Mueller: All I want for Christmas

A bit of advice for those who have an angler in the house, which includes me. Be extra mindful of how difficult it is to purchase rods, reels and fishing line. A person who fishes usually is very peculiar about proper equipment. If at all possible, try to find out precisely what type of rod or reel he or she wants, then seek the advice of qualified sales personnel during the purchase.

Forget large department stores where the sales staff rarely knows anything about the intricacies of fishing. Patronize a neighborhood fishing tackle shop or take a ride to the nearest Bass Pro Shops location, where you can be assured of helpful advice.

By the way, family, I’d like another Revo STX baitcasting reel, sold by a large tackle corporation known as Pure Fishing. Fair warning, though. At around $180 to $200, you won’t find them in a neighborhood 7-Eleven.

c Look for Gene Mueller’s Outdoors column Sunday and Wednesday and his Fishing Report on Thursday, only in The Washington Times. E-mail: gmueller@washingtontimes.com. Mueller’s Inside Outside blog can be found at www.washingtontimes.com/ sports.