If you’ve decided to take your kids fishing this summer but don’t have much fishing or boating knowledge, get started at Take Me Fishing. Sponsored by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit group whose aim is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, the site has select-your-state sections on getting a fishing license and boating and fishing, along with the all-important guide on how to fish and a “fishopedia,” which lists and describes many types of fish. Once you’ve garnered some basic knowledge, you’ll need some equipment. Happily, Cabela’s currently has an online sale for fishing gear, such as the four-piece travel spinning rod (now $40, down from $50) and the more advanced Fish Eagle XML casting rods ($70, down from $140). For the kids, a Pirates of the Caribbean spincast kit includes rod, reel and small tackle box ($7). A good fishing trip wouldn’t be complete without the right apparel. Orvis’s “fishing best-sellers” include a classic fishing vest called the Super Tac-L-Pak ($89; pictured). Real fly fishermen always wear waders; these Silver Label Stockingfoot waders have neoprene gravel guards and an inside storage pouch ($189). Finally, a tackle box will keep your flies, hooks and other materials clean and organized. This classic Wheatley metal fly box , is handmade in England and can be personalizedand ($59 to $98). If that’s too steep for you, Wal-mart has a perfectly serviceable six-tray tackle box ($20).

The beach tote is many things to many people. Some women actually use them for towels, swimwear and sunscreen and take them to the beach or pool. Others use them as holders for toys, sippie cups, extra sets of children’s clothes and other things young mothers need. Still others find them handy to transport workout clothes or the magazines or papers from the office. Fashionistas who want their bag to be a statement of their style level should look no further than Tory Burch’s Printed Tory Tote. This $225 canvas tote has printed leather trim and two interior zippered pockets. For those of us who wouldn’t be comfortable taking such an expensive bag to the beach, Parrott Canvas Company sells more affordable beach totes in many colors and sizes, such as the Barrier Island Tote Capris, which can be monogrammed ($14 to $23). Simply Bags has this clever black-and-white striped canvas beach tote, which can be embroidered with your name ($30). Lands’ End’s blue paisley beach tote (pictured) has an antimicrobial finish that’s perfect for hauling damp towels or swimsuits ($59.50), and you can also order matching towels ($26.50); both the tote and the towels can be monogrammed. PB Teen from Pottery Barn sells these brightly colored Bahamas Stripe totes for $39. Cafe Press lets you inject some humor with this “I’m a Shore Thing” beach tote, featuring a bikini-clad girl ($20). For guys, the “Beach Bum” beach tote helps it all hang out ($19).

You’ve heard it before: All work and no play make Johnny a dull boy. That’s because play is more than just a good time. It actually engages parts of the brain needed for certain cognitive, social, physical and emotional abilities, while giving rest to our overused “work” brains. If you can’t afford to play hooky from your job, Shopperati’s evening and weekend experts urge you to take up at least one recreational pastime this spring. Here are some suggestions and some gear to go with them. Softball: Great to play with coworkers and friends as it heightens your enjoyment of the outdoors and sharpens the senses. If you haven’t played in years, invest in a nice new game-improving glove such as the DeMarini Diablo Slow Pitch 13-incher ($49.99). The Sorbothane shock-absorbing palm cushions the pain of fast, hard throws. Golf: Rolling green courses, birdsong, plenty of walking and ample opportunities to work on eye-body coordination. If you get hooked, pick up a set of handsome Wilson Golf Neoprene Iron Covers ($9.99) and keep your irons unscratched. While you’re at it, we also recommend the Samsonite Trunk Golf Organizer ($29.99), which has pockets and compartments to keep your golf shoes, grips, jacket, gloves and more stowed neatly in your car trunk. Biking: Good for the heart, the leg muscles, the circulation - and good for the planet as an alternative to driving. You can even get one that folds up inside a travel bag, for taking on a plane, from Bike Friday. While you’re splurging, treat yourself to the award-winning CamelBAK Mayhem 100-ounce Hydration Pack ($90) and say goodbye to reaching for a bottle while riding. This one has an outer mesh pocket for holding gear, and it supplies more than three hours of water. Camping: The opposite of sleeping indoors close to the TV and computer, on a soft bed you know so well you don’t even notice you’re worrying again. Look at the stars and moon instead! Listen to the night! Sleep better than ever inside Columbia’s Bugaboo Family Dome Tent ($128.28 plus free shipping). It’s large enough for up to five people and features a remote control light, skylights and a venting system for fresh air all night. Plan to play, and you’ll work better when you get back.

