Boat Tools—What You Need Aboard to Stay in
the Game By Monte Burch
Downtime on the water can
mean many things—mere frustration, a real hassle, a tournament
money-loser and even a dangerous situation. In addition to boat
and motor problems, a number of little incidents can also cause
problems. A few simple tools can not only make bass tournament
angling more productive, but can also keep you in the game.
Motor problems are one of the worst nightmares. Granted in
some cases, such as when an electronic control goes out, you
don’t have any recourse but to call for help. With today’s cell
phones that’s not a problem. Some savvy anglers also carry a
marine radio that not only can be used for emergencies, but also
has a weather channel. Horizon (www.basspro.com)
offers a model that will also send distress signals in latitude
and longitude if a GPS is attached.
“It’s important to have the
correct tools to keep you on the water and in the game,” says
well know pro angler Stacey King.
Simple motor
problems can be fixed. You may have a loose electronic
connection in a trolling motor, your electronics, lights or
other equipment. In rough weather trolling motors and even
electronics can get knocked loose and require retightening. It’s
a good idea to keep motor and electronic operation manuals in a
sealed plastic bag in a waterproof area, in case you do need to
do some repair work. Most manuals have corrections for some of
the more simple problems. A mechanics tool set is necessary for
these chores, and many pros have put together a mix of tools
they feel is important.
Marine repair tool kits, such as the Allied
Kit, from Bass Pro have all the tools you need, as well as a
protective case and lanyards to prevent dropping tools
overboard.
One option is the Allied Marine Tool Set
from Bass Pro www.bassspro.com.
This set is designed with marine repairs in mind. All tools are
chrome plated to resist corrosion and a water resistant case
keeps tools dry and organized. The set also includes 6 wrist
lanyards so you can work over the water without worrying about
dropping a valuable tool. Set includes 3/8-inch drive socket
sets in English and metric as well as an extension, universal
joint and spark plug sockets. A drive ratchet is also included.
A rubber-grip utility knife, electrical tape, spark plug gauge,
adjustable wrench, groove joint pliers, long nose pliers,
stainless steel wire brush, tire gauge, screwdrivers, and a
6-12-24-volt electrical tester are also included.
West Marine also carries several Seafit marine tool kits (www.westmarine.com).
Incidentally, I always carry a multi-purpose tool on my belt.
Actually it goes on just about every day except to church on
Sunday, and there have been times I wished I had it on then.
Your multi-tool should have a lanyard ring, and the SOG
PowerLock in stainless steel is a good choice. A leather pouch
is included.
Of course, you’ll need replacement fuses and I’ve
carried an electrical terminal kit and crimper for years. West
Marine also carries several marine grade Seafit terminal and
electrical connector kits and crimpers.
One of the most necessary tools is a prop wrench and a wooden
block as a prop stop. I carry an old long-handled socket wrench
and the appropriate socket for my prop. Specialized socket
wrenches are also available from West Marine.
Stacey King
Pro angler Stacey
King starts with a basic tool kit and adds to it. He carries
both standard and extra-long needle nose pliers. He also keeps a
jumper cable on hand for jump-starting a battery. Also included
is a reel repair kit he has put together including reel wrenches
to fit his reels, reel lube and a very small pair of needle-nose
pliers.
Other tools King feels are extremely important are scissors
for cutting line, and files for sharpening hooks. He has two of
the latter, one small and one larger. Super Glue and a hand
drill with a very small bit are also on hand for lure repair or
revisions. And, he carries a simple spark-plug knocker for
retrieving snagged lures. A line stripper is also in his tool
compartment along with spools of replacement fishing line.
King has a really heavy-duty pair of side-cutter pliers kept for
one purpose, cutting off hooks that have been embedded in
anglers. A good first-aid kit is also a necessity.
I’ve
carried a Sawyer first aid kit in my truck and one in my boat
for many years. West Marine has a series of Marine Medical Kits
ranging from a hard-cased for minor medical emergencies as well
as one in a soft waterproof bag. It also includes Dr. Eric A.
