Must-Have Fishing Tools for Saltwater Fishing

A well-stocked tackle box makes you a better angler, so don’t overlook the importance of owning the essential fishing tools. Having the right tools for the right job makes it possible to work faster and safer while producing ideal results.

Whether you’re rigging a complicated connection or removing hooks from your catches, you’ll be glad to have high-quality tools on hand when you need them. And, let’s be honest, any excuse to add some new tools to the collection is a good one!

In this guide, we’re going to cover handheld tools. While there are plenty of other fishing tools out there, we’re focusing on the must-have fishing tools that you can keep stashed in your pocket or tackle box. Here’s a look at the handiest tools every offshore angler needs in their kit.

1. Pliers

Most handheld fishing tools take the general form of pliers, but that doesn’t mean one size fits all. There are different types of pliers for different tasks. That said, pliers are incredibly versatile—if you can do it with your hands, you can probably do it better with a pair of pliers. They really improve your precision while also saving your paws from wear and tear.

Not sure where to start with pliers? Here are some must-have fishing tools to consider.

• Long Nose Pliers: Use for reaching deeply rooted hooks from bigger species and working in tight spaces.
• Short Nose Pliers: Use for reaching hooks from smaller species, tightening knots, and general tasks.
• Round Nose Pliers: Use for removing wire kinks, shaping wires, cinching knots, and rigging.
• Split Ring Pliers: Use for working with split rings when assembling lures.

With those four styles, you should be able to cover the vast majority of projects that require pliers. Be sure to pick up a plier sheath, plier holder, and tether for optimal convenience. After all, it doesn’t matter if you own must-have fishing tools if you can’t find them!

2. Crimpers

Crimpers are essential fishing tools that many anglers don’t fully appreciate until they start using them regularly. When you’re fighting massive game fish, you need thick leaders with rock-solid connections. Knots don’t usually cut it, as they often unravel and grow, and they never cinch tight enough to be dependable. Enter crimpers.

Used alongside metal crimps, crimpers make it easy to create secure connections that’ll hold up to the monster trophy fish on the line. Skip the messy knots, and enjoy a tight, clean connection every time.

3. Side Cutters

Side cutters make a great companion tool to your haywire twist tool, but these must-have fishing tools are super useful anytime you need to cut single-strand fishing wire. Whether you’re making dingle dangle or Tokyo rigs or freeing your line from a firmly lodged hook, you’ll appreciate being able to make the cut with ease.

4. Haywire Twist Tool

Serious offshore anglers know the power of the haywire twist! It’s a fantastic way to connect wire leaders to lures, hooks, and swivels, but actually, doing the twist can be a major pain. Using a haywire twist tool makes it possible to create the haywire twist in three different sizes without the usual hassle. If you’re not a haywire twister now, you will be as soon as you try these must-have fishing tools.

We Recommend Toit Tools

When it comes to essential fishing tools, we only carry one brand: Toit. We only stock the highest quality, tournament-grade fishing products that we use ourselves, so adding Toit tools to our inventory was a no-brainer.

Toit’s products are forged from rugged, eco-friendly 410 stainless steel that’ll last a lifetime unless you accidentally drop them overboard or lend them to the wrong crew member. Their designs are superb, performing exceptionally while feeling great in the hand.

It’s always worth investing in quality tools that are built to last. Sure, you could replace your pliers every time they break on you, but you’re going to end up paying more in the long run. Plus, Toit’s must-have fishing tools just feel and work better. Once you try them, you’ll never want to use anything else.

Shop Professional Offshore Angling Gear Now

You may not need any of these tools right now, but every day on the water is a new adventure with new surprises and challenges. You can never be too prepared, so don’t wait to order your essential fishing tools. Browse our wide selection of must-have fishing tools for the serious saltwater angler.

If you have any questions, contact us anytime. For more expert content on all things offshore angling, check our blog.