Offshore anglers are a gear intensive lot, and this holiday season presents in its offerings no shortage of gift ideas. Our editorial staff chose from the array, however, a set of items that aimed at keeping the ocean-based angler protected from many of the environment's persistent hazards.  We also took into account items that place comfort at the forefront of their mission; offshore trips are usually lengthy and mile intensive, and poor-fitting, chaffing, or sweat-inducing gear can really take their toll on the angler. If Santa's recipient is soon headed past the breakers, a gift from the below list will sure that his/her trip if safer and more enjoyable.

Feel Free Moken 14

Anglers heading offshore demand a vessel that is truly capable of whatever they throw at it. Said boat must be stout enough to punch through breaking waves, fast enough to reach distant fishing grounds, and capable of stowing a wide range of necessary gear and equipment. With their Moken 14, Feel Free has answered the call for such a vessel, and have brought to market a product designed with the offshore angler in mind. A large, flip-up storage locker keeps rods and other gear safe from crashing surf, and a stern tank well offers real estate ample enough to house a large crate or cooler. The Kingfisher seat boasts comfort and support, and makes long hours in the saddle pass by with ease. When anglers grow tired of sitting, the stability of the Moken 14 makes it possible to stand and fish. Available in a sundry of colors and designs (including several stylish camouflage finishes), this Feel Free offering is sure to please the eye of even the most discerning kayak angler.

From the manufacturer: The Moken 14 is an off-shore fishing machine - fast enough to reach the fishing grounds, with plenty of stability for fishing the flats. Capable and seaworthy in waves, the Moken 14 features a standing area for sight fishing, plenty of internal storage, and Feelfree's quick release modular track system. An optional rudder helps with steering on windy days, and Feelfree's proven Wheel in the Keel makes it easy to roll from your pickup to put in.

More info: www.feelfrekayak.com
Price: $1199

Stohlquist EZ Drysuit

If offshore forays take you or your gift recipient into cold water and weather, immersion gear is a necessary part of the outfitting. Stohlquist's EZ drysuit is a well-designed answer to the the needs dictated by a harsh environment; breathable, insanely comfortable, and durable, the suit is capable of adding both enjoyment and safety to ocean-based adventures. The 4-layer Twin Sensor fabric is a dream to wear, and the cut of the garment is such that paddling and pedaling motions are unimpeded by the fit of the suit

Stout enough to handle the wickedest of hypothermia-inducing conditions, the EZ also shines when the sun does. Overheating is a nonexistent phenomenon; our editorial review sessions were frequently conducted in late summer sunny conditions, and we never felt our body temperature rise. The dry socks are ample, yet able to fit into a variety of normally-sized sandals and shoes. It's often said that relief zippers make the dry suit, and the EZ comes equipped with the best of the genre's traits. Add to the suit Stohlquist's reputation for customization and service, and the asking price of 729 or so dollars truly commands respect as a valuable piece of insurance against life-robbing cold offshore conditions.

From the manufacturer: The EZ features Stohlquist's new highly breathable 4-layer Twin Sensor fabric and super soft neoprene neck gasket to provide the ultimate in comfort for sailors, rafters, whitewater boaters, and sea kayakers. New 4-Layer Twin Sensor™ waterproof/breathable fabric throughout. Super-stretch Neoprene neck gasket. MasterSeal™ waterproof cross-chest entry & relief zippers for both men and women. Super-stretch Neoprene neck gasket offers exceptional comfort and dryness. Neoprene neck seal sizes may be swapped out by Stohlquist's repair & modification facility free of charge. Softer, neoprene coated Duraseal™ wrist gaskets are more UV resistant and offer greater durability & tear resistance. Slightly relaxed fit for easier entry will fit a wider range of paddler's. Cordura® reinforced seat & knees have mesh drainers. Completely revised pattern for elimination of all 4-way seam intersection dryness. Sleek and articulated armored knees. Reflective panels for night time paddling. Adjustable neoprene cuff covers at wrist. Fabric drysocks are sized to be a universal fit.

