One of the more common themes among fishing and boating enthusiasts is forgetfulness, and it often happens on account of excitement. We’re eager to reach our fishing destination and get on a bite, or save a good spot on the beach, but in the hurried state to get a move on, we leave behind essential tools and accessories that often fly under the radar, but ultimately lead to a more enjoyable experience on the water. From sun-shielding hats to heavy-duty pliers and more, here are a few essential fishing tools and accessories that will undoubtedly improve your outings, as long as you don’t leave them at the dock.
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Made from a tough nylon fabric with mesh fabric side panels for breathability, this lightweight and moisture-wicking cap features a durable water repellent finish that provides UPF 50+ sun protection so you stay cool, comfortable and focused on fishing.
Best Use: Cloudless days spent fishing on the flats.
These neutral hair ties are designed to hold up your ‘do and provide extra grip without ripping and pulling out hair. Wear it on your wrist to keep it at the ready if and when you need one.
Best Use: Tossing your hair into a man bun in gusty conditions.
The biggest drawback of the average straw hat is its delicate construction because it’s, well, made of straw. But HUK’s crush-resistant straw hat is so durable you can stuff it in your carry-on luggage without worry of scuffing it up or shreds of straw coming loose.
Best Use: 5 o’clock at the beachside bar.
The Arcade and Marsh Wear collaboration is rooted in real friendships and a shared love of outdoor adventure, and making products that inspire others to find freedom in movement as well. The seasonal collection delivers four unique belt styles inspired by travel and adventures on the water.
Best Use:
The retro look is IN these days, which is why Costa revamped these popular frames from the 80s and 90s with polarized 580 lenses that enhance color. Their C-Wall coating repels moisture, supplying scratch resistance and durability for unobstructed vision and 100% UV protection.
Best Use: 80’s Night at the Yacht Club
These corrosion-resistant stainless steel crimps feature dual side cutters for heavy monofilament and wire leader, with 4 jaw sleeves ranging from 0.1mm to 2.2mm in diameter to accommodate multiple types of leader material.
Best Use: Crimping heavy-duty leaders, because crimpin’ ain’t easy.
This ultra-soft, one size fits all beanie is perfect for those brisk spring mornings or cool late-summer evenings, when the fishing is so good that you’re the first to push off and the last to hit the dock. It is also cuffed for extra coverage and comfort around the ears.
Best Use: Keeping warm during a sunrise run to the striper grounds.
Made with genuine leather and a solid brass buckle, this sharp-looking belt is adorned with OTW’s classic striper logo because, let’s be honest, fishing stays on the mind whether you’re at the office or on the links.
Best Use: Meeting happy hour dress code after a day on the water.
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Quickly and seamlessly unhook baitfish small hooks using this convenient handheld boat tool. It has a comfortable EVA grip and a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel wire to withstand salty elements. Just hook, shake, drop bait, and repeat.
Best Use: Dropping mackerel into the live well.
This rechargeable handheld light doubles as a lantern or spotlight on the boat. It features an extra-bright LED output of up to 1000 lumens, with a maximum run time of 17 hours when used as a lantern. There are four settings of low, medium, high, and UV for “charging” glow-in-the-dark lures. As a spotlight, it has a max run time of 5 hours, with low, medium, and high settings, plus a strobe setting in case of emergency. (Note: Battery and charging base not included.)
Best Use: On-the-water emergencies or late-night boat and tackle maintenance.
Whether you’re strapping it on the wading belt or attaching it to your Yeti backpack or duffle, this conveniently-sized waterproof pouch carries your handheld essentials like a wallet and keys. The HydroShield Magnetic Closure seals out dust, moisture and sediment to keep your belongings protected on the boat, in the kayak, or in the surf.
Best Use: Safely stowing your cell phone while wet wading.