Weiss’ Illustrated Guide to Life-Threatening Emergencies, a
basic first-aid module, a wound module and a limb injury module.
You should also include insect spray and Sting Aid for treating
wasp, bee and other stings. Two flashlights should be included,
a small light such as the SureFire LED and a larger hand-held
6-volt or rechargeable spotlight.
Pro angler Shelly Penny keeps spare parts, a tool kit and a
Black and Decker Electromate aboard.
Pro angler
Shelly Penny carries a basic repair kit, fuses, extra lube,
electrical tapes and wire strippers. She also suggests carrying
spare bulbs for all your lights. She carries a Black & Decker
Electromate 400 portable power supply. The Electromate combines
a fast jump-starter with a portable household AC/DC power
supply. The Electromate jump starts the engine without the need
for another battery, using 450 amps of instant starting power.
An onboard inflator inflates tires. And an ultra-bright LED
emergency work light illuminates the work area at night. A power
safety switch and reverse hook-up warning alarm and vehicle
alternator voltage check are included. The unit charges with a
built-in 12-volt AC charger for use with an ordinary household
extension cord (not included). It also features two 12-volt AC
household outlets from which you can power tool battery packs,
laptops and others. Two 12-volt DC outlets allow you to charge
and /or power cell phones and others (www.BlackandDecker.com).
In addition to the necessary tools you will also need spare
parts. King and most pros keep spare props and prop nuts for
both trolling motor and main engine. A prop-box can be used to
secure the prop and keep it from damaging other gear.
The Electromate has 450 amps of starting power
and
can be used to jump-start a batter.
The Electromate also has a built-in inflator
for inflating low tires,
and a bright LED work light.
Bass pro Denny Brauer even keeps
a spare trolling motor strapped in one of his front
compartments.
I always keep a spare boat plug in my gear
locker. I actually never take the boat plug out, but I sure want
to replace it if necessary. A couple of short ropes for docking
and a long rope for possible towing are also in my boat. I also
keep a small spare gallon can of gasoline in a boat that doesn’t
have a built-in tank. And, spare oil is always stored away as
well.
Angling tools are important, and this includes angling
pliers. A wide variety of pliers are available including
floating models. The Browning Pliers are of stainless steel and
have spring-loaded handles with rubber grips for easy, one-hand
use. They also feature replaceable tungsten alloy cutters, a
fitted nylon sheath and a lanyard. You should also carry jig-eye
openers, line clippers and hook disgorgers. The Baker XLT models
from Bass Pro also feature a built-in LED light.
King also has
rather unusual long-nosed cutting pliers that he uses for
reaching into the gullet and cutting off hooks of deep-hooked
bass, a common problem in summer fishing.
Spare props, a prop wrench
and wooden prop block are extremely
important on-board gear.
Split-ring
pliers make it easy to change out treble hooks on plugs, a
common practice with many pros. Lure paints, such as the
Spike-It Dip-N-Glow, and Scented Double Marker or Zoom Dye
marker can be used to add colors to lures to create custom color
patterns, as well as scents.
Fish scales, catch and release
measurement boards and culling tools are also important for
serious tournament anglers. A number are available from Bass Pro
including the new XCull Manual culling kit, and the Bass Pro
Shops Culling Beam. The culling kit helps you keep track of fish
in your livewell and their weights. The culling boards have
become increasingly popular. Just place two fish on the balance
beam and the heavier fish will take it down.
Organizing all this gear in your boat is also important. King
carries some in soft “roll-type” bags. Hard case plastic tackle
boxes with removable dividers can also be used to organize tools
into kits, such as a reel repair kit.
Believe it or not, sooner or later, something is going to
happen to stop your fishing. Don’t let the big or small problems
put you in down time. With the right tools, right attitude and a
little patience, you can solve most of the problems you’ll
encounter and be able to stay in the game.
