If you’re tired of getting yet another flannel shirt or a wallet for Christmas, cut this column out and leave it where your better half will read it.

The manufacturers have released all the new stuff for 2004 so there is plenty of gifts to choose from this holiday season.

I have one, but if I didn’t, an EasyView Tackle System would be on my wish list this year. Texan Bob Scott invented this new system that mounts on the inside of your boats’ storage and rod locker lids.

It will keep your tackle organized and make you a better fisherman. The good news for the gift giver is the system sells for only $42 and that includes shipping. To place an order, visit www.easyviewtackle.com.

Being a fisherman and an avid boater, I am in constant need of a knife, needle nose pliers, screw drivers, file, hook sharpener, scissors and a ruler. I could not carry a toolbox around in my pocket until Tim Leatherman invented the Leatherman Tool Group in 1980.

You get all these neat features and more in one compact multi-tool thanks to his great invention. The Leatherman Tool Group continues to manufacture high quality products backed by a 25-year warranty.

Other companies offer multi-tools but the Leatherman is still the best. I purchased my first one in 1989 and I still have it along with a couple of other models.

Prices range from $20 to $80 and you can see them and locate your nearest dealer at www.leatherman.com.

Tackle boxes make great gifts and there are some new models available that will keep your lures and hooks from becoming a tangled mess.

New to the tackle box market is the Falcon Rods FTO (Falcon Tackle Organizer). These neat organizers are available in the 100 to 700 series that will accommodate everything from slip sinkers to buzz baits.

You can check them out at Sports Center in Natchez or visit www.falconrods.com.

Every fisherman could use and would love to receive a new fishing reel as a gift. Shimano has been and continues to be a leader in the fishing reel market.

They offer reels to fit anyone’s budget. The Curado is a proven reel and it’s affordable, but if you really want to make your fishermen happy, buy them a Shimano Calais.

They sell for about $350 and you can see them and the rest of the Shimano reels at Sports Center or visit www.shimano.com.

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Natchez Democrat. You can reach him at

fishingwitheddie@highstream.net.