$200 fishing gift for the father in-law

[Crawler Killer]

It's a guaranteed lock that the gift card or plain old cash, ear marked for gear and tackle, is the best way to go. That way he gets just what he wants and needs.

[orchard frank]

If you know his buying habits, sometimes an upgrade that he might not buy for himself is a great surprise. If he tends to use $100 combos, or $50 reels, etc., then a $200 reel would be a real treat. Gift cert. would be fine, but it will never be "special"

[Chad]

Get him a Pfluegar Patriarch spinning reel. Then have it engraved for that extra touch!

Or find have someone to make a custom rod for him. You can make your own gift card on the computer with the rod builders info on it.