Trying to do something without the right tool for the job can be frustrating. But you might not always be aware that such a tool is available. With the risk of preaching to the choir with some of these, here are the 10 sea fishing tools I couldn’t do without.

1. Head torch

This one is so obvious I was hesitating about including it. If you go fishing in the dark you need a head torch. Period. If you happen to be that rare person that has been holding a normal torch in your mouth for years, like some kind of oversized cigar: stop doing that. I’m so used to having a head torch on my head I often catch myself reaching to my forehead even when I’m not fishing, for example whenever I walk through a dark bit of town.

Another great sea fishing tool: a spare head torch. Besides spare batteries, you also want to carry a spare head torch in case the first one fails. If you upgrade your head torch, keep your old one in your fishing bag or buy a cheapish one just in case. It’s like a spare wheel: you might be lucky enough to never need it, but better safe than sorry. You don’t want to be stuck on a low water rock mark without a functioning torch. I can recommend the Petzl Tactikka.

2. Priest

If you like to keep a fish for the table you need to dispatch it humanely. I have seen people dispatch fish in some strange ways over the years and it’s not always pretty. A quick knock on the head with a priest does the job. Of course this is not something you necessary have to spend money on. A piece of sturdy broom handle will do. A wooden priest also serves a second function as a sea fishing tool: you can wrap your line around it if you have to pull for a break, especially when using braid. With light mono lines you can simply close your drag and walk backwards, but braid will cut into itself and if you use strong braid you can even damage your reel. If you do decide to buy a priest, I can recommend this one.

3. Tripod sling

A tripod sling doesn’t just save you from bending over constantly, it also means you don’t have to worry about the tide coming in and constantly moving all your gear back. Having all your essentials on a working platform right in front of you makes fishing a lot more efficient and your back will thank you for it. It also makes your tripod more stable.

There are two types of sling: one is made from sturdy plastic with some holes in it, the other one is more of a net. I tried both and in my opinion the net type works better because it lets water and wind through. I like to keep my baits and baiting tools in the sling and maybe some spare rigs and weights. You don’t want to put too many heavy items in there, but it should be able to support a kg or two no problem. This tripod net from Leeda is one of these sea fishing tools I couldn’t do without any more.

4. Baiting scissors

This is another obvious one, but I include it because I have seen people wrestling with knives when they really don’t need to. When I go fishing I like to have my bait (mackerel, bluey) filleted already. I keep my bait in ice cream boxes in the tripod sling. When baiting up I can simply use scissors to cut as much off a fillet as I need. Although specific ‘baiting scissors’ are available, your normal kitchen scissors will do the job just as well. I also use the scissors for gutting fish.

5. Baiting needle

Some sea fishing tools you might not need all the time, but when you do, you really need it. When feeding medium sized lugworms on bigger hooks you don’t necessarily need a baiting needle (although it will make the job less messy). But getting bigger worms onto smallish hooks without a baiting needle is near impossible. Ragworm can just break into pieces without the use of a baiting needle.

Baiting needles aren’t only useful for worm baits though. Any thin, long bait looks a lot neater if you use a baiting needle to put it on the hook. And if you’re already a fan of the baiting needle but – like me – you keep losing them, the next sea fishing tool is for you!

6. Baiting needle holder

This is one of these sea fishing tools I didn’t know existed until fairly recently: a neat holder for you baiting needle that you simply clip onto your tripod. Not only does it prevent you from losing needles, it is also a safer way of transporting them. It wouldn’t be the first time I injured myself with one while looking for something else in my tackle box.

7. B8M8

The b8m8 is another recent discovery. This tool is really useful for cocktail baits. Making a streamlined bait with the hook point neatly exposed is not always that easy, especially with messy baits. This tool makes the job a lot easier.

8. Forceps

When unhooking deeper hooked fish a forceps is essential. With a forceps it’s often possible to reach the hook through the gills and unhook the fish that way. If you target a lot of different species you can carry several sizes. A small one for species like dab and flounder and a bigger one for bass and cod. A T-bar is also a useful sea fishing tool when it comes to unhooking shark species or conger. If you want to save money, you can also use a longer tent peg.

9. Long nose pliers

Another one of those ‘sea fishing tools’ you can buy just about anywhere. In fact, long nose pliers are always handy to have nearby no matter what you’re doing. You can use them to crush the barb on a hook for example, when you hooked into your own clothing. It’s useful for tightening knots or fixing crimps. When it comes to general quick repairs, a pair of long nose pliers is indispensable. Make sure you get a stainless steel one though, otherwise they will rust quickly in the salt.

10. Casting cannon

If you’re a fixed spool braid type of angler like me, I strongly recommend the Breakaway Casting Cannon. Not only will it protect your fingers from getting cut by the braid, it will add quite a few yards to your cast. As it’s attached to your rod it’s always there when you need it. Because you can generate a lot more force when your finger is no longer the weak point, you might have to up the breaking strength of your shock leader.

So there you have it, these are the 10 sea fishing tools I couldn’t do without. I focussed mostly on smaller items and left out bigger pieces of equipment like tripods and landing nets. Another item that’s not really a tool but is definitely worth carrying in your fishing bag is a roll of electrical tape. It’s really useful for all kinds of quick fixes. You can use it to quickly replace a broken rod guide, or attach a night light to your rod.

What are your favourite sea fishing tools, please let me know in the comments section below. And if you want to receive an email every time I publish a new post, please subscribe to the newsletter.

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