Best Knives For Fishing (December 2024 Review)

Bubba Pro Series Cordless Electric Fillet Knife

The Bubba Pro Series Cordless Electric Fillet Knife is the best electric fillet knife for efficiently cleaning fish. With four different blade options ranging from seven to twelve inches, this knife offers versatility to handle fish of various sizes. The shorter blades are ideal for smaller fish, while the longer blades allow for deep cuts on larger fish.

Being battery-operated, the Bubba Pro Series knife provides mobility and eliminates the need for a nearby power outlet, which is especially advantageous when dealing with larger fish. It comes with two batteries, ensuring a charged backup is available. This feature ensures uninterrupted filleting sessions without the hassle of cords or dependence on electrical outlets.

Safety is paramount when using electric knives, and Bubba has addressed this with a built-in trigger safety feature. The blades securely lock in place with a button release mechanism, providing stability during operation. This design ensures the blades remain securely positioned and mitigates the risk of accidents or blades coming loose during use.

One consideration to remember with electric fillet knives is the need to charge the batteries. It’s important not to forget to charge the batteries before each use to maintain uninterrupted operation. However, with the convenience and efficiency that the Bubba Pro Series Cordless Electric Fillet Knife offers, it is a worthwhile investment for anglers seeking a time-saving and reliable filleting tool.

Benchmade Grizzly Creek: The Best Overall Fishing Knife

The Benchmade Grizzly Creek is the best overall fishing knife, offering a range of features that make it a versatile and reliable tool for anglers.

Anglers often accumulate significant gear, and searching for a versatile and efficient all-around knife becomes essential. Benchmade Grizzly Creek fulfils these requirements by offering sharpness, durability, and exceptional versatility. This folding knife is perfectly sized for all-day carry and comes pre-sharpened from the factory, maintaining its cutting performance for extended periods without frequent sharpening.

The CPM-S30V steel used in its construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for wet conditions without worrying about rusting. Notably, the foldable gut hook is a valuable accessory for fish gutting tasks, particularly for species like trout and perch, and it also serves well in cutting fishing lines. A 3.5-inch blade length strikes the ideal balance for everyday carry, whether on or off the water.

The Benchmade Grizzly Creek offers anglers a reliable and versatile fishing knife that excels in performance and durability, making it the top choice for fishing enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Weight: 4.76 oz
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches
• Knife Type: Folding

Gerber Double Down Folding Machete

The Gerber Double Down Folding Machete is an excellent choice for anglers who need a versatile tool to navigate challenging fishing spots. It offers several key features that make it stand out. With a weight of 1.12 pounds, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and durable. The folding design adds convenience, allowing for easy storage and portability.

One of the standout features of the Gerber Double Down Machete is its comfortable grip, ensuring a secure hold while using it. This is especially important when tackling dense vegetation or tough obstacles. The blade length of 6.75 inches provides a good balance between chopping power and maneuverability, making it suitable for various fishing scenarios.

The Double Down Machete is particularly well-suited for land-based anglers who often navigate overgrown areas. It’s compact size and folding capability make it easy to carry in a backpack or gear bag. The Quadlock system ensures that the machete remains securely folded when not in use, preventing accidental unfolding and potential injuries.

While the Gerber Double Down Machete offers impressive functionality, it’s worth noting that it weighs just over a pound. Some anglers may prefer an even lighter option for extended trips or situations where every ounce matters. However, considering its overall performance and convenience, the Gerber Double Down Folding Machete remains a top choice for anglers seeking a reliable and versatile tool to tackle challenging fishing environments.

Bubba 5-inch Lucky Lew Folding Knife

The Bubba 5-inch Lucky Lew Folding Knife is the best saltwater fishing knife. Saltwater fishing poses challenges for gear, including knives, due to the corrosive nature of salt. However, the Bubba Lucky Lew Folding Knife addresses this issue with its titanium-nitride coating, which provides excellent corrosion resistance. This coating ensures that the knife remains rustproof and can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments.

With a 5-inch folding blade, the Bubba Lucky Lew Knife offers versatility and convenience. It features a serrated edge on the back end of the blade, making it effective for cutting through tough fish skin when needed. The knife’s collapsible design allows for easy storage and saves space, making it a practical choice for anglers on the go. The knife has a rubberized handle that provides a secure and slip-resistant grip, enhancing safety and control even when handling the knife in wet conditions.

While the Bubba Lucky Lew Folding Knife offers numerous advantages, it’s worth noting that the folding release may require some breaking-in to operate smoothly. However, this minor drawback does not significantly impact the knife’s performance and durability in saltwater fishing scenarios. Whether you need a bait knife, a tool for scaling fish, or a precision instrument for filleting small fish, the Bubba Lucky Lew Folding Knife is a reliable and versatile option that will withstand the rigours of saltwater fishing.

True Utility Replaceable Blade Folding Knife

The True Utility Replaceable Blade Folding Knife is an exceptional choice for anglers who prioritize convenience and sharpness in their fishing pocket knife. This knife stands out due to its replaceable blade system, offering a practical solution for maintaining a sharp edge without requiring manual sharpening. The technology, initially popularized in the hunting world, has been adapted by True Utility to create a versatile folding knife for fishing purposes.

The blades of the True Utility knife come pre-sharpened and can be easily replaced using a two-step locking system. This feature ensures you always have a sharp blade ready for use without the hassle of sharpening it yourself. The thin blade diameter allows for effortless cutting, making it suitable for various fishing tasks, including filleting fish when needed. The durability of the blades is impressive, and in the rare event of bending or breaking, you can replace the blade with a new one.

