9 Best Small Fishing Multitools for Anglers (November 2026)
The best small fishing multitools include the PERWIN Multitool for most tackle bags, the PRO-MASTER SMART & SIMPLE 15-in-1 Multitool with Safety for simple shore trips, and the Swiss Ascent Fisherman Gift Tool Fishing Multitool for dedicated fish handling.
On this page (8 sections)
- The best small fishing multitools for your tackle bag
- How these small fishing multitools compare
- How we compared these fishing multitools
- What should a fishing multitool include?
- Which size fishing multitool fits a tackle box?
- Do you need fishing-specific tools or a general multitool?
- How do you care for a fishing multitool?
- Which small fishing multitool should you buy?
The best small fishing multi tool for most anglers is the PERWIN Multitool, a 17-function tool with needle-nose pliers, a self-locking blade and a 4.3-inch folded frame that fits a tackle bag. If you want tools built only for fish handling, the Swiss Ascent carries a hook remover, scale scraper and built-in tape measure.
Small matters here. A multitool you leave in the truck because it's too heavy helps nobody, and the picks below all fold short enough to ride in a tackle box pocket or on a belt.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for simple shore tripsPRO-MASTER SMART & SIMPLE 15-in-1 Multitool with Safety
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for dedicated fish handlingSwiss Ascent Fisherman Gift Tool Fishing Multitool
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGrand Way 24-in-1 Multitool with Knife
Best for repair jobs at the water - 5
Check itfangfo Multitool 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool
Best for tackle box value - 6
Check itFLISSA 16-In-1 Multi-Tool Pliers
Best for pocket carry - 7
Best for one-hand openingCheck it - 8
Check itRapala Rapala Fisherman's Multi-tool
Best for line and hook work - 9
Check itBits and Pieces Deluxe 8-in-1 Fishing Tool
Best for weighing and measuring
The best small fishing multitools for your tackle bag
The PERWIN wins on tool count and size, while the other picks handle narrower jobs like line cutting, fish weighing or quick boat repairs. Match the tool to the work you do most.
PERWIN Multitool: Best for most tackle bags
- 17 tools including needle-nose pliers
- Self-locking tools
- 440A stainless steel
- Folded size 4.3 in
A compact multitool with 17 functions, self-locking tools and a slim frame that slides into a tackle bag or belt sheath.
Pros
- 17 functions in one frame
- Self-locking tools
- Nylon sheath for belt or pack
Cons
- Heaviest of the compact picks
The PERWIN is the closest thing here to a full toolkit in a pocket. It packs 17 functions into a 4.3-inch frame that measures 1.57 inches wide and 0.78 inches thick, so it drops into a tackle bag side pocket without crowding out lure boxes.
The needle-nose and regular pliers handle hook work, and the wire cutter will snip light leader material. A saw, scissors, three flat screwdrivers, a Phillips, a file and bottle and can openers cover camp and boat jobs after the fishing stops.
There's also a rope cutter, a wire stripper and a threading needle in the set.
The 440A steel is rated at 54 +/- 2 on the Rockwell hardness scale and described as rust-resistant, both pluses near water. The manufacturer lists a lifetime warranty.
Each tool locks open except the pliers heads, which keeps a blade from folding onto your fingers mid-cut. At 0.66 lb it's the heaviest of the compact picks, but the nylon sheath with its metal rivet snap takes it off your pocket and onto a belt or pack strap.
Choose it as your one fishing tool if you want pliers, cutters and camp tools together. Pick the Swiss Ascent instead if fish handling alone is the job.
PRO-MASTER SMART & SIMPLE 15-in-1 Multitool with Safety: Best for simple shore trips
- 15 tools with fish scaler and hook remover
- Safety lock
- Stainless steel construction
- Nylon pouch
A slim 15-tool multitool that includes fishing-specific extras like a hook remover and fish scaler alongside everyday basics.
Pros
- Hook remover and fish scaler included
- Safety lock on tools
- Slim enough for a glove box or tackle bag
Cons
- Fewer tools than the PERWIN
This PRO-MASTER tool is the most fishing-aware of the general multitools here. It lists a hook remover and a fish scaler among its 15 tools, so the two jobs that come up most on the bank are built in rather than improvised.
The rest is standard fare: wire cutters and stripper, needle-nose and regular pliers, knife, folding saw, four screwdrivers, bottle and can opener, double-sided nail file and ruler. Nothing is wasted.
