About those multi-tools -- I know that when Swiss Army Knife users start voting on the most useless blade on a Swiss Army Knife, the one that usually wins out --  even beating the much maligned cork screw -- is the Fish Scaler.

That said, I also read somewhere on IKC that someone has scaled quite a few fish using the scaling blade  found on many five inch fish-knives!    More than one person has told me the hook remover on the scalers works great if you know what you're doing!

Like most people I do have the actual tools instead of a multi-tool  but as I'm trying to set up a light weight tackle system that will allow me to just grab my pole and walk about a mile to a nearby lake I began thinking multi-tool as a way to cut out some weight.

Yes weight is a key factor in my thoughts. I even opted to go with a 4 1/2 foot ultra-light pole to cut down the weight and make it easier to cut through the woods with its many low hanging branches.  The tackle box itself is just  2X3X7 inches and consist of a few jigs and some small hooks.  Because of this I was  exploring the possibility of a multi-tool as I really want some spring loaded pliers and most multi-tools have spring loaded pliers.

But here's the rub.  In order to get a decent pair of pliers on a multi-tool that will reach deep inside a fish, you need to buy a pretty big and clunky multi-tool!  So more for keeping the weight down!

So after looking into it for a while and thinking hard about all my options,  I'm leaning more towards a pair of spring loaded  needle nose pliers that can perform multi-functions, such as cutting line, crimping weights, removing hooks that were made with the angler in mind!   As of today, the winner is a pair of  Berkley Precision Grip pliers (see image below). 

The bottom line is I already have a Swiss Army Knife, a small fixed blade that I will carry.  There is and pair of nail clippers in the tackle box. . What I really need is the some spring loaded pliers so all the other stuff in the multi-tool is just extra weight, especially if I get a pair big enough to actually remover deep-set hooks. If I wanted to carry more weight through the woods, I'd bring my two piece 7 foot pole!

I agree with your conclusions Tobias, the only thing I would do differently is trade the spring loaded needle nose in for non-spring loaded. I find spring loaded ones to be a little inconvenient from a carrying standpoint, (if you are carrying them on your person that is), as you are essentially carrying them in a open position like shown in your photo. In a pants or vest pocket that can be clumsy. I've poked a few holes in pockets carrying spring loaded too, and/or had them hang up when trying to get them out of the pocket because they were open and snagged against the insides of the pocket. I started using "normal" pliers instead just so I could slip them in & out of my back pocket more easily. Needle nose are my most used fishing tool, so I always want them close at hand, my back pocket is usually that place.

But like most things tool related it's just a matter of taste. I like Berkley tools, I have a various few in various tool boxes, (I have lots & LOTS of hand tools). I especially like their grips, and the jaws always seem to align well.

My fishing knife of choice is my old Buck 313, I've cleaned many a fish with that knife, and it rides along in a belt sheath. Since I don't usually catch fish that need scaling, I don't need a scaler. I do need a new filet knife though, because I filet my own marine fish, (instead of paying a deck hand to do it), and I've been scouring thrift stores for one that I like.

We should start a thread about "Fish Stories". I know I have a few. Not necessarily only about fish that we have caught, but also stories about adventures and misadventures we have had while fishing, (I have more than a few of those too). Unfortunately I've had days fishing that ended up with me at a hospital, but most importantly it was a really great day fishing before that, therein lies a good "fish(ing) story".

Syd you are correct about the spring loaded flipping open.  I''ve been looking for a locking pair but so far no luck.  I'm thinking I'll just make a small loop that keep the handles together or make a scabbard out of duct tape! .  a couple other companies sell similar pliers with a sheath.

You inspired me guys.  On the way home from Sieverville we found a place to do a little fishing.  Dinner tonight 

Good catch Jan!

well I obviously dont know how to post photos to a discussion. Sorry John Mc.

John,

When you are posting in the box are there icons at the top of the box?  If so the 2nd on the left is pics

Looks yummy, Jan!

So much for the Berkley fishing pliers i was thinking about getting.  I was at the flea market yesterday and picked up a pair another set of needle nose pliers/ wire cutters for a buck.  Nothing fancy but they'll get the job done.

And yes, I've got other pairs in my tackles boxes but this pair is specifically for my minimalist day-hiking tackle set up. I don't want to take stuff from my main tackle for fear I'll forget to put it back in what I get back.

Here is a picture of Charles fishing, I didn't get one of me since I was the one taking them, don't have one of those selfie sticks lol.

LOL, tell that child he could have taken one.  How did you do?

Among other things, I tend to pick up old books.  I especially like the C. B. Colby Children's Books because they were my favorites reads back in grammar school.  I recently purchased a first edition "First Fish" from a used book store.  I thought I'd share Colby's "Why Fishing is Fun" (the images is pretty big so if you can't read it in line then right click on it and open it in another window)

For a great kid's read that adults will truly enjoy get Frankie Paull and Jackpine Bob Cary's, Cool Fishin' for Kids Age 5 to 85...Just a small book, 60 pages but what a great read.  Barnes & Noble has used copies for $1.99.

