Multi-Tool for Fishing

[FishTank]

Do you guys have a recommendation for a multi-tool that can be used for fishing?  I don't think these will replace my regular fishing pliers but I find my self needing a few various tools from time to time and thought it would be nice have a handy all in one tool that I can keep on my belt or in my pocket.  I have looked several from Leatherman, Gerber and Sog.  The more I look the more confused I get.   Thanks for any advice. 

[Russ E]

On my boat I have a full set of tools.

If I am fishing from shore I carry a Leatherman wingman.

It is light and compact, with most essential tools. Plus it is stainless steel.

[Deleted account]

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

Do you guys have a recommendation for a multi-tool that can be used for fishing?  I don't think these will replace my regular fishing pliers but I find my self needing a few various tools from time to time and thought it would be nice have a handy all in one tool that I can keep on my belt or in my pocket.  I have looked several from Leatherman, Gerber and Sog.  The more I look the more confused I get.   Thanks for any advice. 

All 3 brands you mentioned are good. Get a model that has the tools/features for the things you want them to do. I have separate pliers and tools, but a multi tool is a handy backup. I find the do it all behemoths not the way to go.

[scaleface]

Leatherman with a diamond file like the Wave  or Charge  . I have the Charge .That diamond file is an excellent hook sharpener .  

[MickD]

Good to have one in the boat; I have a Leatherman Wave.

 

But it's backup to my regular tools most of which work better for the job they are designed for.  Shore fishing might be a different story (one tool advantage) .  

 

I agree that the diamond hook sharpener is very good.

[Fishes in trees]

I have a Leatherman Wave in my back pack and it goes everywhere I go.   Every time I'm in a place where I need to pull it out and actually do something with it I am reminded that it is a compromise and just a kinda ok substitute for real tools - even the church key.   

[scaleface]

Wade fishing the Leatherman is usually the only tool I carry .I'm reminded of the day I was skinning and guttinng  catfish in a river with just the multitool and my sister in law was amazed . 

[FishTank]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I ended up getting a Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Style.   I found such a good deal on the Signal ($70), I couldn't pass it up.   

 

I went to Cabelas and basically they had all the ones I was interested in.   The Signal had everything I wanted except a good pair of scissors so I got the Style as well.   The other one that caught my interest was the Free P4 but someone bought the last one while I was looking.  Plus it was $45 more than the two I bought put together.  I will need to pick up a bit set sometime in the future. 

 

Only time will tell if this will get the job done. 

[NYWayfarer]

I have a Buck multi-tool (pliers, scissors, screwdrivers and full sized knife) I use from time to time. Everything about it is quality except the pliers. They are not strong enough  IMO. 

 

Most outings all I need are pliers with built in line cutters. 

[Terrance Waters]

I have a couple of Buck Knives and like them very much. I haven't seen the Buck multi tool.  Where did you purchase it?

[schplurg]

I bought one for $5 bucks at Walmart for the kayak. If I drop it oh well. 

 

Pliers are good, the rest of the tools are a pain to unfold except for a couple. All I really need are pliers and scissors and unfortunately these have no scissors.

 

I actually think my Swiss Army Knife is easier to use except no pliers :-D I used to just carry that and some hemostats, but hemos fail on big deep hook-sets. 

[GreenGhostMan]

As others have said, I carry a leatherman. Not sure of exact model. 

[r83srock]

I also like the Leatherman Wingman, I like the sissors. This stays in my tackle bag so I always have tools. In the boat I keep tools but the leatherman is just one of those must have items. I liked it so much I got another one for my hunting backpack, it has a pocket clip too which I like. I use a super tool 300 at work and I still prefer the wingman.

On 9/29/2019 at 4:42 PM, FishTank said:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I ended up getting a Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Style.   I found such a good deal on the Signal ($70), I couldn't pass it up.   

 

I went to Cabelas and basically they had all the ones I was interested in.   The Signal had everything I wanted except a good pair of scissors so I got the Style as well.   The other one that caught my interest was the Free P4 but someone bought the last one while I was looking.  Plus it was $45 more than the two I bought put together.  I will need to pick up a bit set sometime in the future. 

 

Only time will tell if this will get the job done. 

And I failed to read that you bought one. The signal is nice, good deal on it!

[FishTank]

3 hours ago, r83srock said:

I also like the Leatherman Wingman, I like the sissors. This stays in my tackle bag so I always have tools. In the boat I keep tools but the leatherman is just one of those must have items. I liked it so much I got another one for my hunting backpack, it has a pocket clip too which I like. I use a super tool 300 at work and I still prefer the wingman.

And I failed to read that you bought one. The signal is nice, good deal on it!

I like the Wingman as well but I wish I could put my favorite things from different tools into one that is made just for fishing.  

 

I would want the tools accessible from the outside, the handles to be non slip grip, lightweight overall, scissors good enough to cut braid, a straight edge knife, a longer set of pliers that are spring loaded, a removable sharpening file, a heavy duty saw, a bit set in the sheath, 1/4 adapter, carabiner, a can opener and a file.  I know it's asking a lot but you would think with all the fishing gear head out there someone would make one of these specifically for fishing. 

[r83srock]

8 hours ago, FishTank said:

I like the Wingman as well but I wish I could put my favorite things from different tools into one that is made just for fishing.  

 

I would want the tools accessible from the outside, the handles to be non slip grip, lightweight overall, scissors good enough to cut braid, a straight edge knife, a longer set of pliers that are spring loaded, a removable sharpening file, a heavy duty saw, a bit set in the sheath, 1/4 adapter, carabiner, a can opener and a file.  I know it's asking a lot but you would think with all the fishing gear head out there someone would make one of these specifically for fishing. 

I hear ya. They have a lot of specific models already, a fishing one would be the deal. I’d include a good line pick, to remove some of my worst backlashes.

[Boomstick]

I just carry the $6 Cabela's multi tool. The knife isn't very sharp, but it's usable after sharpening it. My son bought me a KVD knife as well so I usually carry that.

[Spankey]

I guess that one do-all tool would be great if you can find it. 

 

Over the the years I have gotten enough Rapala and Baker tools that pretty much can get me out of any sort of issue. 

 

I’m pretty happy with the Rapala Tools. 

[J Francho]

Leatherman Wingman works for me.