A safety lock holds each tool open, which matters when you're working near a hooked fish with wet hands. The stainless steel body resists rust, and the blue handles are easy to spot in a dark tackle box.
It comes with a sturdy nylon pouch.
At 4.13 inches folded and 8.16 oz, it's slim enough for a glove box or vest pocket and light enough to forget. The family-run brand behind it built the tool around simple, practical fixes rather than a long feature list.
It carries fewer tools than the PERWIN but more fishing-specific ones. The hook remover is the reason to choose it over a plainer pocket tool.
Buy it if you want a simple shore tool with a hook remover ready to go. Skip it if you also want a full bit set for repairs.
Swiss Ascent Fisherman Gift Tool Fishing Multitool: Best for dedicated fish handling
- 10 fishing tools in one
- Hook remover and scale scraper
- Tape measure and weight scale
- Flashlight
A fishing-first tool with hook remover, scale scraper, tape measure and weigh scale built into one compact body.
Pros
- Built-in tape measure and weight scale
- Flashlight for night fishing
- Fish scraper and hook remover
Cons
- Fewer general-purpose tools
The Swiss Ascent is the pick when you want a tool built for the fish, not the camp. Its 10 tools are all fishing jobs: hook remover, scale scraper, bait cutter, fishing cutter, scissors, knife, flashlight, tape measure, weight scale and bottle opener.
The tape measure and weight scale are the standout features. Measure and weigh a catch on the bank without pulling out a separate tape or scale, which helps if you keep a log or follow slot limits.
The foldable stand lets the tool sit steady while you work.
A flashlight covers those last casts after sunset. The tool folds to 10 x 5 x 3 cm and weighs 282 g, so it fits a tackle box tray or jacket pocket.
Swiss Ascent says the weather-resistant build handles freshwater and saltwater use.
The trade-off is narrowness. It won't drive a screw or cut wire, so pair it with a general tool if your boat or reel needs occasional tightening.
Choose it for catch handling and quick measurements. For a do-everything tool, look at the PERWIN instead.
Grand Way 24-in-1 Multitool with Knife: Best for repair jobs at the water
- 24 features with 11 screwdriver bits
- Magnetic bit connector
- Skeleton design
- Nylon sheath
A bigger tool set with a magnetic bit holder and 11 screwdriver bits, useful when a boat, reel or trailer needs tightening.
Pros
- 11 screwdriver bits with magnetic connector
- Wire cutter and stripper
- Skeleton frame keeps it light for its size
Cons
- Largest folded size here
The Grand Way suits anglers whose trips involve as much fixing as fishing. Its 11 screwdriver bits with a magnetic connector are the reason to pick it: loose reel seats, rod holders, trailer bolts and cooler hinges all get tightened with the right bit.
The rest of the 24 features cover pliers, an electrician-style wire cutter and stripper, a folding knife, can and bottle openers, a metal file, a scraper and an awl. The precision metal file is built for smoothing, shaping and finishing small edges, which suits hook points and light metal work.
The skeleton frame keeps the weight at 335 g despite the larger tool set. At 6.5 inches folded it's the biggest tool in this roundup, so it belongs in a boat bag rather than a shirt pocket.
A nylon sheath lets you belt-carry it or stash it in a backpack.
The bit set is the real difference. A single Phillips or flat driver handles most quick fixes, but a stripped reel screw or odd fastener needs the right size, and the magnetic holder keeps small bits from dropping over the side.
Pick it if repairs are part of your routine and you have bag space. Choose the FLISSA for pocket carry instead.
fangfo Multitool 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool: Best for tackle box value
- 17 tools including hook remover
- Self-locking design
- Stainless steel
- Brown handle
A 17-function multitool with a hook remover, self-locking tools and a compact frame at a budget level.
Pros
- Hook remover included
- Self-locking side design
- Compact 4.4 in frame
Cons
- Some tools lean picnic rather than fishing
The fangfo covers the basics at a budget level. Its 17 tools include a hook remover, needle-nose and regular pliers, scissors, a saw, a serrated knife, screwdrivers and openers, all in a 4.4-inch folded frame.
The side-lock design holds each tool open until you release it, the same safety idea the pricier picks use. Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in wet conditions.
