Indispensable on the boat or on the dock, we love our knives; no matter if you’re filleting a big dolphin, steaking a nice wahoo or slicing fresh sashimi, be sure to have the right tool for the job at hand.
1. Bubba Tapered Flex
Style: Folding Fillet
Based on Bubba’s bestselling 7-inch tapered flex fillet knife, this one is a folder that’s versatile enough to easily fit in a pocket or tackle drawer while still providing the signature Bubba nonslip grip. The flexible blade is made of a titanium-nitride-coated, high-carbon stainless steel.
2. Gerber Crossriver
Style: Utility/Rescue
The Crossriver is a versatile fixed-blade utility knife that doubles as a rescue knife in emergencies—the blunt tip prevents accidental punctures.
3. Kysek WhetBlade
Style: Fillet
The latest from Kysek is an American-made 7-inch fillet knife that utilizes a revolutionary cutting-edge technology. Rather than the traditional practice of having a super-hard blade edge, the titanium WhetBlade features a hard and soft side: The soft edge wears faster and the harder side does not, which means the knife actually self-sharpens as you use it.
4. Gerber Sengyo
Style: Slicer
Perfect for slicing thin slivers for sashimi or carpaccio, the 9.5-inch Sengyo is a Japanese-inspired slicer that glides easily through meat or fish, thanks to the relief etching on the sides of the blade that prevent sticking.
5. AFTCO Fish Fillet
Style: Fillet
AFTCO’s new 8-, 10- and 12-inch (shown) fillet knives are built in collaboration with Böker Germany, with 4116 German stainless-steel blades, full tang construction and an upswept design.
6. Havalon Talon Fish
Style: Interchangeable
When you need to switch between knives, check out the Talon Fish. The Quik-Change II internal locking mechanism allows the user to easily swap blades with a press of a button. The package includes two 7-inch and one 5-inch fillet blades, a 3.5-inch semiserrated blade and a rugged nylon roll pack for easy storage.
7. Rapala Straight Fillet
Style: Stiff Fillet
Good quality at an affordable price is the hallmark of this 7-inch knife from Rapala. The stiff stainless-steel blade holds a sharp edge, making this one a great choice for steaking gamefish such as wahoo and king mackerel.
8. Rapala Fish ‘n Fillet
Style: Fillet
With its iconic Laplander leather sheath and birch-wood handle, the Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet is a design that’s been around for decades, and yet it remains just as popular today. Made by Marttiini, the European stainless-steel blade takes and holds an ultra-sharp edge. Four lengths are available.
