The third Saturday in June is the opening of the regular bass and muskie season in our part of the country. Traditionally, opening day falls on Father’s Day weekend, which is extra special for anglers. For six decades, I have helped celebrate Father’s Day, the first two for my dad and last ones, well, you all can do the math.

Over the years I have received my share of great gifts. Heck, all gifts are great, but there are always certain ones that stand the test of time, like that fishing lure my grandsons gave me, that still hangs in my office for the fear of losing it; the hunting knife my daughter gave me many years ago that I still carry today; and the dozens of other gifts I have enjoyed over the years.

With Father’s Day fast approaching, I thought I would put together a list for those who are looking for something special for their dad. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We still have plenty of time to procure the perfect gift for dear old dad. Many of the following ideas I have been fortunate to test myself, which makes them worth mentioning here.

Cleverly designed for active fishing use, Gill Waterproof Duffels feature a stitch-free construction and high-frequency welded seams for full waterproof performance. Top openings have a wide mouth for easy access to the interior and a roll-down, Velcro closures create a watertight seal. Puncture-resistant tarpaulin fabric and heavy-duty handles make these versatile 10L, 30L and 60L bags an outstanding choice for rugged, waterproof gear and tackle storage in any conditions.

From the world leader in metal-detecting technology, Minelab’s VANQUISH Series metal detectors are advanced, easy-to-use, and offer uncompromising performance that won’t break the bank. Simple yet powerful, VANQUISH is the smart choice for anyone starting out or stepping up their detecting game. Featuring powerful Multi-IQ technology, multiple Find Modes, a lightweight and collapsible design and much more, VANQUISH detectors deliver more fun and more results, regardless of experience.

The all-new OZ Radial Nano is a compact, all-in-one, portable, rechargeable ozone generator that attacks and destroys odors, mold, fungus, bacteria and viruses, and is ideal for smaller spaces. Perfect for the truck, boat, garage, coolers, bathrooms, closets or a multitude of other deodorizing duties around the home, Radial Nano emits ozone in 360 degrees, offers multiple operating modes and will charge mobile devices via its built-in USB port.

Extend Dad’s deer-hunting season with the CenterPoint Sniper 370 crossbows. This fast, accurate and easy-handling package includes the original award-winning Sniper 370 bow, combined with innovative Whisper Silencing System† string stops, limb dampeners and string silencers for the ultimate in noise reduction and vibration control. Packed with high-performance features, value-added accessories and a 5-year limited warranty, this bow delivers speeds up to 370 fps and generates up to 112 ft-lbs. of energy. It comes with quad-limbs, a CNC-machined aluminum cam system, aluminum rail, anti-dry fire and auto safety, an adjustable stock and 4x32mm scope. One of the best-reviewed and best-selling crossbows of all time, the CenterPoint Sniper Elite 370 and is sure to put a smile on Dad’s face and venison in the freezer.

Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix’s Premier Series of fishing rods has been the most popular U.S.-built rod series for decades. Today’s Premier casting and spinning rods feature an attractive combination of high performance, value and classic styling that Dad will be proud to own and use. Premier rods are available in 67 different models covering every freshwater species from panfish and trout to musky.

One of the lightest spinning reels on the market today, Daiwa Tatula LT (Light & Tough) reflects the sophisticated engineering and design that has vaulted spinning reels onto the center stage of the bass fishing world. The Tatula LT’s Zaion Body is composed of a high-density carbon-strain material that is both lighter and stronger than conventional construct materials. Its state-of-the art Air Rotor design is also 15% lighter, yet stronger than competing designs. The digitally machined aluminum alloy digigear is smooth and flawless, delivering the power of the handle directly to the rotor with no play. The seven ball-bearing system allows for smooth, near-effortless operation. The Daiwa Tatula LT series of spinning reels utilizes state of the art materials and technology to create a versatile tool designed with the more sophisticated bass fisherman in mind. If that sounds like your Dad, check out the Tatula LT family of spinning reels, available in sizes 1000 through 4000.

Give Pop the power to make smarter decisions on the water. Whether installed on a bass boat, skiff, kayak or bay boat, Raymarine’s Element HV Sonar/GPS delivers the sharpest views of the underwater world with HyperVision 1.2-megahertz super high-resolution sonar technology. HyperVision technology takes DownVision, SideVision, and Raymarine RealVision 3D sonar to the next level of precision imaging and fish identification, showing structures, vegetation, and fish with lifelike clarity. Element’s onboard quad-core processor delivers instantaneous chart redraw, fast response, and smooth RealVision 3D imaging, while the built-in RealBathy personal depth map generator produces high definition bathymetric maps on the fly.

Looking for an unforgettable reaction from Dad this year? Give him the gift of fishing access and independence. Powered by the original MirageDrive Classic with ST Fins, the new Hobie Mirage Passport 12 is a highly manageable 12-foot pedal kayak that will take Pops wherever he wants to go with ease and world-class Hobie performance. Loaded with heaps of fishing features and fully compatible with the vast line of Hobie fishing accessories, the easy-to-own Mirage Passport 12 allows anglers to access productive fishing waters unavailable to shore anglers or other boats.

