BUZZBAIT [G EAR]
DON’T GET CAUGHT USING THE WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB
BY BEN DUCHESNEY GET A GRIP
TORQUE THAN LONG-NOSE PLIERS. PHOTO: ALEXANDER GASHNIKOV
SHORT HANDLE PLIERS ARE COMPACT AND PRODUCE MORE
T
ime to confess. Have you ever used a knife to cut the tag end of a fishing knot? Have
you used your teeth to tighten a bolt? Have you used your fingers to dig deep into a fish’s mouth and remove a treble hook? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are guilty of one of the worst crimes in fishing—using the wrong tool.
HOLD TIGHT
Durham, North Carolina, kayak fishing guide, Drew Haerer, recommends solid metal, long- nosed fishing pliers as opposed to floating plastic pliers or a multi-tool for removing hooks, cut- ting fishing line and making minor boat repairs. “I get better leverage with metal pliers,” he says, “and the needle nose allows me to dig deep inside the fish’s mouth to remove a hook.” Haerer adds that using pliers to remove a hook
improves the chances the fish will survive after being released. Not only can a good pair of pli- ers save the fish, they can save the fisherman, too. “When my hands are slimy, cold and wet,” he says, “a solid grip on the hook keeps it from going into my finger.” Pliers with a side-cutter will not only snip line,
but cut light-wire hooks. “Treble hooks always seem to get stuck into clothes, webbing or skin,” he says. “A pair of cutters makes quick work of removing the hook.”
26…KAYAK ANGLER
Like many kayak anglers, Haerer tends to lose
gear overboard. “I buy cheap pliers that I don’t mind replacing,” he says, “just look for solid alu- minum construction that won’t rust or seize up.”
SPORTS UTILITY TOOL
“A multi-tool meets my need for a lot of tools in a little package,” says Wilderness Systems pro Bill Schultz. “The multi-tool has pliers, scissors and a knife,” he says, “with one tool I can remove a hook, cut line and even cut bait, or sharpen my hooks.” He also looks for a Philips and flathead screwdriver, even a saw, punch and file. “A bottle opener comes in handy, too,” he adds. To avoid corrosion, look for a multi-tool built
out of stainless steel. Schultz likes a tool that he can operate with one hand. “It’s hard to open a multi-tool and hold a flopping fish at the same time,” he laughs, “I like a tool that deploys the pliers with a flick of the wrist.” To keep from losing an expensive tool in the
water, use a retractable lanyard. Carry the tool in a sheath on a life vest or in a compartment that is easy to reach. To form the sheath so that it fits the multi-tool, soak the sheath in soapy water overnight and then let it dry with the tool inside. Wash the tool with freshwater and coat with light oil after each use. If rust appears, clean with steel wool and coat with oil.
gear with GRAB Gerber Diesel
Stainless steel construction and one-handed opening are ready for action.
www.gerbergear.com $74
Hansom Pliers
Lightweight, durable aluminum pliers with replaceable jaws.
www.hansomtackle.com $70
Van Staal Seven-Inch Pliers
Serious cash for serious tackle. These titanium pliers will become a family heirloom.
www.vanstaal.com $359
T-Reign ProSheath
Aluminum pliers, crimpers, carbide cutters, split ring pliers and steel jaws. Includes thermoformed sheath and T-Reign’s 36-inch retractable Kevlar lanyard.
www.t-reignoutdoor.com $80
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