What sets the True Utility Replaceable Blade Folding Knife apart is the availability of different blade options, providing versatility for various cutting needs. This allows the knife to serve multiple purposes with a single tool. By switching to a saw blade, you can easily cut through different materials, enhancing the knife’s usefulness. Despite its compact size, the knife still provides a usable blade length of 3.5 inches, ensuring practicality without sacrificing portability.

While the True Utility knife offers remarkable functionality, it’s worth noting that it weighs 6.5 ounces, which is relatively heavier compared to some other fishing pocket knives. However, considering its replaceable blade system and its versatility, the True Utility Replaceable Blade Folding Knife remains an excellent choice for anglers who prioritize the convenience of a sharp and adaptable knife in their fishing adventures.

Our selection process for the best fishing knives drew from my expertise, angling, and hunting experiences. Through hunting, I discovered the versatility of a reliable knife, and this understanding seamlessly transitioned into my fishing endeavours.

Each knife serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall enjoyment of your fishing experience. Just as you wouldn’t use a hammer to drive a screw, using a fillet knife to cut through a brush would prove inefficient. Therefore, the first step towards finding the ideal fishing knife is identifying one that aligns with your needs.

Once you have narrowed down your requirements, it is essential to consider the knife’s feel and construction, ensuring a satisfactory choice. As a fisheries biologist who spends ample time on boats and in the field, I rely heavily on knives as indispensable tools in my daily activities. Over time, I have witnessed knives rusting within minutes and gained valuable insights through trial and error, discerning what works and what doesn’t. Based on my expertise, here are the criteria I prioritize when selecting a knife for my fishing adventures:

1. Price: Assessing whether the knife’s performance justifies its price tag.
2. Size: Evaluating the overall dimensions of the knife and its convenience for fishing purposes.
3. Blade Length: Determining the optimal length of the blade based on its intended use.
4. Materials: Analyzing the durability and composition of both the handle and blade materials.
5. Safety: Assessing the knife’s safety features and the presence of a secure locking mechanism.
6. Fixed or Folding: Considering whether the knife is a fixed-blade or folding design and evaluating its impact on usability.

By considering these factors, anglers can make an informed decision when choosing the best fishing knife that suits their preferences and requirements.

Things to Consider Before Buying Knives for Fishing

When searching for the best fishing knife, several factors must be considered to ensure you make the right choice. Price alone should not be the sole determining factor, as comfort, sharpness, and durability are key aspects to look for in a fishing knife. Here are some critical considerations before making your purchase.

1. Fishing Style: Your fishing style and specific needs should guide your knife selection. If you use a lot of bait, a larger blade serving as a bait knife would be beneficial. Trout fishermen may prefer a smaller, more compact knife that fits easily in a vest. Determine whether you plan to use the knife for filleting or as a utility knife for cutting lines and rigging tackle. Filleting knives typically have narrow blades for precise cuts and maximizing meat yield.
2. Materials: Blade construction is crucial, as not all knives are equal. Consider the type of steel used in the blade, as certain steels handle water exposure better than others. Rust resistance is vital in a knife constantly exposed to water. Different steel types have pros and cons, some being more corrosion-resistant but potentially sacrificing edge retention. Finding a balance, such as steels like CPM S30V, is recommended. Research the best steel options for your specific fishing application.
3. Blade Edge: A sharp knife is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Dull knives are more prone to accidents and can make cutting tasks difficult. Ensure your knife is sharp, particularly for cutting lines and filleting fish. Ease of sharpening is also important to maintain the knife’s edge. If sharpening is a challenge, consider knives that offer lifetime sharpening services or explore replaceable blade options for consistently sharp blades.
4. Coatings and Finishes: Many knives have finishes or coatings that offer additional protection. These coatings, such as cerakoting, enhance corrosion resistance and guard against rust. They also help preserve the blade’s appearance by preventing scratches. If you anticipate subjecting your knife to demanding conditions, consider a knife with a protective coating.

FAQs about Best Fishing Knives

Q: Is it legal to carry a knife when fishing?
A: Knife carry laws vary by state, with blade length restrictions and open carry regulations. Research local and state laws to ensure compliance with the knife you intend to carry.

Q: What should I look for in a fishing knife?
A: For general use, a folding knife with a blade length of three or four inches is a versatile choice. If filleting fish is your primary task, opt for a long, thin-bladed knife that can easily cut through scales and meat. Electric fillet knives are even better for frequent fish cleaning.

Q: What length fillet knife is best?
A: The ideal fillet knife length depends on the size of the fish you plan to clean. A 6 or 7-inch knife works well for small to medium-sized fish, providing enough flex to navigate around bones. Larger fish, like tuna, require stiffer blades with less flex, such as 9 or 12 inches.

Q: How do you sharpen a fillet knife?
A: Sharpening a fillet knife can be done using a sharpening stone with increasing grits to achieve a razor-sharp edge. Maintain a 20 to 30-degree angle and make equal passes on both sides of the blade. Alternatively, a tool like the Work Sharp Precision Knife Sharpener offers a more precise and convenient sharpening process.

Q: Should I get a curved or straight fillet knife?
A: Both curved and straight blades have their advantages for filleting fish. Many prefer flexibility in the blade to allow it to bend along the fish’s centre and maneuver around bones, resulting in cleaner fillets and increased meat yield.