Gear Up For Your Next Fishing Adventure: 5 Must

Are you ready to take on the great outdoors and conquer the waters like a pro? You may have all the rods, reels, lines, and lures at your disposal, but do you have the essential angling tools to really enhance your fishing experience? Look no further as we unveil the five key products that every adventurer needs to master the art of fishing and make the most out of your time on the water.

Topping the list of essential tools is none other than a versatile pair of pliers. Undeniably, this handy tool accompanies anglers on all their fishing expeditions. From carefully unhooking fish, crimping barbs, and effortlessly swapping hooks to managing various rigging tasks, pliers prove to be one of the most frequently utilized fishing accessories tucked away in your tackle bag.

What makes a suitable fishing plier? Corrosion resistance is one of the essential features of a set of fishing pliers. Since they see a healthy amount of time around water, aluminum, stainless steel, or some type of corrosion-resistant coating is an essential feature.

Other important features to consider are the addition of side cutters and crimping channels, the length of the jaws, a split ring nose, and if they have a sheath or a lanyard attachment. That's a lot to consider for a single piece of gear!

Here are a few excellent choices from Smith's Consumer Products.

SMITH’S ALUMINUM FISHING PLIERS WITH SHARPENER (50966)

Smith's Regal River Aluminum fishing pliers, one of the most feature-driven pliers available, are made from 6061 aluminum with stainless steel jaw inserts. These pliers feature a diamond hook sharpener, fillet knife sharpening slot, split shot crimper, side cutters, and incorporate coil springs for quick and easy use. They also come with a lanyard and sheath to help keep them close at hand and always by your side!

MSRP $72.99

SMITH’S MR.CRAPPIE CARBON STEEL FISHING PLIERS (51172)

Smith's ‘Mr. Crappie®’ 6-½" needle nose pliers are made from durable nickel-plated carbon steel and feature over-molded non-slip handles with double-leaf springs, split shot crimper, light-duty side cutters, lure tuning tools for quick and easy use. These pliers are essential for any tackle box. Great for hook removal, pinching, and opening sinker weights, pulling knots tight and straightening hooks.

MSRP $11.99

SMITH’S REGAL RIVER 8-1/2″ NEEDLE NOSE ANGLING PLIERS (51290)

Smith's Regal River 8.5″ needle nose pliers are made from durable nickel-plated carbon steel and feature over-molded non-slip handles with double-leaf springs, split shot crimper, light-duty side cutters, lure tuning tools for quick and easy use. These pliers are essential for any tackle box. Great for hook removal, pinching, and opening sinker weights, pulling knots tight and straightening hooks.

MSRP $16.99

SMITH’S SPLIT RING ALUMINUM PLIERS (51301)

Smith's anodized aluminum locking pliers are designed to be used in both saltwater and freshwater without rusting. The ergonomic, lightweight, and spring-loaded design makes them perfect for when your hands are tired. Spring load design makes them easy to operate with one hand. In addition to the lightweight design, the handles are equipped with a built-in carabiner for quick connections to your belt or loop so you can have it handy at all times. The needle nose design jaws are equipped with carbide line cutters and split shot crimpers.

MSRP $28.99

Forceps are one of those tools that almost fit into the plier category. They just tend to be used for daintier work, like removing a small fly or micro-jig from a fish's jaw. They also work fantastic for removing barbs on the smaller imitations often used for trout and panfish. Most quality forceps also have a nifty locking feature that's handy for holding the fly or jig while tying them onto your fishing line. Some even come with a handy set of scissors so you can nip off your offering when it's time to change your tactics.

SMITH’S 5-INCH FLY FISHING FORCEPS (51391)

Smith's Regal River 5" forceps features large loop handle, durable stainless steel, and serrated locking jaws. The three locking position design possibility of the fly or fish hooks from sliding or moving during use. These hemostats have large finger loops with serrated jaws that are ideal for grasping and holding small objects securely.

MSRP $7.99

SMITH’S 5 1/2 INCH FLY FISHING FORCEPS (51392)

Smith's Regal River 5.5" locking scissor forceps features a large loop handle, durable stainless steel, and serrated locking jaws. The three locking position design possibility of the fly or fishhooks from sliding or moving during use. These hemostats have large finger loops with serrated jaws that are ideal for grasping and holding small objects securely.

MSRP $7.99

One of the most rewarding outcomes of a fishing trip is savoring freshly caught fillets in a hot cast iron skillet! Can you imagine a more delightful conclusion to a fruitful day than sharing your catch with friends and family while sipping on a refreshing post-adventure drink?

