As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we research
Tools & Catch Care
Pliers, fillet knives, fish grips, descending devices and coolers. We check materials against the maker's corrosion claims, follow NOAA Fisheries on release and the DESCEND Act's descending-device rule for Gulf reef fish, and check coolers against CPSC recalls.
Start here
Aluminum, titanium and replaceable cutters.
Read
Descending devices and where the rules require them.
Read
Lip grips and dehookers for release.
Read
Hard coolers, ice and the FDA's 40°F line.
Read
Rubber mesh, handle reach and pier nets.
Read
Cast net sizes, state limits and aerated buckets.
Read
Total vs fork length, per Florida FWC.
Read
Files, stones and which hooks not to sharpen.
ReadHead to head
Tide-graph G-Shocks and Garmin Instinct watches compared on how each shows the tide, port setup, GPS, water rating and battery, from Casio's and Garmin's specs.
YETI Tundra 45 and RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough compared on each maker's specs: rotomolding, insulation, capacity, bear certification and warranty, with a Pelican stand-in.
Five crimpers compared on die sizes, sleeve types and line ranges, plus how makers match single-barrel, double-barrel and oval sleeves to mono and wire leaders.
What 100 m, 200 m and Diver's 200 m on a watch actually allow, what ISO 6425 adds, and how often makers say to rinse a watch and replace its gaskets.
Five saltwater gaffs compared on hook, handle and material, plus Florida's snook and tarpon rules and the federal rule that released HMS stay in the water.
Casio tide-graph watches and Garmin watches with a Tides app compared on how each works out the tide, how to set your port, water ratings and battery life.
Four fighting belts and two harnesses compared on line class, gimbal fit and size range, with the makers' own pairing advice and the IGFA rules on belts and harnesses.
Five sand spikes for surf fishing compared on length, PVC or aluminum, and what each maker says about the tip, plus why a rod holder keeps sand out of your reel.
Six braid scissors and line cutters compared on blade steel, serrations, sheaths and retractors, plus Florida's advice on cutting up braid you throw away.
Three insulated bait buckets and three portable aerators compared on run time, power, insulation and saltwater use, from what each maker states.
Five fillet knives and two cordless electrics compared on blade length, steel, flex and sheath, plus the care each maker spells out for salt and slime.
What we check against
Quick searches, tagged so you support the site at no extra cost.