Camping, fishing items make first-class Christmas gifts

This is the second of a four-part series about Christmas shopping for outdoor-minded people.

We are now 19 days away from Christmas. What gifts are planned for the outdoor-minded people in your life? Although some people who participate in outdoor activities seem to own everything they need for fishing or camping, there are many items they may enjoy as a gift.

The beginning angler would enjoy a rod and reel of their own. There are several rod and reel combinations for sale in the Columbia Basin for less than $20. I saw one combination for less than $12.

So who in the world would enjoy such an inexpensive rod? An example is the 6-year-old who enjoys fishing, but who has been borrowing her mother's rod and reel. This young angler caught her first fish two years ago and fishing has become a large part of her life.

This family of four enjoys tent camping and spends at least one and sometimes two weekends a month at a campsite somewhere in Eastern Washington during the spring, summer and fall months.

The main theme of each outing is fishing, so the destination is always near a lake or stream. Camping at Martha Lake, Blue Lake, Park Lake and Potholes Reservoir are regular camping sites, but not the only ones visited each year.

Swan Lake and the San Poil River are camping goals every summer, plus the family tries to camp at one new campground and fishing water each year.

Christmas gifts ideas for the members of this family should be easy to consider. So far fishing has been the target of gifts, but the camping part of this family's outing is also worth consideration.

They tent-camp and already own a tent to hold all four family members. Is the 10-year-old son ready to sleep in a tent of his own? If he invites a friend or two on these camping trips, perhaps a small dome tent would be appropriate.

Camp cooking supplies are always worthy gifts. Do they own a propane camp stove or a stove requiring liquid fuel? The propane stoves are considered easier to use by many.

Check this situation: The family purchased a stove using liquid fuel at a garage sale when they first started camping three years ago. The stove has served them well, but a propane stove would be much more convenient.

Plus when using a larger propane cylinder, such as a 20-pound tank, with what is called a tree attached, allows three or four other propane appliances to be used at the same time. The tree allows a lantern to sit at the top, with attachment ports on the side or trunk of the tree.

Along with the stove and lantern, other cooking items include cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens of varying sizes, a griddle and various pots. A camp kitchen would be greatly appreciated. There are several models on the market these days. These make the chore of cooking more pleasant. Some of the kitchens have a built in sink, making clean up easier.

Sleeping bags and air mattresses or improved sleeping bags and air mattresses are possible gifts. Again, the camping equipment first purchased by a young family may be used or borrowed, so improving this situation would be welcomed.

A family who has graduated to a travel trailer also needs camping gear. Some of these items are the same as the tent camper, but some are different. A new rug to cover the ground in front of the trailer steps is appropriate. So are a series of those lighted decorations for stringing on the awning.

Friends Judy and Bill Witt gave Garnet six solar powered lights in the shape of birds. These are inserted into the ground and provide a pleasant light, which changes color throughout the night.

There are several items which both tent and trailer campers enjoy. Some include folding chairs, fire starter, hot dog sticks, a cover for the picnic table, flashlights for every member of the family, a two-way radio for every member of the family, at least one binocular and a bird-identification book.

But we started with a young angler. Along with an inexpensive rod and reel combination, she will need a tackle box and a few items of tackle to put inside. The reason a low-cost rod is a good idea is the angler needs to learn how to take care of a fishing rod. If the rod becomes broken, the bottom line isn't a serious matter. The angler hopefully learned something from the experience and another rod can be purchased.

A Christmas stocking filled with fishing tackle is appropriate for an angler no matter the age; 6 years old or 90 years old.

Next week: More Christmas gift ideas for outdoor-minded people.