5 Must-Have Best Multitools for Fishing

Last updated on March 4th, 2022

Swiss Army style mulitool for fishing and the outdoors

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Your gear is important to you and it should be. Rather than carrying a variety of different tools in your tackle box, you can carry it all in a fishing multi-tool the size of a deck of cards. I remember the hook removers we had when I was a kid. It was about a foot long and in the most awkward and unpackable shape possible.

Today, I carry a Gerber multitool that serves many purposes while fishing and it has helped me handle all the small tasks that come with fishing. Many anglers have a notion in their head that the best multitools for fishing are going to be expensive, and this cannot be further from the truth. When looking at the price of a multi-tool you must consider the fact that you are actually buying several tools when you make your purchase.

Compare the price of a good multi-tool for fishing to getting all those tools separately and it will always be cheaper to get a multi-tool. The determining factor should be quality and durability when deciding which product to buy. They should always be bought with corrosion and moisture resistance in mind. With that said, stainless steel is often the way to go, especially in saltwater environments to protect your investment.

Another factor that you should consider is that a small multitool packs much easier than all of those tools separately making them sensible to carry with you if you have to hike to your spot or you have limited room on board your vessel. Let us dive into 5 of the best fishing multi tool options available today while keeping budget and quality into consideration.

 

LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX Multi-Tool

LEATHERMAN, Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath

The LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX multi-tool is a simplistic design it is backed by the Leatherman warranty and quality we all know and love. One thing we love about this tool is that it comes with a holster for easy carry and access, but it also features a clip on the tool itself for simple attachment to your gear. Fly fisherman will get excited about that since it will clip easily to your vest while wading.

The tools included are pliers, a knife, and a bottle opener. As far as durability is concerned this model is very sturdy and weather resistant making it a perfect fit for all fishing environments at all humidity levels. The price is reasonable for what you get in quality however the tool options are limited.

There are other models of this multi-tool available that offer more tools but, obviously, the price climbs when you add more tools to your purchase. Despite this, this is a great, simplistic multitool that performs admirably as we all expect any Leatherman product to do.

Pros:

  • Useful clip for attaching to gear
  • Lightweight Design
  • Great Warranty

Drawbacks:

  • Limited Tools
Buy on Amazon

 

Gerber Truss Multi-Tool

Gerber Truss Multi-Tool with Sheath [30-001343]

The Gerber Truss model multi-tool offers a large variety of tools for a great value when you compare what you get for the price when compared to its competitors. If you are like me, your gear is going to take a beating and the Gerber Truss model is built with this in mind. The durable stainless-steel design makes it one of the best fishing multi tools for saltwater and high moisture environments.

One thing that we love about Gerber is their locking mechanism that is featured for the tools which secure the knife in place when open making it safe to use. The tools that are included in this tool are spring-loaded pliers, awl, flathead driver, wire stripper, file, and a ruler. The sheath itself can mount vertically or horizontally on your belt for further customization for comfort and low profile.

The frame is made of a single piece of perforated solid steel for durability and draining when wet or submerged as well as for fly fishing and wading. When it is not carried in the sheath it has a metal loop for hanging from anything you would like. Overall, this is a great multi-tool with a long list of features that can simplify your fishing experience in a positive way.

Pros:

  • High corrosion resistance
  • Locking mechanism for tools
  • Perforated handle reduces water retention

Drawbacks:

  • No scissor tool for cutting line
Buy on Amazon

 

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Victorinox Swisschamp Multi-Tool (Ruby), 91mm (53506)

The Swiss Army Knife has been time-tested and is the knife that started it all. It carries every tool you could possibly need in the field whether you were fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, or surviving. I always carry a swiss army knife in my tackle box because they just simply work.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife offers a huge variety of tools and is useful in just about every situation. One thing that the Swiss Army Knives offer is the sleek design that they are known for. The only thing that could be an issue is that the pliers are smaller than other tools we have discussed which makes them a poor choice for the removal of hooks from larger fish.

The Swiss Army model knife is a great option for your child’s first fishing knife; as well, it will teach them responsibility and different ways to tackle tasks.

Though the tools themselves are stainless steel in design, the casing itself is plastic and may not stand up well to high moisture or the sodium found in saltwater environments. This flaw should be considered, but you should also consider the amount of functionality that this tool has to offer.

