Handy Fishing Tools You Won't Leave Home Without

A fisherman carries a lot of fishing gear besides that rod, reel, and tackle. The reasons aren't hard to find, since a good angler has to work with sharp hooks and stubborn fish. A toolkit that makes those things easier to manage leaves more time for fishing. Who wouldn't want that?

A pair of pliers is a basic element of that toolkit. But the average household needlenose item just won't cut the mustard. Fishing pliers are specially designed to make hook shaping and removal and the hundred other things they're used for a simple job. Many offer tungsten carbide cutters that'll never wear out. They're also specially treated to resist corrosion much better than the average home pliers.

A split shot crimper, special ergonomic grips and a split nose ring are just a few of the features good fishing pliers will have that are foreign to the household type. Unlike home pliers, they're handier with the jaws open, so a center spring is a must. Like the home style, any good one will incorporate a good wire cutter. But fishing pliers go beyond this since they'll be used to cut monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.

Sometimes you might want to pack a little lighter and use forceps instead of pliers. These are great tools for hook removal and other tasks. Although not as heavy duty as a pair of pliers they can do the same job on a lighter scale. Some even come with cutters in the jaws.

Another handy tool is a set of nippers. These are specially made tools for fishing that are similar to nail clippers. Some come with a pin for clearing debris or glue from the eye of a hook and others will even have a fold out file. When used with a retractor, you'll never have to search for something to cut your line. Especially handy for cutting off the tail end of your knot when changing flies or lures.

Retractors or Zingers are a small spool of cable that pins to your shirt or vest that you clip to your favorite tool. When you need to use it simply pull it to a comfortable working distance and it will automaically rewind when your done.

Don't forget to include a sharpener or two in the tool box, either.

Since you'll be carrying a ton of hooks, a few knives and other gear a sharpener is a must. Sure, you could just toss a hook that's dull. But apart from parting with your favorite Aberdeen, doesn't that get expensive pretty quickly? You bet it does. A premium hook sharpener will be one that's easy to use under real life conditions and just won't wear out.

A knife sharpener requires even higher standards. You'll be cutting line, boning fish and doing lots of other tasks that will dull your blade before you know it. A simple block just doesn't do the trick. They get slimy and useless pretty quickly.

But a pocket-sized, pen-style sharpener in a case will be protected until you need it. Then the diamond-dust covered surface will do the job right in a jiffy. Sharpen broadheads, hooks, shears and all your knives with ease thanks to the tough file and ergonomic handle.

Be sure to stock your toolbox with all the right tools. With the right fishing tackle accessories you'll have much more time for fishing. That's the whole idea, after all.

Swiss Army Style Knife

This is a 13 function swiss type knife. It is 3.25 inches closed.The handle is Stainless Steel and features a ring to attach to your keys. This knife is the perfect tool for the on the go professional. Special Features: Knife Blade, Corkscrew, Philips Head Screwdriver, Standard Screwdriver, Can Opener, Tweezers, Scissors, Saws, and more!
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Gerber Multi-Tool

The Gerber Multi-Plier® 600 is the fully functional toolbox that fits in the palm of your hand. The versatile tool stainless steel hardware for durabilty and our patented one handed opening pliers - open with a flick of the wrist. In addition to the needlenose pliers, the Mutli-Plier 600 includes the following tools large, medium and small screwdrivers, cross point screwdriver, lanyard ring, drop point kinfe blade, serrated sheepsfoot knife blade, can opener, bottle opener, file, crimper, wire cutter and a scale. All tools lock open with our patented SAF-T PLUS™ locking system - the safest, strongest, most durable lock available. Land Big Fish

Berkley TEC 3-Stage Knife Sharpening System

3 Stage system combines the most effective sharpening tools in one platform. 26 degree angled carbide chips properly set and restore worm blades. 750 grit diamond sharpening surface quickly delivers near perfect edge. Ceramic polishing rods create perfect 26 degree finished edge. Pull out handle provides more stable platform.
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Rapala Sportsman Digital Scale

Rapala 50lb Sportsman Digital Scale: large digital display, memory feature stores weight up to 10 fish, tough construction to withstand the rigors of the fishing environment, tare weight feature, 4 minute shutoff with up to 500 hour life on single 9V, retractable handle for stowage
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