The brown handle sets it apart visually, which helps when you're digging through a dark bag. At 6.1 inches long and 4 inches wide when open, it's a touch larger than the PERWIN when deployed but closes shorter than the Grand Way.
The set includes a red wine opener and a small scraper, which lean more picnic than fishing. The hook remover and the double-sided file, though, are the tools you'll reach for most.
The pliers heads cover long-nose, round-nose and cutting work, so hook removal and light wire cutting are handled without switching tools.
Buy it as a spare or a first multitool that won't hurt to lose over the side. Step up to the PERWIN if you want more refinement in the same size.
FLISSA 16-In-1 Multi-Tool Pliers: Best for pocket carry
- 16 tools with belt clip
- Self-locking tools
- Oxford sheath included
- Green handle
A 16-tool multitool that clips to a belt or pocket, with independent tool opening and two blade types.
Pros
- Belt clip for quick carry
- Tools open without unfolding the whole frame
- Plain and serrated blades
Cons
- No fishing-specific tool set
The FLISSA is the easiest of these tools to keep on you. A belt clip and lanyard hole mean it rides on a waistband or hangs from a vest loop, and an Oxford sheath is included if you'd rather belt-carry it properly.
Its 16 tools include long-nose and regular pliers, soft and hard wire cutters, four slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, a file, a ruler, openers, a small knife and a serrated blade. The two blade styles cover clean cuts and rope or line that needs sawing.
The clever part is opening. Each tool has its own notch or hole, so you can pull out the one you need without unfolding the whole frame.
That's faster with cold, wet hands.
All tools self-lock when fully open and need both safety locks pressed to close. At 4.13 inches folded, it tucks into a pocket alongside a lure box.
FLISSA shapes the handles to lessen hand fatigue, which shows up when you're squeezing pliers on a stubborn split ring.
Pick it for pocket carry on short trips. For a fishing-first set with a scale, the Swiss Ascent is the better fit.
Leatherman Wingman: Best for one-hand opening
- 14 tools
- Spring-action pliers and scissors
- One-hand opening blade
- Removable pocket clip
A light 14-tool multitool with spring-action scissors and pliers, built for quick one-hand work on the bank.
Pros
- Spring-action pliers and scissors
- One-hand opening blade
- Leatherman backs it with a 25-year warranty
Cons
- No hook remover or fish scraper
The Wingman is the tool for anglers who value smooth operation over fishing extras. Spring-action pliers and scissors open and close without thumb strain, which helps when you're cutting line or squeezing split rings in cold weather.
Its 14 tools include a knife, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file and a ruler. The blade opens one-handed, and the locking blade lets you cut with confidence.
Leatherman also lists one-hand opening for the tools that aren't outside-accessible.
Leatherman backs it with a 25-year warranty, the longest coverage in this roundup. At 6.88 oz and 3.8 inches folded, it's the shortest tool here and light enough for a pocket.
The removable pocket clip lets you switch between pocket and belt carry.
There's no hook remover or fish scraper in the set, so it's a general tool that happens to fish well. Choose it for one-hand use and long-term backup.
The PERWIN gives you more fishing tools for the same size.
Rapala Rapala Fisherman's Multi-tool: Best for line and hook work
- Retractable line scissors
- Retractable jig eye punch
- Multi-size line threader
- Carabiner clip
A fishing-specific tool built around line scissors, a jig eye punch and a multi-size threader, with a carabiner for a vest or bag.
Pros
- Jig eye punch and line threader
- Carabiner clip
- Die-cast frame with soft grip
Cons
- No pliers or blades for general tasks
The Rapala does one thing better than any tool here: line work. Its retractable line scissors and jig eye punch are built for tying and re-rigging, and the multi-size line threader takes the squint out of feeding line through small eyes.
A carabiner clip hangs it from a vest, belt loop or bag strap, so the tools are always at hand. The beverage wrench is a small extra that suits a long day on the water.
Rapala builds it on a die-cast metal frame with a soft grip handle, which keeps it steady when your hands are wet. At 6.08 oz it's light enough to forget you're carrying it, and the compact folded size slips into a fishing vest pocket.
The set is narrow by design. There are no pliers, no knife and no screwdrivers, so it complements a general multitool rather than replacing one.
Buy it as a dedicated line tool for the vest, and keep the PERWIN in the bag for everything else.
