Article by Larry Jock
The Boomerang Tool Company out of Los Altos, CA has come up with a line of fishing tools that share one common characteristic. They all have retractable lanyards. How many times have you searched for a snip, a knife or a pair of pliers when you needed them? Here are products that you can attach to your boat or your clothing and have them available when you need them. No more searching.
The Boomerang Snip was the first of their products I stumbled upon while in a local tackle shop. I was very impressed with the retractable stainless steel blades and tested them out on braided line, which they cut with ease. The Snip comes either with or without an LED light, which would definitely come in handy while fishing in low light conditions.
The Snip retails for $11.95 without the LED light and $14.95 with the light.
After contacting the Boomerang Tool Company, I got a hold of their Big Catch Pliers, which I like as much as The Snip.
The pliers also have a retractable, kevlar lanyard, but more importantly, have replaceable carbide cutters that easily cut monofilament and braided lines. The blades can be replaced with an allen wrench and cost $8.95.
The heavy duty, spring-loaded handles are covered with slip-resistant grips that feel good in your hand and really allow you to get a solid hold on whatever you are handling.
Although the company doesn’t promote them as replaceable, the stainless steel jaw ends can also be replaced with an allen wrench. The ends are shaped more like needle nose pliers and would easily remove a hook imbedded in a fish’s throat.
The pliers also have a quick release lanyard brake that prevents the lanyard from retracting.
The pliers have an MSRP of $19.95, more than reasonable for such a good pair of pliers. They are definitely worth the money.
The company also produces a Swift Cut Knife with a 3-inch stainless steel lockblade that can be opened with only one hand. The blade features a blunt end to prevent punctures, a 2-inch fine edge and a 1-inch serrated edge. You will want to sharpened the blade before you use it since it doesn’t come with the sharpest of edges.
Like the pliers, the knife handle is made of slip-resistant material and the kevlar lanyard is locked until released with a quick release cable break.
The knife also come with a carrying pouch and retails for a pricey $26.95.