There are a lot of different tools out there on the market when it comes to fishing. Some are very valuable tools while others are just gimmicks to just grab your money.
I wrote this post as I am preparing to take some friends out fishing for the first time and just want to note some of the fishing accessories that I always want to keep on hand.
Pocket Knife
A quick google search will show that this is generally on top of everyone’s list. My dad gave me his old pocket knife that he purchased before I was born … there is my sentimental plug over a pocket knife.
From cutting your bait into smaller chucks to fit on a hook to cutting your fishing line if you got snagged. The possiblilies are endless when it comes with a pocket knife.
Make sure you get one that is compact so that it can easily be stored in your tackle box so you are never caught without a knife. Make sure you take good care of the knife and it will last you for a ever long time.
Needle Nose Pliers
This is a something that I can not go fishing without. I use needle nose pliers when making leaders and to remove hooks from fish when they are landed.
This is nothing special and it should be on everyone list. I recommend you go digging around in that old rusty toolbox for an extra set and sure that.
Hook Remover
One of the problems with using needle nose pliers to remove a hook especially when it is a barred hook is that it can feel like you are trying to force the hook out of the fish.
There are specially designed hook removers to help minimize the trauma that you might cause to a fish. I personally don’t use these because I know how to use pliers to remove a hook but for a beginner, this might be handy to have if you want to release the fish with minimal harm to the fish.
Fish Whacker
This is exactly what it sounds like … it is pretty much a small club to hit the fish on the head to knock them out. This has to be done for several different reasons.
First, one being if you land a fish that you can keep, it is humane to knock out the fish as quickly as possible so that it does not suffer and essentially suffocate while it is awake.
Secondly, if you have a fish that is flopping around on the shore or boat can pose a safety risk for yourself and others. Not to mention this could lead to bruised meat due to all its movement.
So invest in a whacker if you plan on keeping a fish so that it does not suffer. This is part of being a responsible angler.
Fish Lip Grapper and Scale
Fish Lip Grappers are used to improve your ability to handle and control the fish. By increasing your control of the fish you can quickly remove the hook without having to touch the fish that much which will drastically increase the chances of the fish to survive when put back in the water.
The grappers are designed to grab the lip without causing harm to the fish which makes it perfect for Catch-and-Release fishing or if you caught an under sized fish.
A lot of the fish lip grappers can also be used as a scale as well which is always nice the weight of the fish so that you can brag to your friends. These products are also a great replacement for fishing nets if you don’t have the room for one and if you are fishing for fish that are smaller in size.
Fishing Net
If you ever want to hurt yourself as quickly as possible then try to get a 10 lb fish out of the water. I bet you will get cut in the hand or even worst a hook in the finger. I know from personal experience.
Using a fishing net allow you to officially land your fish without risking your hands. So it is worthwhile to invest in because there is nothing worst than a fish that escaped.
Icebox Or Cooler
When you land your fish and plan on keeping then the next question is where are you going to keep the fish until you are ready to clean? Well, the best answer would be in an icebox or cooler.
These are generally big enough so that the fish can lay completely flat which will make it easier to handle when your cleaning it. and can place ice in the box which will keep the fish cool. You could use a bucket which my family had done for years but that does have its own problems.
Using a bucket cause the fish to be curled up which will mean you will need to flatten the fish out when you try to clean it. Also, you will not be able to get full coverage of ice on the fish if you have more than one which is not great for a long hot day out in the water.
So I suggest you bring a box that is approximately the size of the type of fish you are going after trust me it will make your life easier and keep your fish fresher.
Fish Descaler
A descaler is a tool to help with removing the scales of a fish as a first step to clean a fish. Personally I tend to use my fillet knife but I have known people who have cut themselves doing this by improperly handling the knife and not holding on to the fish strongly which can be difficult at times because of how slippery the fish gets.
I can see why people out there uses a descaler because it is way safer than using a knife. But I live on the edge!
So if you are like me then go ahead and use a knife but it you want to be smart and safer then I highly recommend a descaler.
Fillet Knife
To cut out the perfect fish fillet and removing the skin is a work of art. Just like how an artist depends on the proper paint brushes and experience to develop a masterpiece making fish fillets is no different. Experience comes with time and practicing but having a proper fillet knife will make things a lot more easier.
You can use a regular knife to fillet a fish but unless you are a pro at it you like leave a lot of meat behind. I know because I have done that.
My knife skills truly increased when I invested in a Rapala Fish Fillet Knife. Comes with a long strong slender blade that is flexible which is necessary to keep the blade close to the fish’s spine to make that perfect fillet.