favorite trusted fishing products

[Pete_G]

What can't you live without in the surf, on the boat, or on a rock?

What have you come to trust and depend on or simply can't live without?

While this thread could in some ways be about $$, really it's about value, in my opinion. $5 or $1000, what ever the product is it has to deliver.

1. Aquaskinz Gloves. Love them. No taping my finger to avoid line cuts, no fear what so ever or grabbing barnacle covered rocks, zero random bleeding and infection from sharp things, and they definitely help discourage hooks from taking hold in your skin and possibly going deeper. And they're only $20! I always wear them. I'll turn around and go home if I forget them...

2. Van Staal pliers. Frightening price, but even the military can't think up something more tolerant of saltwater. The ONLY plier that truly won't rust and possibly the toughest piece or surf gear on the market. If you don't wash them ever they don't really care. They're ready night after night and never need the WD. The only real piece of advice for these pliers is NEVER take them of the lanyard and to replace your lanyard yearly. If you're like me and have trouble finding time to wash down your gear keep a close eye on your lanyard if it has ANY metal in it. I nearly paid the price for being cheap and not replacing my lanyard this year...

3. Van Staal VS250 reel. I like to swim to my fishing spots so this is of course my choice in weaponry. Not everyone swims to rocks, constantly deep wades, or is short like me (reels go under whether I'm swimming or not) but either way nothing at this point has the track record of tolerating abuse like this reel. Much like the pliers even a blatant lack of rinsing or basic maintenance coupled with a LOT of time submerged and it will usually make it to the finish line in late November. Nothing comes close. Fish like I do and the buy in and yearly maintenance fees feel like a bargain.

4. Hunter Fishing Products D- rings. Much like the VS pliers, these are built to last a lifetime without washing in freshwater while thriving in the salt. I attach my plug bag to them so it won't swing around and sometimes I hang a Boga Grip of it. Always there when I need it and it looks like it did when it first touched the saltwater 6 years ago. Worth every penny.

What else have you found stands up to both the corrosive environment and the test of time? Or is otherwise something else you just won't hit the water without?

[yemslave]

queen glow cocahoe minnow with 3/8 oz jig head-chartuse

Peace-Andy

[ChiefLinesider]

Korkers. Kept me from many a hospital visit. No they don't last, but when maintained, they are worth their weight in gold.

Fishing Innovations roof rack. Many thanks to Mike. They still look brand new after no maintenance whatsoever.... And countless trips of Locking and Unlocking.

AND... The VAN STAAL. UNBELIEVABLE!

[jimmy sly]

a fish rope to carry slobs out

[Zeno]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

What can't you live without in the surf, on the boat, or on a rock?

What have you come to trust and depend on or simply can't live without?

While this thread could in some ways be about $$, really it's about value, in my opinion. $5 or $1000, what ever the product is it has to deliver.

1. Aquaskinz Gloves. Love them. No taping my finger to avoid line cuts, no fear what so ever or grabbing barnacle covered rocks, zero random bleeding and infection from sharp things, and they definitely help discourage hooks from taking hold in your skin and possibly going deeper. And they're only $20! I always wear them. I'll turn around and go home if I forget them...

2. Van Staal pliers. Frightening price, but even the military can't think up something more tolerant of saltwater. The ONLY plier that truly won't rust and possibly the toughest piece or surf gear on the market. If you don't wash them ever they don't really care. They're ready night after night and never need the WD. The only real piece of advice for these pliers is NEVER take them of the lanyard and to replace your lanyard yearly. If you're like me and have trouble finding time to wash down your gear keep a close eye on your lanyard if it has ANY metal in it. I nearly paid the price for being cheap and not replacing my lanyard this year...

3. Van Staal VS250 reel. I like to swim to my fishing spots so this is of course my choice in weaponry. Not everyone swims to rocks, constantly deep wades, or is short like me (reels go under whether I'm swimming or not) but either way nothing at this point has the track record of tolerating abuse like this reel. Much like the pliers even a blatant lack of rinsing or basic maintenance coupled with a LOT of time submerged and it will usually make it to the finish line in late November. Nothing comes close. Fish like I do and the buy in and yearly maintenance fees feel like a bargain.

4. Hunter Fishing Products D- rings. Much like the VS pliers, these are built to last a lifetime without washing in freshwater while thriving in the salt. I attach my plug bag to them so it won't swing around and sometimes I hang a Boga Grip of it. Always there when I need it and it looks like it did when it first touched the saltwater 6 years ago. Worth every penny.

What else have you found stands up to both the corrosive environment and the test of time? Or is otherwise something else you just won't hit the water without?

Hey ,not fair...you took all my favotite items

Boga Grip is on my short list too

[clogston]

everything pete said (although I prefer the 200 to 250)

and:

gami LB 6/0 hooks for eels

[merch]

The little voice in my head telling me to get out of bed and go to a certain place. Don't know where I'd be without it. Maybe getting more sleep though.

Don't forget plier lanyards. Lost at least a dozen pairs before I figured that one out.

Electrical tape for the cold nights when the cuts from the line in my finger begin to chap and hurt.

[Hookemdude]

I love a tape called elasticon (veterinary product). Soft 2" tape somewhere between an ace bandage and bandage tape-tough as nails but flexible. Line can't cut you with it on.

(Also-Diet Dr. Pepper and fig newtons-a bit odd but can keep me going all night)

Hookem

[JAY]

I like my Harpoon.

[clogston]

oh, and sugar free redbull - don't know what I'd do without it