What's on your surf belt?

[Krispy]

This winter I am re-organizing how I use my belt and bag, to add more to the belt, take some weight out of the bag and make things easier and more comfortable in the surf. I wear the belt for countless hours every season, so it should be done right. And because I got nothin else to do this winter Nothings worse than fumbling for that knife or pliers. Or dragging a water bottle in the bag for hours. Here it is now. Pliers in sheath, knife, eelbag and the lovely eel rag on a 2" nylon quick release belt. The eelrag gets stuffed between me and the belt. Tight squeeze

Somethings I'd like to add are a small water bottle (sometimes), a small plug pouch to keep me from running up the beach or jetty to swap plugs all the time. And possibly a boga into the mix. I may put the pliers on the plug pouch. Knife needs to stay on the belt. Ive seen tiny water tight boxes, which would be nice to keep my smokes in and not have to dig thru my waders, belt and jacket for. And some other stuff Ill remember tomorrow morning.


I saw a guy wearing one of these in the surf last year too. A good idea, but maybe overdoing it

[TunaCell]

The one you made would be the one I would find to be ideal. Nice and simple, and you know were every thing is. The other one would seem like it would be too cumbersome and only get in the way. On my surf belt I ahve a knife, a pair of needle nose plyers, some type of plug bag.

[tlapinski]

Krispy, just don't go back to wearing this belt...

[spence]

That sheep pic's making me sorta, tingly

I've got my pliers and the little Aquaskinz bag with leaders, teasers and the like. This way I've got the important stuff regardless of what plug bag. If I'm fishing small stuff I'll use a belt plug bag as well.

-spence

[t.orlando]

Did some experimenting this year with surf belts also. Usually go with 2 pliers(1 needlenose, 1 Billfisher for cutting hooks), eel bag(or jug) eel rag. For places like the cape or when long walks are involved, I can add a small water bottle and a pouch. In the pouch are a leader wallet, a few needles, and a few swimmers, and I'll go without the big plug bag.

[PurpelNoon]

I was happy to see this post because having a belt in optimum working order really makes fishing so much easier, as crazy as it sounds.

The first thing I did was switch to 2 small hip packs instead of the shoulder bag and my back has already thanked me.

I have the Boga, pliers and a small Aquaskinz bag for bucktails, storms and pork bottle.

My biggest problem is actually getting a good belt. I've tried the pistol belt because it is very stiff material but besides the metal parts rusting, you just can't slide your stuff around it. Everything gets caught! The belt I'm using now works good but but because it is thinner material, its getting all folded and beat-up. I need a nice plain but stiff belt. What are my best options?

Also, I really like the small hip packs from The Surfcaster. The only thing I would like to do is make the inserts a bit bigger. I'd rather to be able to carry 3 large plugs than 4 tiny ones, especially in the fall.

[chris L]

check out the belt that swaltwaters edge has online .

[Water Treater]

All summer long I fish from a boat where everything is handy. This makes me spoiled.

In the fall I switch to surf fishing and I still want EVERYTHING handy. Difficult to do! When fishing the surf access to everything must be one-handed.

On my wader belt (has a friction style buckle not a clip buckle shown in your photo) I keep a pair of stainless steel Donmarr pliers in a sheaf (with a closed flap), folding knife in a second sheaf with a closed flap (blade opens with a flick of the wrist) and a third sheaf containing fish tagging needles and measuring tape. I release everything I catch.

Sometimes I also carry on my belt a neoprene camera case. This is of course much larger than the sheafs and depending on the size can hold a water bottle, lures, leaders, etc. I have one neoprene camera case inside of which I've squeezed a 6X3X5 inch white plastic soap/shampoo holder meant for suction cup mounting on a shower wall in a bathroom. This provides rigid support for this neoprene case and essentially gives me a fanny pack. Neoprene camera case holds up well in salt water.

I keep several small red cotton "shop rags" looped through "D" rings that are on my waders and my tackle bag.

Maybe you'll answer a question for me: What do you use to secure your exposed folded knife to your belt? In your photo looks like a metal ring requiring two hands to open. Is this a quick release device? If so, what type/brand? Where sold?

Thanks.

Bill

[pops]

surfcasters belt lure bag at night+gerber needlenose fishing pliers
witha van staal lanyard ,on simms wader belt [ I prefer not to look like batman fishing] the pliers open with one handed flick so its easy to use

[fishweewee]

I wear a Patagonia stretchy surf belt when I'm not carrying the small Aquaskinz plug bag that attaches to the belt.

When I am carrying the belt bag, I have a stiff nylon belt from The Surfcaster.

Most of the time I just have a set of cheapo pliers from Ocean State Job Lot, and a leather sheath. A while back I lost my enclosed plier sheath that had a WD-40 reservoir to keep the pliers coated (picked it up in the OBX, wished I bot another that was a great plier sheath).

