Indispensible fishing tool?

I would have said net also but since mine "old F'er" let me down twice last year, I've managed to land a couple of big fish without it.  I've even managed a big Coho on barbless in the ocean hand-lining the last couple of feet.  So, I'd have to say the only thing that would keep me from fishing would be line and a lure.

-Spot-

How did  you handle the fish without fingers getting ripped up?

You can slide them right into the footwell in one smooth motion.  Then lay your leg over them.

-Allen

I would have said net also but since mine "old F'er" let me down twice last year, I've managed to land a couple of big fish without it.  I've even managed a big Coho on barbless in the ocean hand-lining the last couple of feet.  So, I'd have to say the only thing that would keep me from fishing would be line and a lure.

-Spot-

How did  you handle the fish without fingers getting ripped up?


My indispensible tool would be the information I've garnered from everyone that's been so helpful with all my questions    Seriously, thanks you guys.

In Hawaii, hand-lining is an old and time honored practice.  These guys will pull in huge Ulua with an ease that makes it look as though the fish wants to be landed.  The techniques apply directly to handlining any fish capable of a burst of speed.  Control their direction and force them to jump into your lap.  
That's exactly what I did with that ocean Coho.  The same technique didn't work as well with the brooder trout I caught at Haag.  That fish was shot by the time I got to the leader.  It had just enough strength to thrash when I pulled the leader but nothing left for a run so I guided it onto my boots and then grabbed it by the top of its head, sinking my fingers into its gills (Not a good CnR practice!!!)

I was thinking with my SIK experience, and remembering my first Silver tearing my fingers up when she started flipping around with my fingers in her mouth on the Puyallup!

I can stow on the boat - like in the pocket on the back of the seat, and just leave there, so I always have a set on the boat.

They will turn to red dust in short order.
Do I really need to tell you not to ask?

Not if you wrap them in an oil soaked rag and then two zip lock bags they won't (or shouldn't).

I already made the mistake of leaving my current leatherman in saltwater overnight.  It still kind of works.

I can stow on the boat - like in the pocket on the back of the seat, and just leave there, so I always have a set on the boat.

They will turn to red dust in short order.
Do I really need to tell you not to ask?

Not if you wrap them in an oil soaked rag and then two zip lock bags they won't (or shouldn't).

I already made the mistake of leaving my current leatherman in saltwater overnight.  It still kind of works.

Soak your Leatherman in WD-40, Liquid Wrench, or LPS-1 over a few days.  Then wash it really well with dish detergent in the sink with a tooth brush to hit as much surface area as you can. Rinse well.  Then run it through the dishwasher once in the full open position to get all the nitty gritty areas cleaned with the hot hot water.  Then apply Corrosion-X to all the moving parts and work it in.  Wipe off the excess, and your good to go! 

I am beginning to think of my fishfinder as an essential tool.

I am beginning to think of my fishfinder as an essential tool.

Oh yeah, I feel ya. Depending on the type of fishing you're doing it can make a big difference in the amount of fish caught.

Z

There is one "tool" I will turn my truck around for every time. 

My fishing license.   

There is one "tool" I will turn my truck around for every time. 

My fishing license.   

Word

There is one "tool" I will turn my truck around for every time. 

My fishing license.   

I had to do exactly that once.  On my way back to the water, I stopped in and bought a duplicate for my wallet, and I keep my original and catch card in my 'yak seat along with a "write in the rain" notebook and tactical weatherproof pen.

I don't worry about it any more.