Fishing Tools
Every angler can benefit from a set of fishing tools.
Fishing tools are used to cut, sharpen and otherwise customize terminal tackle, or to weigh, clean or fillet the catch. West Marine offers an excellent selection of fishing tools which we highly recommend over standard mechanics or household tools which are likely to corrode. The fishing tools we offer feature rubber handles for a secure grip, even when the tool is wet or covered in slime. They are made of corrosion resistant materials and have stainless steel metal parts.
Specific Tools to Consider
Typical tools that you might need include a utility knife with a serrated blade for cutting line and nets. You will also need a fillet knife with a smooth flexible blade for filleting fish. Every angler's tool kit really should include one or more pliers for bending, cutting and removing hooks. A variety of dehooking pliers are offered. Long needle nose pliers give you the ability to reach deep into a fish's gullet to remove a hook while causing minimal, or in some cases no damage to the fish. This is especially important for catch and release. Specialized dehooking tools and forceps are also offered for accomplishing this same task.
Tools to Keep Anglers Honest
Along with the dehookers we offer, we also offer a selection of “deliers”—otherwise known as rulers and scales used to measure and weigh fish.
Other Tools to Consider
Other tools include sidecutters, which are like wire cutters constructed to cut heavy-duty gear like steel leaders, larger monofilament line and downrigger cables. To complement our selection of knives, West Marine also offers knife sharpeners. And not to put too fine a point on it (well I guess we really are!) we also offer hook sharpeners to—keep your hooks sharp.
Available specialty tools include spool stations for spooling line on to reels, digital line counters, sand flea rakes, razor clam shovels, clamp-style grips for fish and many more.