Fish Finders Blog

Ever been out on the boat and suddenly find you didn’t bring the right knife? Sure, we all have. There are a half-dozen different types that are darn near indispensable. When it comes to fishing, a general purpose knife alone just doesn’t, as the saying goes, cut it.

The first addition to the toolkit might be that multi-purpose Swiss knife you dreamed about as a boy. Sure, all the gadgets on board look cool, but they also serve a variety of needs that always come up when you’re outdoors fishing.

A flathead screwdriver performs a needed service from time to time. And when it’s needed, it’s needed badly. There’s always one in the handle. Those small scissors that fit neatly into the other side are equally useful for snipping line, freeing bait and other tasks. A small file is always handy for sharpening a hook and it slides in invisibly to the knife. Then, of course, there’s the basic blade that will get used a hundred times a day.

No fisherman would leave home without a filleting and boning knife, of course. There’s just no substitute for that long, thin, serrated blade with a sturdy ergonomic handle. They stand up to tough use and provide a non-slip grip. For those who tend to slip anyway during the procedure, there are rounded-tip styles available.

But, before you can fillet a fish you have to catch one, right? A bait knife is a must. You’ll want one with a stout, short blade that needs sharpening rarely. With a rubber, non-slip handle you’ll be in business in short order. Just so it’s always handy, don’t forget to pick out an excellent sheath that will slide easily onto your belt.

There will be lots of times you have to cut line. Some fishermen prefer to use pliers with a built-in cutter. Others still find a knife works best for them. When you’re attaching that leader to the end of your line, you want a knife that can go through braid like it was nothing. You want non-frayed ends. A good fishing knife will do all that and more.

For those who like to carry as little gear as possible, there are also knives that offer interchangeable blades. Unlike a folding multi-purpose knife, these styles actually allow you to swap out a fillet blade for a saw or non-serrated style. Blades lock in safely but release with the touch of a button. With a handy carrying case you can cut down on the gear and still have everything you need.

Naturally, you’ll want to pocket at least one all around Buck knife. They have a lock to keep the blade securely in place, but are easy to fold when you want to put it safely away. These babies are just about as handy as it gets. You won’t be leaving this one in the tool box because you’ll be too busy showing it off to your envious fishing buddies.

Now, pack your knives and get fishing!