Tree.

(2) New Humminbird 1197Csi Graph's

(1) 2008 Chevy Suburban Wrapped of course

(1) 100Mph Rain Suit

Mask I don't need I have a full windshield so I can get down below it, nice really nice!

And Last and to me most important for my friends and Troops to come home safe for Christmas..

That should do it for me!!

Good Fishing Everyone and Merry Christmas

Capt. Don

I've got one of those winter jackets that double as a life preserver. Great on those winter days, and chilly spring mornings. Carl

As for clothing, I've come across a great suit for those cold times when running in a bass boat, or on the ice. It is put out by Vexilar. I know, it sounds strange for a marine electronics company to have clothing, but the pro staff designed this bib and parka combination. There are no shortage of pockets in either part - you can lose a cellphone in them until it rings, and then you have to figure out which one it is coming from.
As for warmth it is great, and I found out during a days fishing in a freezing drizzle/fog it kept me dry the whole time.

Best of fishing,
Dan

I've been wearing my Wrangler Rugged Wear Fleece lined jeans all through December-man it's been cold here and lots of snow. These jeans are really great for my skinny legs.

That's some list! I don't think my boat could hold all of that good stuff! My, "don't leave home without it list", includes my Gerber Leatherman. Its got pliers, both types of screwdriver heads, an awl, a knife, a saw, a file and a cutter. Its either on my hip or the deck and I don't think I ever had a trip when I didn't use it. I got it at a pawn shop for $15 with a case.

On Hats, if I'm sight fishing, I use a hat called an Up-Downer. It's a ball cap with a very long bill and a cape that drops around the sides and back of the cap. The cape protects my neck from the sun, but most importantly, helps me by creating a tent that keeps light from backsplashing on to my sunglass lenses. I see into the water better because of it. The flats guides came up with it a long time ago. Tight Lines.

Frank, you're right about the Leatherman Tool, I too use one all the time. I don't have a hat like that, but in summer do wear a straw hat, it's lightweight, cuts down on water glare and lets in cool air to my balding head. Johnnie