More info: www.stohlquist.com
Price: $729

Julbo Wave

The open ocean often brings havoc to unprotected eyes. The glare can be unbearable, and salty sea spray can turn even the most productive day into a miserable exercise in endurance. The Julbo Wave was designed to meet the unique needs of ocean-based athletes; a removable spray skirt envelopes the lens, and the polarization keeps one's vision tuned to environmental conditions and dancing rod tips. The spray skirt is well adorned with ventilating holes, and the lenses fail to fog over - even when secured into place by a humidity-producing gaiter. Though the Wave offers protection comparable to leather-skirted mountaineering glasses, the benefits come at a reduced weight. After a few minutes of wear, the glasses are unnoticeable. Though the Wave comes with a custom and highly functional security strap, the unit floats when dropped into Neptune's hands. If Santa is destined to bring you or a loved one a new pair of offshore-centered optics, he could do no better than Julbo's Wave.

From the manufactuer: The Julbo Wave is for those who need the highest level of protection while navigating big waters. The polypro bi-injected wrap-around frame is floatable in the case of dropping them in nearby water. The lightweight frames also feature a protection skirt, a removable flexible rim that eliminates water and wind from coming in from all sides. The feature adds an extra degree of protection and prevents views from being obstructed during volatile conditions. Available in a variety of frames, the Octopus is its highest performing lens. The lens is photochromic, polarized and hydrophobic all in one.

More info: www.julbousa.com
Price: $190

Ex Officio Sol Cool Neck Gaiter

It seems as though the kayak angling world has fully embraced the neck gaiter. Social media is rife with vanity shots of gaiter-donning anglers clutching fish under intense assaults of UV bombardment. One KFM editor has recently become a connoisseur of the thin flexible means of protection, and has found within the Sol Cool Gaiter his penultimate favorite. Laced with the cooling compound, Xylitol, the unit has the capacity to truly reduce body temperature while repelling harsh and damaging UV rays. Said editor also suffers from seasonal allergies, and has tried a bounty of similar models with hope of reducing his pollen intake. The Sol Cool has by far offered the most protection from sneeze-inducing beach-side grasses, and has thus become a trusted ally in offshore trips. Rarely requiring a wash, the gaiter remains odor free throughout the most sweat-producing sessions. A quick rinse easily sheds from the fabric all traces of salt. For around twenty bucks, this stocking sized package can greatly enhance the life of any saltwater-favoring angler.

From the manufacturer: The Sol Cool Neck Gaiter, rated UPF Sun Guard 50+ for optimal sun protection, utilizes Icefil® technology to create the ultimate active accessory for hot weather. Xylitol, a naturally occurring compound found in the birch tree, is bound to the fabric fibers and cools the body up to five degrees upon contact with moisture, which is then wicked away from the skin.

More info: www.exofficio.com
Price: $20

Kokatat Bahia Tour PFD

Serious offshore conditions demand the use of safety gear that is comfortable, functional, and timelessly reliable. The Bahia Tour is a time-tested PFD designed with the ocean-going angler in mind. Its ventilation, cut, and padding keep the wearer comfortable and far from thoughts of removing the vest. An electronics pocket keeps a radio or GPS close at hand, and a see-through pouch does the same for fishing licenses and tags. Another pouch is designed to specifically house an angler's pliers, and the side bellows pockets are ample enough to contain snacks or a small box of lures. If Santa's recipient is heading offshore in the coming season, a PFD is an affordable way in which to provide a safety-oriented gift; choosing the Bahia Tour ensures that the unique needs of the kayak angler will be met.

From the manufacturer: The Bahia Tour features a mesh back panel to maximize airflow against high back seats. Ideal for kayak fishing, the vest’s multiple adjustable side and shoulder straps give a complete custom fit and its various pockets provide plenty of space to stash gear. Made from GAIA® PVC free foam.

More info: www.kokatat.com
Price: $110

Be sure to check out our editor picks and 2013 holiday guides to river, lake, and inshore fishing, as well.