Pros:

  • Large array of tools
  • Slim design packs well
  • Useful for many things other than fishing

Drawbacks:

  • Plastic casing may have a shorter life compared to metal
Buy on Amazon

 

Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier

Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier, Black [22-01545N]

The Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier offers a good selection of tools that have been hardened to be more durable. The pliers themselves are quickly deployed by a spring load that makes them handy for quick hook removal or any other fast deployment you may need them for. Rubber bumpers on the exterior of the tool improve grip while in use even in wet conditions.

This model is available in a black or stainless steel option. Depending on the environment you are using them in, you may want to opt for stainless steel. This tool offers a pair of scissors, a saw, a partially serrated knife, a can opener, screwdrivers, and a file.

This multitool is somewhere in the middle as far as cost compared to other brands making it a good choice for quality. One feature that this model does not offer that their other models do is a locking feature for the tools themselves, but this is a simple matter of preference. One thing that we do like about this model is the extremely durable pliers and their wire cutters.

Depending on where and how you are fishing, wire cutters are better for cutting certain types of lines, and having a good pair of cutters in your tackle box is an absolute must. This model is also missing a loop for hanging on vests and other gear, which may not be an issue if you are putting them in your tackle box.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable compared to other brands and models
  • Great price for the durability
  • Precision wire cutters

Drawbacks:

  • Does not have locking tools
Buy on Amazon

 

Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier

Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Stainless [07530]

The Gerber MP600 is a great product for durability and reliability. The tool comes standard in a durable stainless-steel build and has tools that are built to be durable and take a beating. As with other models of Gerber we have seen, this model has quick deployment pliers.

Unfolding the tool one-handed is simple with its loose build for quick access. The tools included in this multitool are a pair of pliers, wire cutters, serrated knife, lanyard ring, can opener, screwdriver, and a ruler. As a safety feature, this multitool incorporates the Saf.T.Plus feature that locks all tools securely when deployed.

The pliers themselves are similar in design to the Leatherman design, being longer than most. Longer pliers are great for hook removal, especially when your catch has gutted the hook. As far as weight is concerned, this model is lighter than the others that Gerber makes. Packability is a determining factor for most fishermen and anglers and this sleek design is appreciated by many.

Pros:

  • Locking tools for safety
  • Serrated blade
  • Longer nosed pliers for hook removal

Drawbacks:

  • Light design is not as durable as other Gerber multi-tools
Buy on Amazon

 

What to Consider to Help you Get the Best Multitool for Fishing

When trying to choose the best multitool for fishing, consider a few factors to help you determine which product is going to meet your needs. I always look at the environment of where I am going to be and how I will use the product. Consider all the things that could negatively impact your multi-tool, both environmental and by your own hands.

For example, weatherproof multi-tools are best for saltwater fishing and humid environments. Most will have many different tools and that is great, however, break it down to the top three tools you would use while fishing and use that to determine which one fits your needs.

Warranties are going to be important when making your selection. Fortunately, the brands we discussed here are known for being great when it comes to standing behind their products, but some are better than others.

The dimensions themselves should be considered when you are planning to carry it on your belt, fishing vest, or other gear as the larger models may be a bit bulky and can cause discomfort.

Fishing is fun and simplifying it makes it more enjoyable, making a multitool a great addition to your gear collection. They also always make great gifts for any occasion. Small and especially useful, professional anglers and outfitters always use them for their reliability and durability. I am sure that you are going to love the multitool that you decide to add to your tackle box.

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About Dorado

John Pardal, aka Dorado, is the editor as well as an author for Reel Adventure Fishing. He has fished extensively up and down the U.S. Atlantic coast, throughout much of Florida and a bit of the Caribbean. John loves writing about all aspects of sportfishing and is passionate about conservation and promoting sustainable fishing.

2 thoughts on “5 Must-Have Best Multitools for Fishing

  1. Devin

    The Gerber Truss multi-tool is a good one. I like to keep my scissors separate from any of my multi tools anyway, so it doesn’t bother me that it’s not included. I also like that it’s made of steel – learned the hard way one time and bought a cheap multi tool trying to be thrifty, well I ended up throwing it away since it rusted so bad.

    1. Dorado Post author

      Hi Devin. The lack of scissors wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me either since Gerber makes a great product.

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