GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT FISHING ADVENTURE: 5 MUST- HAVE TOOLS

Are you ready to take on the great outdoors and conquer the waters like a pro? You may have all the rods, reels, lines, and lures at your disposal, but do you have the essential angling tools to really enhance your fishing experience? Look no further as we unveil the five key products that every adventurer needs to master the art of fishing and make the most out of your time on the water.

PLIERS

Topping the list of essential tools is none other than a versatile pair of pliers. Undeniably, this handy tool accompanies anglers on all their fishing expeditions. From carefully unhooking fish, crimping barbs, and effortlessly swapping hooks to managing various rigging tasks, pliers prove to be one of the most frequently utilized fishing accessories tucked away in your tackle bag.

What makes a suitable fishing plier? Corrosion resistance is one of the essential features of a set of fishing pliers. Since they see a healthy amount of time around water, aluminum, stainless steel, or some type of corrosion-resistant coating is an essential feature.

Other important features to consider are the addition of side cutters and crimping channels, the length of the jaws, a split ring nose, and if they have a sheath or a lanyard attachment. That’s a lot to consider for a single piece of gear!

Here are a few excellent choices from Smith’s Consumer Products.

SMITH'S ALUMINUM FISHING PLIERS WITH SHARPENER

Smith's Regal River Aluminum fishing pliers, one of the most feature- driven pliers available, are made from 6061 aluminum with stainless steel jaw inserts. These pliers feature a diamond hook sharpener, fillet knife sharpening slot, split shot crimper, side cutters, and incorporate coil springs for quick and easy use. They also come with a lanyard and sheath to help keep them close at hand and always by your side!

SMITH'S MR.CRAPPIE CARBON STEEL FISHING PLIERS

Smith's ‘Mr. Crappie®’ 6-1⁄2” needle nose pliers are made from durable nickel-plated carbon steel and feature over-molded non-slip handles with double-leaf springs, split shot crimper, light-duty side cutters, lure tuning tools for quick and easy use. These pliers are essential for any tackle box. Great for hook removal, pinching, and opening sinker weights, pulling knots tight and straightening hooks.

SMITH'S REGAL RIVER 8-1/2" NEEDLE NOSE ANGLING PLIERS

Smith's Regal River 8.5" needle nose pliers are made from durable nickel-plated carbon steel and feature over-molded non-slip handles with double-leaf springs, split shot crimper, light-duty side cutters, lure tuning tools for quick and easy use. These pliers are essential for any tackle box. Great for hook removal, pinching, and opening sinker weights, pulling knots tight and straightening hooks.

SMITH'S SPLIT RING ALUMINUM PLIERS

Smith's anodized aluminum locking pliers are designed to be used in both saltwater and freshwater without rusting. The ergonomic, lightweight, and spring-loaded design makes them perfect for when your hands are tired. Spring load design makes them easy to operate with one hand. In addition to the lightweight design, the handles are equipped with a built-in carabiner for quick connections to your belt or loop so you can have it handy at all times. The needle nose design jaws are equipped with carbide line cutters and split shot crimpers.

FORCEPS AND HEMOSTATS

Forceps are one of those tools that almost fit into the plier category. They just tend to be used for daintier work, like removing a small fly or micro-jig from a fish’s jaw. They also work fantastic for removing barbs on the smaller imitations often used for trout and panfish. Most quality forceps also have a nifty locking feature that’s handy for holding the fly or jig while tying them onto your fishing line. Some even come with a handy set of scissors so you can nip off your offering when it’s time to change your tactics.

SMITH'S 5-INCH FLY FISHING FORCEPS

Smith’s Regal River 5” forceps features large loop handle, durable stainless steel, and serrated locking jaws. The three locking position design possibility of the fly or fish hooks from sliding or moving during use. These hemostats have large finger loops with serrated jaws that are ideal for grasping and holding small objects securely.

SMITH'S 5 1/2 INCH FLY FISHING FORCEPS

Smith’s Regal River 5.5” locking scissor forceps features a large loop handle, durable stainless steel, and serrated locking jaws. The three locking position design possibility of the fly or fishhooks from sliding or moving during use. These hemostats have large finger loops with serrated jaws that are ideal for grasping and holding small objects securely.