Bits and Pieces Deluxe 8-in-1 Fishing Tool: Best for weighing and measuring
- 8 tools with tape measure and fish scale
- Serrated knife and hook remover
- LED flashlight
- Foldable stand
A fishing gadget that combines a tape measure, a weighted fish scale, an LED flashlight and basic fish handling tools.
Pros
- Built-in tape measure and fish scale
- LED flashlight
- Hook remover and fish scraper
Cons
- Bigger than a pocket multitool
The Bits and Pieces tool is for anglers who want measurements built in. A tape measure and a weighted fish scale are the headline tools, letting you check length and weight on the bank in one go.
The rest of the 8-in-1 set covers a serrated knife, hook remover, fish scraper, bottle opener, LED flashlight and a foldable stand. The stand lets the tool sit upright while you work, which is handy on a boat deck.
At 6 x 2.25 inches and 0.28 kg it's larger than a pocket multitool, so plan on tackle box or bag space rather than a pocket. The stainless steel body suits wet-bank use.
The hook remover and scraper handle the messy part of the trip, and the serrated knife takes on bait and line.
Think of it as a small tackle station rather than a pocket knife replacement. It won't tighten a reel screw, and the 8 tools are fewer than the general picks offer.
The weighing and measuring pair is what makes it worth the space.
Pick it if you weigh and measure your catch. If you want general tools plus fish handling, the Swiss Ascent or PRO-MASTER covers more ground.
How these small fishing multitools compare
The table lines up tool count, folded size and weight so you can see which picks fit a pocket and which need bag space. Read across a row and you can quickly tell whether a tool is a pocket carry or a boat-bag item.
| Product | Best for | Tools | Folded size | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERWIN Multitool | most tackle bags | 17 | 4.3 x 1.57 x 0.78 in | 0.66 lb | 9.5 |
| PRO-MASTER SMART & SIMPLE 15-in-1 Multitool with Safety | simple shore trips | 15 | 4.13 in | 8.16 oz | 9.4 |
| Swiss Ascent Fisherman Gift Tool Fishing Multitool | dedicated fish handling | 10 | 10 x 5 x 3 cm | 282 g | 9.3 |
| Grand Way 24-in-1 Multitool with Knife | repair jobs at the water | 6.5 in | 335 g | 9.0 | |
| fangfo Multitool 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool | tackle box value | 17 | 4.4 x 1.6 x 0.7 in | 8.7 | |
| FLISSA 16-In-1 Multi-Tool Pliers | pocket carry | 16 | 4.13 in | 8.5 | |
| Leatherman Wingman | one-hand opening | 14 | 3.8 in | 6.88 oz | 8.2 |
| Rapala Rapala Fisherman's Multi-tool | line and hook work | Line-focused set | 6.08 oz | 8.1 | |
| Bits and Pieces Deluxe 8-in-1 Fishing Tool | weighing and measuring | 8 | 8.0 |
How we compared these fishing multitools
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for, which here means compact size plus fishing usefulness.
We checked each tool's published specs: folded size, weight, tool list and lock design. A fishing-specific tool like a hook remover or scale scored higher for this list than a general tool with more functions.
Pliers-based tools ranked above blade-only sets because hook work is the job anglers do most. We also favored tools that fold under about 4.5 inches, since small size is the point of this roundup.
Materials and warranty coverage broke ties when the tool count was close.
What the specs mean on the water
Folded size decides where the tool lives. Anything near 4 inches goes in a vest pocket or tackle box tray; 6 inches and up needs a belt or boat bag.
Weight matters more than it looks. A tool around 6 to 8 ounces disappears into a jacket; one over 10 ounces starts to pull on a vest after a long walk.
The tool list tells you what jobs you'll stop improvising. A hook remover saves fingers near a thrashing fish, and a built-in scale or tape saves carrying separate gear.
Lock design is the safety spec. Self-locking tools that stay open until you release them are the standard to aim for, especially when your hands are wet or cold.
What should a fishing multitool include?
A fishing multitool needs needle-nose pliers, a line cutter and a locking blade before anything else. Those three cover hook removal, re-rigging and cutting bait or line.
Hook removers, fish scalers and tape measures are bonuses that save you carrying separate tools. Screwdrivers and bottle openers are useful for camp and boat jobs but rarely the reason you reach for the tool.
Locking tools matter more near water than at a workbench. Wet hands slip, and a tool that folds mid-cut is a cut waiting to happen.