Amazon Write up:

"No grown-up (except maybe school teachers) says fishing with a "g" at the end - it's fishin'," says Frankie Paull. "A kid has got to learn that, along with a lot of other stuff, to be one of the gang." In his first book, Cool Fishin' for Kids Age 5 to 85, the young author explains all of that other stuff with insight and humor. This is truly a book for ageless anglers. With the help of his uncle, "Jackpine" Bob Cary, Frankie guides the novice fisherman through the basics of really cool fishin'. And if you just happen to be a kid, Frankie comes through with his tried and true methods for convincing moms, dads, aunts and uncles to take you fishin' in the first place. Bob Cary, wilderness guide, journalist and author-illustrator of Root Beer Lady and Tales from Jackpine Bob, showed Frankie the ropes of writing his first book and rendered the drawings of Frankie doing what he loves best - "fishin'."

I have everything that Cary has ever written and he is a true describer of the North woods.  Writes with style, grace and an eye for the comedic.  His canoe and wilderness books are excellent in their illustrations and depth of knowledge.

Thanks for the tip Shlomo.  I've ordered the book!

Now that the Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup i t is time to go fishin'.   And no one knows how better to move from hockey season to fishin' season than Red Green

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWCOOrwxn4

I will have to order one of those also.  Tobias, I love Red Green!!

It is a book that you want to savour but that you can't put down as well so be expecting an hour or so of chortles, guffaws and childhood wisdom beyond his years.  Suddenly you'll be at the end and wishing for more, but, alas, there isn't so you'll have to buy some more of his books.  Ingenious fiend that he is.

I rank him above Patrick McManus who I've also got every book that he's ever written and for me that's a really hard statement to make as I've always loved McManus's style of humour and knowledge.

 He did the illustrations to a series of books by Sam Cook--also an excellent read--and he doesn't draw for just anyone.

You'll be happy and a little broke buying up all his stuff. 

P.S.  When I went through Eley, Minn years ago I stopped and had him sign all of his, then, editions but, alas, they all got destroyed in the house fire.

Hi everyone.  don't forget to look at participate in the discussions within this group.  There is a place ot show off your vintage Tackle and Lures,  A place to show off your fishing Knives, and two angler surveys you can participate in.

Tackle and Lures is at:

http://iknifecollector.com/group/gone-fishin/forum/topics/vintage-t...

Knives is at:

http://iknifecollector.com/group/gone-fishin/forum/topics/show-us-y...

Angler survey 1:

http://iknifecollector.com/group/gone-fishin/forum/topics/angler-su...

Angler survey 2:

http://iknifecollector.com/group/gone-fishin/forum/topics/angler-su...

There are also surveys are teenagers, and keeping little ones interested and more.   Anyone can start a discussion.  Don't forget to invite a friend to join us.  It is always more fun when you go fishin' with friends!

Okay... I'm legal, again.   Cut the grass or go fishin'   Decisions, decisions.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about licenses, hunting or fishing, and more.

I'm with you Charles. GA will issue a honorary lifetime to all residents that have stayed above ground long enough. Good for everything except migratory bird stamp. Trying like crazy to use it up.

Second sexiest thing in my wallet ..... first place is a pic of my Haye-Budden!

Illinois does have reduced rates for seniors (over 65) .  I think it is half off but would need ot check.   I think after 75  it drops to $1.  16 and under are free.  Indiana is more generous with its residents.  Next week it will be time ot get to the non-resident Michigan license.  We're going on Charter. out on the big lake.

Pulled this photo off Griffon's fishing and hunting site. Largest sea bass ever caught!

To catch the big bass like this, you will need the big bait to entice a bite from a monster like this!

LOL, the grasshopper was harder to catch than the seabass I bet!

You're gonna need a big hook!

Father's Day present from my daughter.:

Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Gold Ultra Light Spincast Combo (2-Piece), 5-Feet

Of course I had just came back from fishing just before the present arrived!  Yessir, I mostly fish with Zebco and/or Shakespeare rods and reels.  It's what i can afford  I guess this Ultralight is going to have to wait until next week!.

Nice outfit Tobias!  Nothing wrong with Zebco.  To this day  I guess the reel that I have caught the most fish on was a Zebco 202!

Thanks Charles and Rick.   I'm pretty happy with it. It's my second ultra light that I've bought.  It appears to be filled with Zebco Cajan Red Cast 4 lb test line.  Seems to work pretty smoothly.   We'll see in a week or two (or maybe sooner, if i go after work during the week!)  

The 202 and model 33 have been, the most popular reels in west Tn for the last 40 years. One on my 33's is over 30 years old, I lube the gears every spring with the line change, and it works. No telling how many catfish been dragged out of the water with a 202 around here!