FILLET KNIFE

One of the most rewarding outcomes of a fishing trip is savoring freshly caught fillets in a hot cast iron skillet! Can you imagine a more delightful conclusion to a fruitful day than sharing your catch with friends and family while sipping on a refreshing post-adventure drink?

Features to look for in a fillet knife are the length and flexibility of the blade. If you’re cleaning 1⁄2 pound crappie, you don’t need a heavy 8” stiff fillet knife to accomplish your job! Conversely, if you’re cleaning a 25-pound king salmon, a 6” flexible fillet knife is probably not the correct choice. Corrosion resistance is also an essential feature for any fillet knife. Carbon steel knives don’t have a place in this liquid environment unless they have a substantial corrosion-resistant coating.

Here are a few offerings from Smith’s to tackle your next trip to the fillet table!

SMITH'S STAINLESS 7-INCH STRAIGHT FILLET KNIVE

Smith's 7" RegalRiver Fillet knife has a non-slip TPE soft grip, an ergonomic handle, and a breathable protective sheath. Features razor- sharp 400 series stainless steel blade.

SMITH'S 4-INCH FOLDING FLEX FILLET KNIVES

Perfectly suited for processing smaller fish, Smith’s RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife has a lightweight knife with a slim profile that easily fits in your pocket, tackle box, or fishing bag - and is packed with features that enhance its performance and provide many seasons of durability and reliability. Designed with a razor-sharp, 400-series Stainless Steel locking blade for high strength and wear resistance, the RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife’s flexible blade simplifies fine-detailed work like removing rib bones and rogue pieces of skin. An ergonomic, non-slip TPE soft-grip handle supports comfortable use under any conditions and promotes safety at the fillet table. Smith’s RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife’s handle also includes a built-in carabiner, a tether-ready lanyard hole, and a bottle opener - because nothing makes an angler more thirsty than an extended session at the cleaning table.

FISH GRIPPER

When you catch a fish where you need a few photos for bragging rights, what better way to handle the fish boat side than with a set of fish grippers? Grippers become even more important when the fish has a set of sharp dentures! They also allow for easy handling while unhooking our finned adversary.

As you reel in that epic catch you're dying to boast about, why settle for anything less than a foolproof way to handle the prize? That's where a trusty set of fish grippers comes in handy, particularly if your catch happens to be a feisty one with razor-sharp teeth. It's all about keeping things simple and safe while you unhook your slippery foe and snap a killer pic for the memory books. So gear up and get ready for the ultimate fishing adventure!

SMITH'S 6-INCH FLOATING FISH GRIPPER

Smith's Regal River fish gripper includes a locking mechanism and light weight design. Designed with heavy-duty corrosion resistant plastic with ergonomic handle for comfortable use. Great for use on lightweight watercraft like canoes or kayaks.

SMITH'S 9-INCH FLOATING FISH GRIPPER

Smith's Regal River fish gripper includes a locking mechanism and light weight design. Designed with heavy-duty corrosion resistant plastic with ergonomic handle for comfortable use. Great for use on lightweight watercraft like canoes or kayaks.

DE-LIAR DEVICES

Despite rumors that fishermen lie about their outdoor exploits, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, if we were to examine ancient cave paintings, we might find evidence to the contrary. To avoid any accusations of dishonesty, it's essential to have a scale, tape measure, and phone on hand to prove the authenticity of our catch.

SMITH'S 50-POUND DIGITAL SCALE

Smith's Regal River 50lb fishing scale is sturdy and durable for a wide range of uses. The scale features a durable load cell great for panfish up to largemouth bass. The hook can be used with Smith's fish grippers or directly in the fish's mouth.

SMITH'S PORTABLE 48-INCH FISH RULER

Smith's Regal River 48" retractable ruler is made from a durable corrosion-resistant material. The ruler retracts for convenience and storage. This ruler is essential for knowing whether you can legally keep your latest catch.

Next time you embark on a fishing adventure, don't forget to pack these essential fishing tools to make your time on the water much more efficient and enjoyable. With the right gear, you'll be able to reel in bigger fish and have some fantastic stories to share with your fellow fishermen.