Dentist, mechanic, carpenter, golfer, neurosurgeon. These occupations may not seem to have much in common, but they share a vital common thread: All require the right tools for an individual to be successful at the job.
The same can be said for just about any vocation or avocation under the sun, for that matter, and recreational fishing is certainly no exception. To fish successfully, efficiently and humanely, you don’t just need the right rods, reels, line and lures – although those items are critical, of course. You’ll also need a full complement of tools that will make it much easier and faster to rig your lures or baits on the water and to quickly and cleanly unhook any fish that you catch.
In this Mercury Quick Tip video, you’ll see examples of the kinds of tools a multi-species freshwater angler might need. Sure, you can improvise, substituting certain tools you have in your garage instead of buying some of these items, but this isn’t the area where you want to skimp. Purpose-built fishing tools exist for a variety of good reasons, notably among them: to help you maximize your time and enjoyment on the water, and to make sure the fish experience as little stress as possible, whether they are going into the livewell or back in the water.
These items can be found in most big-box stores and marine retailers. You should also check out any reputable bait and tackle shops in your area. A good bait and tackle store will often be staffed by avid anglers who are typically more than happy to share their knowledge and help you choose between the various brands and styles. You might pay a few dollars more than you would online or at a huge store that sells everything from groceries to tires, but the guidance and real-world knowledge will more than make up for it.
The tools featured in the video include:
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