Features to look for in a fillet knife are the length and flexibility of the blade. If you’re cleaning ½ pound crappie, you don't need a heavy 8" stiff fillet knife to accomplish your job! Conversely, if you’re cleaning a 25-pound king salmon, a 6" flexible fillet knife is probably not the correct choice. Corrosion resistance is also an essential feature for any fillet knife. Carbon steel knives don't have a place in this liquid environment unless they have a substantial corrosion-resistant coating.

Here are a few offerings from Smith's to tackle your next trip to the fillet table!

SMITH’S STAINLESS 7-INCH STRAIGHT FILLET KNIVE (51055)

Smith's 7″ RegalRiver Fillet knife has a non-slip TPE soft grip, an ergonomic handle, and a breathable protective sheath. Features razor-sharp 400 series stainless steel blade.

MSRP $28.99

SMITH’S 4-INCH FOLDING FLEX FILLET KNIVES (51387)

Perfectly suited for processing smaller fish, Smith's RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife has a lightweight knife with a slim profile that easily fits in your pocket, tackle box, or fishing bag – and is packed with features that enhance its performance and provide many seasons of durability and reliability. Designed with a razor-sharp, 400-series Stainless Steel locking blade for high strength and wear resistance, the RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife's flexible blade simplifies fine-detailed work like removing rib bones and rogue pieces of skin. An ergonomic, non-slip TPE soft-grip handle supports comfortable use under any conditions and promotes safety at the fillet table. Smith's RegalRiver 4-Inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife's handle also includes a built-in carabiner, a tether-ready lanyard hole, and a bottle opener – because nothing makes an angler more thirsty than an extended session at the cleaning table.

MSRP $28.99

When you catch a fish where you need a few photos for bragging rights, what better way to handle the fish boat side than with a set of fish grippers? Grippers become even more important when the fish has a set of sharp dentures! They also allow for easy handling while unhooking our finned adversary.

As you reel in that epic catch you’re dying to boast about, why settle for anything less than a foolproof way to handle the prize? That's where a trusty set of fish grippers comes in handy, particularly if your catch happens to be a feisty one with razor-sharp teeth. It's all about keeping things simple and safe while you unhook your slippery foe and snap a killer pic for the memory books. So gear up and get ready for the ultimate fishing adventure!

SMITH’S 6-INCH FLOATING FISH GRIPPER (51281)

Smith's Regal River fish gripper includes a locking mechanism and light weight design. Designed with heavy-duty corrosion resistant plastic with ergonomic handle for comfortable use. Great for use on lightweight watercraft like canoes or kayaks.

MSRP $11.99

SMITH’S 9-INCH FLOATING FISH GRIPPER (51283)

Smith's Regal River fish gripper includes a locking mechanism and light weight design. Designed with heavy-duty corrosion resistant plastic with ergonomic handle for comfortable use. Great for use on lightweight watercraft like canoes or kayaks.

MSRP $14.99

Despite rumors that fishermen lie about their outdoor exploits, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, if we were to examine ancient cave paintings, we might find evidence to the contrary. To avoid any accusations of dishonesty, it's essential to have a scale, tape measure, and phone on hand to prove the authenticity of our catch.

SMITH’S 50-POUND DIGITAL SCALE (51291)

Smith's Regal River 50lb fishing scale is sturdy and durable for a wide range of uses. The scale features a durable load cell great for panfish up to largemouth bass. The hook can be used with Smith's fish grippers or directly in the fish's mouth.

MSRP $32.99

SMITH’S PORTABLE 48-INCH FISH RULER (51286)

Smith's Regal River 48″ retractable ruler is made from a durable corrosion-resistant material. The ruler retracts for convenience and storage. This ruler is essential for knowing whether you can legally keep your latest catch.

MSRP $8.99

Next time you embark on a fishing adventure, don't forget to pack these essential fishing tools to make your time on the water much more efficient and enjoyable. With the right gear, you’ll be able to reel in bigger fish and have some fantastic stories to share with your fellow fishermen.

If you would like to learn more about Smith's Consumer Products and their essential tools, contact Dena Vick, [email protected].

Smith's Consumer Products is an Arkansas-based company that traces its history to 1886. Smith's produces the broadest line of knife and scissors sharpeners available, ranging from simple, fixed angle pull-through sharpeners for consumers that want quick and easy sharpening to sophisticated Precision Kits designed for the knife sharpening enthusiast. Our offering includes both manual and electrical sharpeners that incorporate many different abrasive materials, including diamond, carbide, ceramic, bonded synthetic abrasives, and, of course, natural Arkansas stones. Smith's Consumer Products designs products that are appropriate for the field or gourmet kitchen.