The Best Fishing Knives

Fishing is an activity that requires precision and patience. Whether you’re casting a line from a boat, a dock, or the shore, having the right tools can make all the difference in your success. One essential tool for any angler is a good fishing knife. A fishing knife is used for a variety of tasks, from cutting bait to filleting fish, and having a quality knife can make these tasks easier, faster, and safer. But with so many different types of fishing knives on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the best fishing knives available and share expert tips for selecting the right one for you.

Types of Fishing Knives

Before we dive into the best fishing knives available, it’s important to understand the different types of knives commonly used for fishing. The most common types of fishing knives are fillet knives, bait knives, gutting knives, and multi-tools.

Fillet Fishing Knives

Fillet knives are designed for filleting fish and typically have thin, flexible blades that allow for precise cuts. These knives are used to remove the skin and bones from a fish fillet, and they come in a variety of blade lengths and shapes to accommodate different types of fish.

It has a distinctive slender profile and often uses a back point with backward side curves gently upwards. Most western stuffing knives no longer have this upward groove, but the top Japanese brands still do. The slim profile and blade design allow it to precisely and maneuver around the fish skeleton. Usually, a fillet knife measures 6 – 11 inches or 15cm – 28 cm. Larger blades are for larger fish such as tuna. Below is the one guide you need to know about fish fillet knives.

Check out more fillet knife options.

Bait Fishing Knives

Bait knives are used to cut and prepare bait, such as squid, shrimp, or other types of seafood. These knives typically have shorter, sturdier blades that can handle tough materials and are often serrated to make cutting easier.

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife

When selecting a bait knife, it’s important to consider the handle material and grip. Because bait knives are often used in wet and slippery conditions, it’s important to choose a handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip. Many bait knives have a textured or rubberized handle that provides a non-slip grip even when wet.

Check out more bait knife options.

Gutting Fishing Knives

Gutting knives are used to gut and clean fish, and they typically have curved blades that allow for easier access to the inside of a fish. These knives are also useful for removing scales and fins from a fish.

It is important to use a gutting knife, especially when cleaning large fish. Almost all large fish have a high amount of scales. It is extremely difficult to clean these scales with another knife. While the body structure of gutting knives, also called fish cutting knives, is short, the tips are quite blunt compared to other knives. The handle structure, produced hygienically using PP plastic injection, is ergonomic. Due to its light weight, you can use it for long hours without getting tired.

Check out more gutting knife options.

Multi-tools Fishing Knives

Multi-tools are versatile knives that often include multiple blades and tools, such as pliers, scissors, and screwdrivers. These knives are useful for a variety of tasks beyond just fishing, and they’re a great option for anglers who want a single tool that can handle multiple needs.

Multi-tool knives designed specifically for fishing are often called “fishing multi-tools” or “fisherman’s multi-tools.” These tools typically include a variety of features that are useful for anglers, such as fish scaler, line cutter, hook remover, and pliers for handling fish. Some fishing multi-tools also include additional tools like a saw, a ruler, and a bottle opener. They are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them a convenient option for fishing trips.

Check out more multi-tools knife options.

how to choose fishing knives

Whether you’re a fish novice or a professional kitchen worker, the fishing knife is a kitchen tool you should always have on hand. Although they basically serve the same purpose, there are different types of fishing knives for use. In order to ensure high efficiency from the knife you use, you need to pay attention to some points when buying a fishing knife.

Blade material

The blade of a fishing knife should be made of a high-quality, corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel. This will help prevent rust and keep the blade sharp and durable. When choosing a fishing knife, the material of the blade is an important consideration. The most common blade materials for fishing knives are stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and titanium.

Blade Length and Flexibility

The length and flexibility of a fishing knife blade are important factors to consider when selecting a knife. The length of the blade should be matched to the size of the fish you will be catching, and a flexible blade can help you make precise cuts and avoid damaging the meat.

For smaller fish, a blade length of 4-6 inches is typically sufficient. Larger fish may require a longer blade, up to 9 or 10 inches. A flexible blade is especially important when filleting fish, as it allows you to follow the contours of the fish and avoid cutting through bones.

Handle Materials

For a safe use, it is important that the handle part is ergonomically designed. The handle of a fishing knife should be comfortable and easy to grip, even when wet. Look for handles made of materials like rubber or textured plastic, which can provide a secure grip.

A good handle should be comfortable to grip, even when wet, and provide a secure grip to prevent the knife from slipping during use. The most common handle materials for fishing knives are plastic, rubber, and wood.

