Do you guys have a recommendation for a multi-tool that can be used for fishing?  I don't think these will replace my regular fishing pliers but I find my self needing a few various tools from time to time and thought it would be nice have a handy all in one tool that I can keep on my belt or in my pocket.  I have looked several from Leatherman, Gerber and Sog.  The more I look the more confused I get.   Thanks for any advice. 

On my boat I have a full set of tools.

If I am fishing from shore I carry a Leatherman wingman.

It is light and compact, with most essential tools. Plus it is stainless steel.

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

Do you guys have a recommendation for a multi-tool that can be used for fishing?  I don't think these will replace my regular fishing pliers but I find my self needing a few various tools from time to time and thought it would be nice have a handy all in one tool that I can keep on my belt or in my pocket.  I have looked several from Leatherman, Gerber and Sog.  The more I look the more confused I get.   Thanks for any advice. 

All 3 brands you mentioned are good. Get a model that has the tools/features for the things you want them to do. I have separate pliers and tools, but a multi tool is a handy backup. I find the do it all behemoths not the way to go.

Leatherman with a diamond file like the Wave  or Charge  . I have the Charge .That diamond file is an excellent hook sharpener .  

Good to have one in the boat; I have a Leatherman Wave.

 

But it's backup to my regular tools most of which work better for the job they are designed for.  Shore fishing might be a different story (one tool advantage) .  

 

I agree that the diamond hook sharpener is very good.

I have a Leatherman Wave in my back pack and it goes everywhere I go.   Every time I'm in a place where I need to pull it out and actually do something with it I am reminded that it is a compromise and just a kinda ok substitute for real tools - even the church key.   

Wade fishing the Leatherman is usually the only tool I carry .I'm reminded of the day I was skinning and guttinng  catfish in a river with just the multitool and my sister in law was amazed . 

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I ended up getting a Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Style.   I found such a good deal on the Signal ($70), I couldn't pass it up.   

 

I went to Cabelas and basically they had all the ones I was interested in.   The Signal had everything I wanted except a good pair of scissors so I got the Style as well.   The other one that caught my interest was the Free P4 but someone bought the last one while I was looking.  Plus it was $45 more than the two I bought put together.  I will need to pick up a bit set sometime in the future. 

 

Only time will tell if this will get the job done. 

I have a Buck multi-tool (pliers, scissors, screwdrivers and full sized knife) I use from time to time. Everything about it is quality except the pliers. They are not strong enough  IMO. 

 

Most outings all I need are pliers with built in line cutters. 

I have a couple of Buck Knives and like them very much. I haven't seen the Buck multi tool.  Where did you purchase it?

I bought one for $5 bucks at Walmart for the kayak. If I drop it oh well. 

 

Pliers are good, the rest of the tools are a pain to unfold except for a couple. All I really need are pliers and scissors and unfortunately these have no scissors.

 

I actually think my Swiss Army Knife is easier to use except no pliers :-D I used to just carry that and some hemostats, but hemos fail on big deep hook-sets. 

As others have said, I carry a leatherman. Not sure of exact model. 

I also like the Leatherman Wingman, I like the sissors. This stays in my tackle bag so I always have tools. In the boat I keep tools but the leatherman is just one of those must have items. I liked it so much I got another one for my hunting backpack, it has a pocket clip too which I like. I use a super tool 300 at work and I still prefer the wingman.

On 9/29/2019 at 4:42 PM, FishTank said:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I ended up getting a Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Style.   I found such a good deal on the Signal ($70), I couldn't pass it up.   

 

I went to Cabelas and basically they had all the ones I was interested in.   The Signal had everything I wanted except a good pair of scissors so I got the Style as well.   The other one that caught my interest was the Free P4 but someone bought the last one while I was looking.  Plus it was $45 more than the two I bought put together.  I will need to pick up a bit set sometime in the future. 

 

Only time will tell if this will get the job done. 

And I failed to read that you bought one. The signal is nice, good deal on it!

3 hours ago, r83srock said:

I also like the Leatherman Wingman, I like the sissors. This stays in my tackle bag so I always have tools. In the boat I keep tools but the leatherman is just one of those must have items. I liked it so much I got another one for my hunting backpack, it has a pocket clip too which I like. I use a super tool 300 at work and I still prefer the wingman.

And I failed to read that you bought one. The signal is nice, good deal on it!

I like the Wingman as well but I wish I could put my favorite things from different tools into one that is made just for fishing.  

 

I would want the tools accessible from the outside, the handles to be non slip grip, lightweight overall, scissors good enough to cut braid, a straight edge knife, a longer set of pliers that are spring loaded, a removable sharpening file, a heavy duty saw, a bit set in the sheath, 1/4 adapter, carabiner, a can opener and a file.  I know it's asking a lot but you would think with all the fishing gear head out there someone would make one of these specifically for fishing. 

8 hours ago, FishTank said:

I like the Wingman as well but I wish I could put my favorite things from different tools into one that is made just for fishing.  

 

I would want the tools accessible from the outside, the handles to be non slip grip, lightweight overall, scissors good enough to cut braid, a straight edge knife, a longer set of pliers that are spring loaded, a removable sharpening file, a heavy duty saw, a bit set in the sheath, 1/4 adapter, carabiner, a can opener and a file.  I know it's asking a lot but you would think with all the fishing gear head out there someone would make one of these specifically for fishing. 

I hear ya. They have a lot of specific models already, a fishing one would be the deal. I’d include a good line pick, to remove some of my worst backlashes.

I just carry the $6 Cabela's multi tool. The knife isn't very sharp, but it's usable after sharpening it. My son bought me a KVD knife as well so I usually carry that.

I guess that one do-all tool would be great if you can find it. 

 

Over the the years I have gotten enough Rapala and Baker tools that pretty much can get me out of any sort of issue. 

 

I’m pretty happy with the Rapala Tools. 

Leatherman Wingman works for me.