With the fishing season over and equipment taken care of, I’ll wrap up another season with my annual Christmas shopping suggestions for the angler. I’ve checked with my friends in the tackle shops and have an estimated price range for many items mentioned. This column is the “clip and paste” on the fridge with certain items highlighted, as a sort of a hint.

But first we must extend a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors, organizations and donors who have support us in keeping this column going this year. These include Deals 4 U, Eskape Anglers, Moncton Fish & Game Association, Fredericton Outfitters, Paul Marriner, Herbert Sheppard, and two anonymous donors.

I must also THANK my weekly contacts who are the real ones who make this report possible, as well as those who have submitted stories, photos and comments via e-mail.

With more and more ladies getting “on the water”, this might help the gentleman angler solve his Christmas shopping as well.

New in the last couple of years is the digital water thermometer. It clips on the vest, looks like a small pen, you point it at the water, click it and have the temperature instantly. A lot easier and quicker than the older models. I believe they run in the $30-$40 range.

For many of the following items, check with W.W. Doak and Sons (365-7828) in the Doaktown area, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting (843-2481) in Blackville, Herb’s Fly Shop (843-6354) in Blackville, George’s Fly Shop in Renous (622-8226), Miramichi Hunting and Fishing (622-3071) in Miramichi, and Trout Brook Fly Shop (622-0676) on the Northwest for more detailed prices. A visit to Bryant Freeman’s Eskape Anglers (386-6269) on Wentworth Street in Riverview is always fun. Drop into Chris Munn’s Fredericton Outfitters (450-4044) at 285 Canada St. in Fredericton (authorized Orvis dealer).

With the fishing season over and equipment taken care of, I’ll wrap up another season with my annual Christmas shopping suggestions for the angler. I’ve checked with my friends in the tackle shops and have an estimated price range for many items mentioned. This column is the “clip and paste” on the fridge with certain items highlighted, as a sort of a hint.

But first we must extend a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors, organizations and donors who have support us in keeping this column going this year. These include Deals 4 U, Eskape Anglers, Moncton Fish & Game Association, Fredericton Outfitters, Paul Marriner, Herbert Sheppard, and two anonymous donors.

I must also THANK my weekly contacts who are the real ones who make this report possible, as well as those who have submitted stories, photos and comments via e-mail.

With more and more ladies getting “on the water”, this might help the gentleman angler solve his Christmas shopping as well.

New in the last couple of years is the digital water thermometer. It clips on the vest, looks like a small pen, you point it at the water, click it and have the temperature instantly. A lot easier and quicker than the older models. I believe they run in the $30-$40 range.

For many of the following items, check with W.W. Doak and Sons (365-7828) in the Doaktown area, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting (843-2481) in Blackville, Herb’s Fly Shop (843-6354) in Blackville, George’s Fly Shop in Renous (622-8226), Miramichi Hunting and Fishing (622-3071) in Miramichi, and Trout Brook Fly Shop (622-0676) on the Northwest for more detailed prices. A visit to Bryant Freeman’s Eskape Anglers (386-6269) on Wentworth Street in Riverview is always fun. Drop into Chris Munn’s Fredericton Outfitters (450-4044) at 285 Canada St. in Fredericton (authorized Orvis dealer).

With only the Bartibog and Tabusintac Rivers open for two more days, there has not been a lot of angling activity.

When angling over for another year, most anglers simply chuck their equipment out in the garage or in the basement where it remains until next season. Wise anglers will take a few minutes to examine their equipment and properly prepare it for winter storage. This ensures a better start next year because the gear will be in top shape for another season.

First look at your waders unless you still plan to use them for some duck hunting. When you have finished with them, they should be thoroughly dried and stored in a cool dry place. Avoid the furnace room as high heat may cause cracks, producing an unpleasant surprise next spring.

With only the Bartibog and Tabusintac Rivers open for two more days, there has not been a lot of angling activity.

When angling over for another year, most anglers simply chuck their equipment out in the garage or in the basement where it remains until next season. Wise anglers will take a few minutes to examine their equipment and properly prepare it for winter storage. This ensures a better start next year because the gear will be in top shape for another season.

First look at your waders unless you still plan to use them for some duck hunting. When you have finished with them, they should be thoroughly dried and stored in a cool dry place. Avoid the furnace room as high heat may cause cracks, producing an unpleasant surprise next spring.

For the most part, another angling season is in the books. Generally speaking, the last week of angling was tough fishing for most. One exception was the Northwest Miramichi which, according to Syd Matchett, continued to fish well until the last day when the rain came.

George Routledge said that the Quarryville and Blackville areas were very quiet with only the odd fish being caught. That is not to say that anglers were not catching. As always, there were places that fished well into the final day.

That aside, the 2011 season has to go down as one of the best years in a long, long time. Catches were excellent and water conditions were almost perfect for the fish through out the season. Even those who did not have great luck, had the opportunity to see a lot of fish. There were also very good reports of big salmon being seen through out the season.

For the most part, another angling season is in the books. Generally speaking, the last week of angling was tough fishing for most. One exception was the Northwest Miramichi which, according to Syd Matchett, continued to fish well until the last day when the rain came.

George Routledge said that the Quarryville and Blackville areas were very quiet with only the odd fish being caught. That is not to say that anglers were not catching. As always, there were places that fished well into the final day.

That aside, the 2011 season has to go down as one of the best years in a long, long time. Catches were excellent and water conditions were almost perfect for the fish through out the season. Even those who did not have great luck, had the opportunity to see a lot of fish. There were also very good reports of big salmon being seen through out the season.