Top Picks for Fishing Knives

Morakniv Fishing Comfort Scaler 150 Knife

The Morakniv Fishing Comfort Scaler 150 Knife is a high-quality, flexible, and durable fishing knife designed for easy scaling and cleaning of fish. Its serrated edge makes scaling quick and efficient, while the pointed tip is perfect for gutting and cleaning. The comfortable rubber handle provides a secure grip, and the knife comes with a protective plastic sheath for easy carrying.

[affiliatable id=’168923′]

Gerber Gear Controller – Saltwater Fishing Fillet Knife

The Gerber Gear Controller – Saltwater Fishing Fillet Knife is a durable and high-quality fishing knife specifically designed for saltwater fishing. Its corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade is flexible and sharp, allowing for precise cuts and easy maneuverability. The comfortable and textured handle provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions, and its ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue during extended use.

[affiliatable id=’168924′]

Rapala 6″ Fish’n Fillet Knife 

The Rapala 6″ Fish’n Fillet Knife is a reliable and classic fishing knife designed for filleting fish. Its high-quality stainless steel blade is sharp and flexible, allowing for precise cuts and easy maneuverability around the fish’s contours. The knife features a comfortable and slip-resistant handle that provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions.

[affiliatable id=’168925′]

KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers

KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers are durable and versatile tools for anglers. Made from stainless steel, they feature a multi-function design for hook removal, line cutting, and crimping. With ergonomic handles and tungsten carbide cutters, these pliers are a must-have for any fishing tackle box.

[affiliatable id=’168926′]

Bubba Pro Series Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife

The Bubba Pro Series Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife is a high-quality and reliable tool designed for efficient filleting. Its powerful motor and long-lasting lithium-ion battery make filleting a breeze. With its non-slip grip handle and sharp stainless steel blade, this knife is perfect for anglers who want to save time and effort while preparing their catch.

[affiliatable id=’168927′]

Amoygoog Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers

Amoygoog Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers are a handy and durable tool for fishing enthusiasts. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these pliers are rust-resistant and perfect for saltwater fishing. With their ergonomic design and spring-loaded handles, they provide a comfortable and secure grip. These pliers also feature a built-in line cutter and hook remover, making them a versatile tool for all your fishing needs.

[affiliatable id=’168929′]

Kershaw Clearwater 7’’ Fillet Knife (1257X)

The Kershaw Clearwater 7” Fillet Knife (1257X) is a high-quality and reliable tool for filleting fish. With its sharp and flexible stainless steel blade, this knife can easily glide through fish fillets for precise cuts. The co-polymer handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. This knife is a must-have for any angler looking to prepare their catch with ease.

[affiliatable id=’168930′]

R12 Heavy-Duty Lithium Fillet Knife Combo

The R12 Heavy-Duty Lithium Fillet Knife Combo is a powerful and efficient tool for filleting fish. Featuring a long-lasting lithium-ion battery and a durable stainless steel blade, this knife can easily handle even the toughest filleting jobs. With its ergonomic handle and safety lock feature, this knife provides a comfortable and secure grip.

[affiliatable id=’168931′]

Booms Fishing X1 Aluminum Fishing Pliers

The Booms Fishing X1 Aluminum Fishing Pliers are a must-have for any angler. Made from high-quality aluminum, these pliers are both lightweight and durable, making them ideal for all your fishing needs. The ergonomic design and spring-loaded handles ensure a comfortable and secure grip, while the built-in line cutter, split ring opener, and hook remover make them a versatile tool for all types of fishing.

[affiliatable id=’168932′]

WÜSTHOF Classic 7″ Fillet Knife

The WÜSTHOF Classic 7″ Fillet Knife is a precision tool designed for filleting fish with ease. Crafted in Germany, this knife features a flexible blade made from high-carbon stainless steel that allows for precise cuts and easy maneuverability. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for extended use, while the full tang construction ensures durability and balance.

[affiliatable id=’168933′]

A high-quality fishing knife is an essential tool for any angler who wants to make the most of their catch. When selecting a fishing knife, it’s important to consider the blade material, blade length, blade flexibility, handle material, and handle grip. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right knife for your needs. However, the knives we’ve highlighted in this article are all excellent choices that offer exceptional performance and durability. Whether you’re filleting, gutting, or cutting bait, a good fishing knife will make the task easier and more efficient.