Fishing Tools and Gadgets: Pliers, Cameras, Boat Parts

Hand tools and gadgets: what to carry and what it is made of

A basic kit starts with pliers or grippers for removing hooks, a cutter that handles braided line, and a lip gripper for landing fish. Stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant metals last longer in salt water, but even they need a freshwater rinse after use. Check the jaw length against the hook sizes you use, and look for a spring-loaded design if you handle many fish.

Bait prep gear and bait tanks keep live bait alive, so check tank size, aeration and the power they need. Underwater fishing cameras list cable length, screen size and light output, and the cable should be longer than the water you fish. Sizes such as S, M and L on gloves and accessories follow the maker's chart, so check the dimensions.

Boat and trailer parts: voltage, thread and fitting sizes

Many listings here are boat or trailer parts rather than hand tools. Lights and bulbs usually run on 12 V, though larger boats may use 24 V, and the base must match the socket, whether festoon, bayonet or wedge. Water fittings list a hose barb size and a thread type, such as a 5/8 in barb by 1/2 in NPT. NPT threads are tapered and seal with tape or sealant, so they do not mate with straight threads.

Trailer parts such as keel rollers are sized by roller width and by the shaft or bracket they sit on, so measure the old part. Marine horns, pumps and thru-hull sensors are rated for a supply voltage and often for a specific model or hole size. If the title names a series or model, treat it as a compatibility requirement.

Questions about Fishing Tools and Gadgets: Pliers, Cameras, Boat Parts

What does NPT mean on a fitting?

NPT stands for National Pipe Taper. These threads are tapered, so they seal as they are tightened with tape or sealant. They do not match straight parallel threads, so check thread type as well as diameter before joining two fittings.

Do I need stainless steel pliers for salt water?

Stainless steel and coated tools resist corrosion much better, but they still need a freshwater rinse and drying after each trip. Plain steel rusts quickly in salt air. Check the joint and spring too, because they corrode first.

How long should an underwater camera cable be?

At least as long as the deepest water you plan to fish, with extra for drift and angle. Cable lengths are listed in feet or meters, and screen size and light output matter more in murky or deep water.