James RickardFish or cut bait--you'll need a knife
March 1st 2011 01:56
You may think that if you practice catch and release you don't need a knife when you fish.
WRONG!!!!
Even if you don't clean fish as soon as you catch them, you're still gonna need a knife.
Although some anglers cut up small fish to catch larger ones, a knife comes in handy for something as basic as cutting fishing line.
You may think it's no big deal to break 20 lb. test line. It's harder that you think!
On top of that, line has a nasty habit of digging into your flesh before it snaps.
WRONG!!!!
Even if you don't clean fish as soon as you catch them, you're still gonna need a knife.
Although some anglers cut up small fish to catch larger ones, a knife comes in handy for something as basic as cutting fishing line.
You may think it's no big deal to break 20 lb. test line. It's harder that you think!
On top of that, line has a nasty habit of digging into your flesh before it snaps.
While a fillet knife may be necessary for cleaning your catch, there are plenty of other knives you can use for general purposes.
As I've said before, I'm fond of Leatherman tools. Those are the fold up jobs that have pliers, a couple blades, a fish scaler and who knows what else. There are plenty of knock offs around so you don't necessarily need to spend big bucks.
After that, you can never discount a pocket knife. It doesn't matter if it's long bladed, multi-bladed, or whatever. A pocket knife came in real handy when I was about seven years old and got a hook caught in the knee of my pants. I wasn't scratched but cried and whimpered like any kid until my dad got tired of listening to me and finally ended up cutting the hook out of my pants rather than trying to work the hook through the weave.
As I've said before, I'm fond of Leatherman tools. Those are the fold up jobs that have pliers, a couple blades, a fish scaler and who knows what else. There are plenty of knock offs around so you don't necessarily need to spend big bucks.
After that, you can never discount a pocket knife. It doesn't matter if it's long bladed, multi-bladed, or whatever. A pocket knife came in real handy when I was about seven years old and got a hook caught in the knee of my pants. I wasn't scratched but cried and whimpered like any kid until my dad got tired of listening to me and finally ended up cutting the hook out of my pants rather than trying to work the hook through the weave.
Some of my choices along the way.
Around here, many anglers hunt so their hunting knife does duty during fishing season. I don't hunt but carry a short blade hunting knife I put together using some African wood for handles. (Before anyone thinks I'm talented--Nah, just lazy. The wood is so hard I didn't have to varnish it!) It's good for cutting bait or line. The nice thing is that the blade was a gift and doesn't stain despite cutting squid around salt water!
Maybe these suggestions will help your quest. Good luck!
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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