Look for self-locking designs that hold open until you release them.
If you fish from a boat, a lanyard hole or carabiner clip keeps the tool from going overboard. On the bank, a sheath or belt clip keeps it out of the mud.
Which size fishing multitool fits a tackle box?
A folded length under 4.5 inches fits most tackle box side pockets and vest pouches without bulk. The PERWIN, PRO-MASTER and FLISSA all land near 4.1 to 4.3 inches.
Sizes over 5 inches, like the Grand Way and Bits and Pieces picks, belong in a boat bag or on a belt. They buy you more tools or bigger measuring features, at the cost of pocket space.
Pocket-sized tools under 4.5 inches
If you want the tool on your person, stay in this group. The Leatherman Wingman at 3.8 inches folded is the shortest here and the easiest to forget in a pocket.
The FLISSA at 4.13 inches is close behind, with a belt clip that suits a vest loop.
Bag-sized tools from 4.5 inches up
Choose these when tools matter more than portability. The Grand Way's 6.5-inch frame is the trade for its 24 features and bit set.
The Bits and Pieces tool at 6 inches buys you a tape measure and fish scale instead.
Do you need fishing-specific tools or a general multitool?
It depends on whether you handle fish and line more than you fix gear. Pick a fishing-specific tool if hook removal, line cutting and weighing are your main needs, and a general multitool if repairs come up often.
Fishing sets like the Swiss Ascent and Rapala do their jobs better than any add-on tool. They leave out pliers or screwdrivers, though, so most anglers end up carrying one of each.
A general tool with a hook remover, like the PRO-MASTER or fangfo, splits the difference and keeps your bag light. The Rapala shows the narrow end of the spectrum: it is line tools only, hung on a carabiner.
If you hike to remote water, a lighter tool pays off on the walk in. Our guide to the best lightweight multitools for hiking covers carry weight in more detail, and the best small multitools for a pocket or purse covers compact picks beyond fishing.
How do you care for a fishing multitool?
Rinse it in fresh water and dry it fully after every trip, then oil the joints. Salt, bait residue and lake water all shorten the life of a stainless tool left closed and wet.
Work each tool open and shut after cleaning so water doesn't sit in the pivot. A drop of light oil on the joints keeps the action smooth.
Self-locking tools should be cycled the same way so the lock springs don't stick.
When a blade gets dull or damaged, replacing it is usually quicker than sharpening on the bank. Our guide on how to change a blade on a multitool walks through the process for common folding designs.
Which small fishing multitool should you buy?
For most anglers, the best small fishing multi tool is the PERWIN Multitool. It gives you pliers, cutters, a saw and a locking blade in a 4.3-inch frame, with a sheath to keep it off your pocket.
Pick the Swiss Ascent if fish handling is your priority and you want a scale built in. Go with the Rapala for line and hook work, the Grand Way for repairs, or the FLISSA if pocket carry is the deciding factor.
Whichever you choose, keep it rinsed and dry after each trip. Start with our best small multitools for a pocket or purse if you want a lighter second tool for the walk in.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for simple shore trips
PRO-MASTER SMART & SIMPLE 15-in-1 Multitool with Safety
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for dedicated fish handling
Swiss Ascent Fisherman Gift Tool Fishing Multitool
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best small fishing multi tool overall?
The PERWIN Multitool is the best small fishing multi tool for most anglers. It packs 17 tools into a 4.3-inch frame, including needle-nose pliers, a saw and a self-locking blade, and it comes with a nylon sheath for belt or pack carry.
Do I need pliers on a fishing multitool?
Yes, needle-nose pliers help with hook removal, split rings and straightening light wire. Look for a tool that locks open so the pliers stay steady while you work near a fish's mouth.
Which small multitool has a hook remover?
The PRO-MASTER, Swiss Ascent, fangfo and Bits and Pieces picks each list a hook remover among their tools. The Swiss Ascent goes further with a scale scraper, tape measure and weight scale in the same body.
Is a keychain multitool enough for fishing?
A keychain multitool covers snipping line and small fixes, but most lack pliers. Carry a keychain multitool as a backup and keep a pliers-based tool in your tackle bag for hook work.
How do I keep a fishing multitool from rusting?
Rinse it in fresh water after saltwater trips and dry it fully before closing the tools. Stainless steel resists rust but salt and bait residue still need removing after every trip.
