A Tackle Shop Guide to Fishing Tools
Your fishing tools are used on every single trip for rigging, unhooking, and cutting bait. While a cheap pair of pliers from the hardware store might seem like a good idea at first, they're not built to handle the harsh saltwater environment. This guide will break down the essential tools every angler needs and explain what makes a purpose-built "fishing" tool different.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"We get a lot of anglers coming into the shop to replace a pair of pliers that have rusted solid after a couple of trips. It's a classic story. They've used a standard tool from their garage, and the salt has just destroyed it. That's when we explain the difference a purpose-built fishing tool makes. While not every tool is premium stainless steel, even the affordable models are designed with better corrosion resistance than a standard hardware store tool, which is a crucial starting point for any gear you take near the salt."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
The Essential Angler's Toolkit
While the range of specialised tools is huge, every angler should start with these three basics:
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A Pair of Long-Nose Pliers: These are for safely removing hooks from a fish's mouth, crushing barbs, and cutting line. A dedicated pair of
fishing pliers will have non-slip grips that work with wet hands and a better corrosion-resistant finish.
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A Quality Bait Knife: Whether you're cutting up pilchards for burley or filleting a fresh catch, you need a sharp, reliable knife. A good
fishing knife will feature a stainless steel blade that holds an edge and a grippy, easy-to-clean handle.
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Braid Scissors: If you fish with braided line, standard clippers won't work well—they'll fray the line. A pair of small, serrated braid scissors will give you a clean, neat cut every time, which makes tying knots much easier.
Pro-Tips for Your Fishing Tools
- How to Stop Your Tools from Rusting: After every single trip in saltwater, give your tools a quick rinse with fresh water and allow them to dry completely. Once dry, a light spray with a water-displacing lubricant like Inox or WD-40 will provide a protective barrier and keep them in good working order.
- Use a Lanyard: There's nothing worse than watching a brand new pair of pliers slip and disappear overboard. Using a simple, retractable lanyard to attach your tools to your belt or boat console is the easiest way to prevent losing them.
- Carrying Your Tools on the Go: For land-based anglers, a belt-mounted pliers sheath is a game-changer. It keeps your most important tool within immediate reach for quick unhooking and re-rigging, meaning more time with your line in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all the fishing tools you sell rust-proof?
That's an excellent and important question. The honest answer is that no tool is 100% rust-proof in a harsh saltwater environment. However, our tools are specifically designed to be highly corrosion-resistant. High-end tools will use superior grades of stainless steel or coated aluminium for the best possible protection. More affordable tools will still offer a good level of resistance but may require more diligent care. The key to making any fishing tool last is the same: rinse it with fresh water after every trip and let it dry completely.
Why do I need specific 'fishing' pliers over hardware store pliers?
The main difference is their design for a marine environment. A standard pair of hardware store pliers is often made from carbon steel, which can start to rust after a single trip. A dedicated "fishing" tool is built with materials chosen for better corrosion resistance. Many models also have purpose-built features that a standard tool won't, such as split ring tips for changing hooks and non-slip grips for wet hands.
Is it worth paying more for a premium brand of fishing tools?
For tools you use on every trip, yes. The extra investment in a premium brand typically gets you superior materials, such as a higher grade of stainless steel that holds its edge longer, better corrosion-resistant coatings, and more comfortable, ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue.