For many of us, ’tis just about the season to break out the grill, mix up some marinade and start feasting upon the flavors of fire-roasted veggies, fish, beef and fowl. If you never venture farther than charbroiled burgers, chicken and hot dogs, we believe you’re missing out on a world of succulence. Still, Charcoal Companion’s 5-In-1 All Purpose Spatula/Tongs ($9.99) will come in handy. Use them to flip those burgers, tenderize your steak, tong—is that a verb?—and cut. The long rosewood handle will keep you out of the heat, but please bear in mind: a customer review says that these aren’t the best for petite or delicate “female” hands, due to their size and weight. For slathering on the barbecue sauce or tangy marinade, forget about a brush. The all-cotton Sauce Mop ($6.95) can service an entire grill’s worth of food without leaving bristles behind, and the long wooden handle protects your hand and arms from getting scorched. Goes well with the Barbecue! Bible: Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades, Bastes, Butters, and Glazes, by barbecue guru Steven Raichlen ($10.36 at Amazon). A grill topper, like this non-stick grilling grid ($12.95), is just the thing for delicate fish or sliced vegetables. The Weber rib rack helps maximize your grill space by allowing you to stand up slabs of ribs or chicken quarters ($15). But you really ought to try making kabobs, those delectable arrangements of meat and veggies. There’s no prettier or plate-friendlier skewer for the job than the Companion Group’s Circle Kabob Skewers (set of four for $8.95; pictured). Because they’re semicircular, the items stay on better and take up less room on the often overcrowded plate. For wood-smoked flavor, visit the Wood Chips & Bisquettes page at Yard & Pool company. They’ve got apple, hickory, mesquite, maple, and oak products to choose from. Happy grilling!

I’ve always found floating around the pool very relaxing, not to mention a good way to stay cool while sunbathing. It’s the gentle drift, the island-unto-yourself experience that can’t be beat for creating a mini-vacation close to home. If you’ve never tried it or want to upgrade your gear, here are some nice options. The Inflatable Private Island ($319.95; use coupon code HOLAFS2 for a discount) inflates to an eight- by eight-foot platform big enough for eight adults (or one hermit); four removable padded swim straps offer a secure handhold for climbing aboard. Because it’s so big, it can also work as a mooring station for other personal watercraft, such as kayaks and wave runners or it can be towed behind a boat for adventure. You can even attach an anchor (sold separately). If you’re a strictly on-your-back floater, you’ll appreciate the support and portability of the Deluxe EZ Spring Float Recliner ($47.95, pictured). It easily collapses into the over-the-shoulder tote bag (included). Just inflate the pillow and tubing for buoyancy, and then settle into the mesh sling to stay cool in the water for hours. Can’t get enough of your main squeeze? Strand yourselves on Cuddle Island ($119.95). Designed for couples or small families, this raft comes with three removable/adjustable pillows and a deep back- and headrest. Or get blessedly, utterly away from others yet close to the water on the Super Soft Float ($165), a thin, flexible strip of “everlasting” closed-cell foam with a rolled end that serves as a pillow; it supports the average adult body. Just thinking about floating outdoors, under the wide open sky… ahhhhhh.

One of the best things about the cold is getting to wear your fleece apparel. There’s nothing like it for that cozy, bundled-up feeling. Best of all, it’s made from the recycled fibers of soda bottles. The resulting polyester repels rain and snowmelt while letting the body’s moisture escape, to keep you warm and dry. If you don’t own some of this marvelous stuff - it costs more but lasts forever - or if you’re ready to add to your winter collection, check out the great looking women’s jackets at Altrec. For ski trips we love the Wind Track ($145). It has a windproof stretch membrane, and back and underarm panels to dump excess heat. Plus zippered chest pockets. The R2 ($160) can be an insulating layer or a stand alone piece due to its trim, feminine fit. For a less sporty, more dressed up look, Amiclubwear has a Fleece Trench Coat in black or gray ($32.99 on sale). And Ryan Williamson at The Mouseworks will custom make you a beautiful fleece skirt for just $44. At Moosejaw we found The North Face Men’s TKA 100 fleece pants ($50). For babies and young ‘uns, cute is synonymous with fleece, especially at Baby Polar Gear. Their Honu Wrap, for newborns and infants up to six months ($37.99) is an adorable sea turtle shaped inspiration of baby bunting. And the animal themed hats from The Mouseworks might just kill you with cuteness. For adults, there’s no shortage of hats, scarves, and gloves in fleece. We like the Trail Model Gloves at L.L. Bean ($14.50), which feature a double layer of warmth and gripper palms. Also good for the slopes is their Balaclava hat ($18). It comes in blazing orange only, guaranteeing that you won’t go unseen by the snowblind.