I mentioned earlier that I had gone fishing just before I opened up my Father's Day gift (a new Zebco  five foot ultra light)  Well, the main reason I went today was to see if my new rig was going to work or not -- essentially using a fishing vest, an ultralight, and a bicycle to fish a nearby lake.  End result.  The  4 1/2 foot Shakespeare Ultra-light with a 6 size spin cast with 4 lb test worked great.  Using the bike to get around was also fantastic. i was able to move around quickly without getting tired and  I could see the lake shore much better from the bike than a car.  The vest also worked great. ( It's actually a MOLLE Tactical Assault vest a friend gave me.)  The only problem is i need to find a better travel tackle box as my leaders are getting tangled in the small one I was using.   I didn't catch anything but I talked with several other anglers in the area.  Several were there with more tackle that my car could carry and six or seven poles.  They were also coming up empty handed.  It was a good test run. The pole worked great, the bike worked great, and the vest worked great.  And I've got some ideas on how to fix  my travel tackle box and I'm thinking I'll bring some top water lures next time as the lake has a very weedy and rocky bottom.

Enough talk, a few pics:

The bike with the rod -n- reel in traveling position

A closer look at the Shakespeare Ultra light size 6 reel and the grip of 4 ft 6 in ultralight rod.

The MOLLE Vest.  the red thing is an old Boy Scout flask style canteen.  It holds 3 pints. The large pooch holds mu small travel tackle box and another pouch has a pair of needle nose pliers and Gerber EZ out lock back.

You think I'd learn to keep my mouth shut when I take a picture of myself! Next Time I'll hopefully have a picture with a fish in it!

Nice outfit Tobias.

Has everyone gone' fishin'?  It seems pretty quiet out there.

I'm around Tobias, just posted over on the vintage tackle thread. I'll be posting over on the Buck group again soon too. Dunno where everyone else is, but if they really did go fishing today I'm jealous.

Nope, went to the doctors, then to work and then gave blood at work, now I am back working until 9:30...teaching a class at 5:30.

WOW Tobias, you are indeed set up for a successful day of fun  at the waters edge with that and the new rod and reel!  I also prefer very light tackle and a 4 lb test when trout fishing

Shhhhhh!!!..........you'll scare the fish..........

I'm going on a fishing charter this Saturday.  It's suppose to last around three hours.  I've already told my wife if it anyone in the crew is named Gilligan I'm not going! 

It's out on Lake Michigan.  They supply everything except the license and food/snacks.  This is the first time we've ever chartered a boat.  Should be fun.  Hopefully the fish will cooperate!  If not, I'll have to try my luck on a small lake near my house on Sunday!   I'm catching a fish this week-end even if it means going to grocery store and having my wife toss cans of tuna at me!

I went over there one time years ago, Tobias, just off 196, water valet I think was    the town, Hell of a good time, 3 of use, caught 9 fish if I remember right, I king that was over 18 lbs.

What type of knot do you use to attach a line to a swivel or hook?   I almost always use the Palomar because it requires the least amount of time and thought to tie.  My eyes and fingers aren’t what they used to be.   I was looking around for a chart on fishing knots to display with my fishing stuff and came across this website:

http://www.awesomefishingknots.com/fishing-knots-strength-test-palo...

The owner of the site compared four different popular fishing knots (Clinch, Improved Clinch, Snell and Paomar).  According to his results it seems the easiest to tie is also the strongest of the four.    Agree or disagree?  Do you have a go to knot or does your knot depend on the species you’re fishing. 

the improved cinch is my favorite...i always called it the stren knot. it was the knot that stren fishing monofilament suggested many years ago ..and i believe it to be a very good,strong knot.remember the last step IS IMPORTANT THO...  you can use the knot without pulling it back thru, and it will work and hold but when that big fish hits.. if the last pull thru is not done.. the end of the knot will stretch and you will pull back a curly line...lol  I know that I am not telling you anything new... but maybe someone who has not ever used and wanting to try this knot...it is a great knot, and once you tie it a few times, as Tobias said below,  you can use alot of line and tie it with gooey hands... good luck everyone.. dont forget to eat your sardines !  lol 

btw..Tobias.. what is the charter you are taking hunting for? are you trolling or drifting? top or bottowm?

Jeff.  Lots of good questions and I'll be able to answer them on Saturday.  It's called a belated Father's Day present.  My wife has the details!  All I know is we are going out on Lake Michigan proper and the charter will accept a Michigan or Indiana Fishing License.   I'll be getting my annual Michigan license on Friday.

I found the Palomar to be the quickest and strongest over the years. Was a die hard imp. clinch for a long time (what my Dad taught me). However, thousands of hours fishing bass tournaments and skinny salt water have proven the palomar superior (to me anyway).

Tight lines Tobias and remember they don't have hands!

well this is different