Recommend me a fishing knife

elkins45

elkins45

Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
4,084
I have a bunch of quality folders from Spyderco, Benchmade, Keyshaw, etc. so it’s not like I don’t have a gazillion knives to choose from. My FIL wants me to suggest something I want for a Christmas gift so I figured I would have him get me another knife. Let’s keep this less than $100, less than $50 would be even better. My normal carry knife is a Spyderco Para 2 and I think for a dedicated fishing knife I probably don’t need anything longer than 3”.

The only real specifications would be one hand opening and a locking blade. Stainless would be a plus as well. The main uses would be cutting line, bait and the like. I have an actual fillet knife so I don’t see myself cleaning fish with it. I thought about a SAK with scissors because they would be useful for trimming knots. I might want to keep in in the tray of my tackle box or possibly even wear it around my neck on a lanyard.

Suggestions?
 
Spyderco Pacific Salt. Comes in yellow or black, straight edge or serrated. Won’t rust at all. The serrated edge has a reputation for holding it’s edge very well.
https://www.dlttrading.com/spyderco-salt-2-yellow
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Mora if your going the fixed blade route. Opinel #8 if you want to stick with a folder. Neither are the latest and greatest, but both are solid performers. There is a reason they have been around as long as they have!
 
BearMGCHafter said:
Mora if your going the fixed blade route.
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I don't do folders for fishing. 1...you need to reposition you hand to open/close it & B...if any of my folders fall in the water...just no. For this, I carry a Mora. The Edlris looks like it would have been my first purchase, but I haaaaad to have the Bushcaft. :rolleyes:
 
If you want a new knife, you're not gonna like this. But if you want a knife to take fishing.....

Like you said, I have a fillet knife for cleaning fish (a Rapala.) While I'm fishing, the tools I need most often are for cutting and trimming line and cleaning the cement out of hook eyes.

My favorite knife when fishing from my kayak is, by far, a cheap plastic fish shaped knife/scissors/hook remover/file from the Creek Company. It doesn't look like they sell it anymore. So look at the Walton's Thumb.

If I'm bait fishing in salt water, I really like my CRKT MUK. They don't make it anymore. Look at a picture. I'll keep looking for something similar.

If I was asking for a fishing knife from Santa (I always do), I'd ask for a NRS Pilot or Copilot.
 
mora has an excellent 3.5" fixed fishing blade, model 030, in sandvik stainless (12c27) ... you could get a 3 pack and be under budget; )
 
I would go the 111mm Vic SAK route myself which gives you about a 3" main blade. As far as cutting stuff goes it depends on whether you use braided line or not and your approach to fishing. I mostly spin fish and regularly cut line off my reel that has become abraided. So, there is a lot of trimming line around knots and I use clippers/snippers. A scissors based multi-tool is a very practical choice for fishing. But do have pliers for removing difficult hooks and size depends on the kinds of fish you routinely fish for and whether you predominantly fish from a boat.

Added: I tend to choose practical for fishing knives as the potential increases for loss fishing.
 
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I use all three of these depending on the season, and my mood on what I want to carry.

Spyderco DF2 Salt
Spyderco Native 5 Salt
Spyderco Pacific Salt
 
Since it is a gift for you and you don't want to appear greedy, nor would I, I can't recommend the Waterway as it is well beyond the gift budget.

One of the SALT series pretty much fits the bill for your purposes.
 
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I keep a Leatherman in my tackle box, if not on my belt, for obvious reasons. It can cover it all while fishing.
 
craytab said:
Something from the Spyderco Salt line in your preferred size, flavor, and cost.
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Can't go wrong with one of the Spyderco Salts. I have at least 6 of their folders, and will pick up a Salt fixed blade model at some point.
 
onekerf said:
Buy once, cry once David Boye Cobalt Folder.View attachment 1234650View attachment 1234651
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Right from the git go, the op said to keep it under a hundred and fifty would be better. It looks like these things cost over 2 bills. Not something I would take a chance on dropping over the side of a boat. I had a real expensive filet knife one time,I think it cost me $20 and while cleaning a fish near the water,I slipped on a rock and the knife went flying, never to be recovered. Stuff happens. I think the OP is smart to keep it at or around $50.
 
Ripcord 82 said:
Right from the git go, the op said to keep it under a hundred and fifty would be better. It looks like these things cost over 2 bills. Not something I would take a chance on dropping over the side of a boat. I had a real expensive filet knife one time,I think it cost me $20 and while cleaning a fish near the water,I slipped on a rock and the knife went flying, never to be recovered. Stuff happens. I think the OP is smart to keep it at or around $50.
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I apologize.
 
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