Selecting The Best Fishing Knife

Case Yellow Handle Fishing Knife Model: 00120 See details Our price: $49.99 (€ 37.96)

A devoted fisherman is usually able to recite the contents of his tackle box: fishing hooks, line in various weights, shiny and dull fishing lures, an extra reel or two, needle nose pliers, a flashlight, maybe some fishing scissors and a fishing knife. Each of these tackle box treasures is an important element in both successful and not so successful fishing trips to the lake. Having the right kind of equipment, the kind that will withstand a variety of elements, is key.

The following outlines what an angler should look for when purchasing a durable fishing or fillet knife.

When choosing a fishing knife, a fisherman must consider the size of the fish he or she primarily seeks. A ten inch blade would be excessive if you typically fish stocked rainbow trout or crappie in your local river. You could potentially lose valuable meet in the process cleaning your fish. Conversely, a small fillet knife on a medium-to-large catfish or grouper would be time consuming and potentially impossible. If you fish a variety of species, consider owning multiple knives in various lengths and depth. There are a number of fishing knife sets with multiple blades available on the market.

The next item to consider when choosing a fillet or fishing knife, is the quality of the blade itself. You want to look for stainless steel blades that can maintain their sharpness and that can be sharpened easily throughout a fishing season. Stainless steel is recommended because of its stronger resistance to rust than other options. You will want the same durability and strength in your fishing knife as you would a hunting knife. However, with a fillet knife, a tempered blade that can cut smoothly and thinly is ideal. When purchasing a fillet knife, look for one that is serrated in a portion of the knife, toward the handle is best. Having the serration in addition to the smooth sharp blade will be helpful to cut through tougher sections and bones and will keep you from needing a second serrated knife.

The final items to consider are really personal preferences. There are a number of knives available at an angler’s disposal depending on the type of fisherman he or she is. Consider how frequently you typically need a fishing knife. If you tend to constantly need one, purchase a folded knife that can be put in your pocket or hang from a fishing vest. If you have a messier tackle box with little organization, consider purchasing a fishing knife that comes with a sturdy knife sleeve or one that folds to avoid accidentally cutting yourself or damaging the blade while it is moving around in the box. If you have arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome, try out various knife handle shapes to find one that is comfortable for you. There are a number of knife options available; don’t settle for anything other than what will best help you as you fish this summer.

-Ben Anton, 2007
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