Including socks in a Father’s Day gift guide may seem clichÈ, that is until you realize how good ScentLok’s socks really are. Their complete line of high-performance socks uses Silver Alloy technology to destroy foot odor by helping prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. Available in an incredible variety of styles for casual, athletic and outdoors wear, ScentLok’s ultra-comfortable odor-destroying performance socks.

Hearing loss is no joke, as I can attest. Make sure Dad’s ears are protected at the shooting range, while using power equipment, or in the field while hunting with the Impact Sport MultiCam electronic earmuff from Howard Leight. It provides up to 4X amplification to help Dad hear approaching deer or easily conduct conversation at the range, while automatically attenuating dangerous noises to a safe 82dB. Available in three stealthy MultiCam patterns, Impact Sport features a comfortable, sleek, extremely low-profile ear cup that won’t interfere when shouldering a rifle or shotgun. An external 3.5mm AUX jack and an included cord allow convenient connection to a phone, computer, MP3 player or scanner.

Dad likes shoes and boots he can easily slip on as he heads out the door. A favorite of Traditions Media staff members, the commercial-grade XTRATUF Wheelhouse 6″ Ankle Deck Boot provides incredible comfort, versatility and performance in a wide variety of boating and fishing environments, while also excelling for everyday wear. This boot features a dual-density EVA/PU insole with built-in channels to keep feet cool, dry and extremely comfortable; after all, this boot was designed for commercial fishermen who are on their feet on wet, slippery decks for 12-18 hours a day. It’s also built with an oil-resistant, SRC-rated outsole for the best deck traction available. We wear ours with or without socks in all four seasons and prefer the cool Gray Coho Print, but multiple colors are available. Since this boot is built wider, XTRATUF recommends ordering down a half size.

Give dad the gift of live, underwater viewing with the ultra-portable, easy-to-use mirco Stealth 4.3. The system comes complete with a 4.3-inch color LCD connected to 50-feet of reinforced cable and a super stealthy micro underwater camera. State-of-the-art viewscreen and camera optics deliver the sharpest, most clear, colorful underwater image available in an economically priced viewing system. Patent-pending magnetic battery charger assures the whole system is completely waterproof. Micro camera system includes clip-on ballast weight and two separate, adjustable viewing fins for trolling/drifting and for ice fishing. Internal Lithium-ion battery powers the micro camera system for up to 6 hours.

If your Dad loves bass fishing — and who doesn’t — check out bass spinnerbaits. Z-Man consulted with expert metallurgists to construct the?SlingBladeZ?Spinnerbait -Double Willow and Indiana/Colorado- with high-grade 17-7 stainless steel wire, delivering superior reverberation, strength and resiliency. Riding on the?SlingBladeZ’s?trademarked low-vis?LiveWire?frame, blades are stamped from custom dies and electroplated with a flashy, jeweler-quality finish. The blades offer a lower-frequency pitch that the bass hears best, vibrating harder and swinging wider on the retrieve. Z-Man’s StabiliTrack?head channels water across the underside of the bait and along special side flanges for total stability at all retrieve speeds. The lure is finished with a 5/0 VMC O’Shaughnessy hook for improved hooksets and a wire trailer keeper. A 100-percent silicone skirt adheres tightly to the lure’s head with hand-tied?copper wire for superior durability and longevity. Offered in double-willow leaf or tandem willow-Colorado blades in 3/8-, ¢- and §-ounce sizes, these ultimate spinnerbaits are available in eight dynamic color patterns.

Case, a company within an hour’s drive, has been making knives since 1889. A Case knife is a small but solid reminder that anything worth doing is worth doing right, something that Dad undoubtedly taught you during your upbringing. Carefully crafted with the finest materials and twice tested for durability, a Case knife is sure to be treasured and used regularly by your father. Thousands of models are available, and any Case knife can be personalized with the special engraving of your choice when you order.

Trust me, Dad appreciates having the best fishing line but as with a good pair of socks, doesn’t always look forward to buying it for himself. Here’s your chance to be a hero. J-Braid x8 line is a high quality eight carrier braid made of the finest materials from Japan. Eight Strands of tightly woven fibers make for a perfectly round profile. The result is a much stronger, softer and smoother line that is more sensitive and farther casting. Available in four color choices and a variety of spool sizes in six- to 120-pound test, J-Braid is one of the best qualities and value braided lines on the market. Pick up a 165-yard spool of eight-lb J-Braid x8 line in chartreuse for about $15.

Fish Monkey is the number-one fishing glove brand on the market today, due to the quality of its versatile designs. Get Dad professional-level protection with the Half Finger Guide Glove. This popular Fish Monkey glove delivers SPF 50+ sun protection for the backs of the hands, a quick-drying fabric and a synthetic leather palm. The “second skin fit” and exposed fingertips create great dexterity for boat and tackle management while protecting Dad’s hands throughout an entire day of fishing. Match the gloves to a performance for the ultimate Fish Monkey Father’s Day gift package.

Rainbow Smelt are common forage to northern gamefish species such as walleye, salmon, trout, and smallmouth bass. Available in three sizes, eight colors, and shallow or deep-diving configurations, LIVETARGET’s Rainbow Smelt Jerkbait hosts a weight transfer system, suspends, and produces a deep ‘knock’ sound. Ideal for casting or trolling, these highly effective lures deserve a special spot in Dad’s tackle box. They combine incredibly lifelike profiles with realistic finishes that attract fish and promote strikes.