On the rocks in dangerous places I also carry a Surfcaster hand gaff with holster, when I want to recover a fish without getting tossed into the suds.

[rob-s]

i got the 2'' ss ring from auqaskins.
that thing is great , the butt handle of the rod slides in nicely.
i can reel with the load off, or move with less risk of dunking the reel.
changeing plugs it comes into play alot.

just never thought of it till i got one & it sure is handy

[JohnR]

I am looking to upgrade my surf belt this year and want to add some cutting pliers that will go thru a hook. Biggest issue for me is that I need to double up on stuff as when I'm wearing my Aquaskinz I use the built in wader belt and when I'm not I need to move the stuff over to my regular wader belt.

I also use the Job Lot pliers as for cheap money I can use (lose) several pairs over the season and not worry about it.

As for water - I'm always carrying water. I bought one of those camel backs at SA for $20 and started using that end of summer and all fall. I really like it and can wear it ouside or inside a jacket, outside of my Skinz, or just strolling the beach on a nice summer day...

[RIROCKHOUND]

I go to Army navy surplus and buy my wader belts there..
My knife is a hijcacked 4" kitchen knife, in a leather sheath always on my right side... small and sharp It trims line and guts a bluefish fast and easy
Pliers (brand unknown) but 6+ seasons of abuse and they still work... attached with a section of telephone cord...
The belt I have has a few small straps that snap on, sometimes I carry a 1/2" line coiled like Indiana jones, but mostly I jkust tie it around my waist then leave the long tage end with the snap ready to be unclipped
Sometimes a small surfcaster bag, with bombers and small needles, but thats only if I am far from my truck...
Canyon surf bag... all the usual crap in that, plugs, extra light (in ziploc) etc.. keeping that clsoed is a nylon dog collar with a snap buckle... doubles as a handle to lug bass around
There may be more I have to think...
B

[PurpelNoon]

Originally posted by chris L
check out the belt that swaltwaters edge has online .

Thats the one I have. So far its the best I used, but I need something thicker. I was thinking about having a shoemaker put two together but then I'm not sure if the buckle will work on it.

[theSURF121]

A Nylon military style belt. A pair of Donnmar pliers( should have stayed with the Manleys-alot cheaper). A 30 lb Boga. And a good knife. A 1" piece of PVC tubing attached to the belt with line where I can place the rod butt so I can have my hands free but now Aquaskinz makes something better. And a clip to attach to the lure bag so it doesn't swing freely when climbing atop a rock.
Going to check out a diver's belt and see if that's better cause the military belt is too wide for many of the accessories out there. Some guys do use some high quality gun belts.

[Krispy]

Maybe you'll answer a question for me: What do you use to secure your exposed folded knife to your belt? In your photo looks like a metal ring requiring two hands to open. Is this a quick release device? If so, what type/brand? Where sold?

Bill, holding my knife is just a carabiner from the local marine store. Try the sailing dept. It opens with one hand and I'm very happy with how that piece of equipment works. Easy to manage and clip the knife back on

[PurpelNoon]

Originally posted by theSURF121
A Nylon military style belt. A pair of Donnmar pliers( should have stayed with the Manleys-alot cheaper). A 30 lb Boga. And a good knife. A 1" piece of PVC tubing attached to the belt with line where I can place the rod butt so I can have my hands free but now Aquaskinz makes something better. And a clip to attach to the lure bag so it doesn't swing freely when climbing atop a rock.
Going to check out a diver's belt and see if that's better cause the military belt is too wide for many of the accessories out there. Some guys do use some high quality gun belts.

I dont like the gun belt because it rusts slowly and you cant slide anything on the belt. Everything gets caught and it is too wide for some stuff. I think the diver belt is the best bet for thickness and maneuverability.

[Water Treater]

OOPS! Forgot one very important thing. I usually tag any decent size, healthy striped bass and blues I catch. Tagging in the surf requires TWO HANDS. When I land a fish on the beach I need to immediately put my rod in a sand spike.

To accomplish that I carry a sand spike on my wader belt like a sword. (Drill hole through three dollar plastic sand spike an inch below the fluted lip, attach very large ss split ring (really a key ring), and clip sand spike to wader belt (or "D" ring on bottom of tackle bag) using a one-handed release spring loaded snap.)

This allows one-handed release of sand spike, after which I insert sand spike into the soft sand, drop in my rod and reel, and then have two hands available to unhook and tag fish.

[PurpelNoon]

Nice idea!

I've been fishing some rocky areas and I'm not very experienced at releasing fish without shoring them so I'm thinking of doing the cut PVC pipe and attaching that as a rod holder. I've seen guys with these and I've always wondered what they were. Now I know.

[pops]

on the sandspike thing. I have the 14 compt surfcasters bag, with two optional belt loops on the back . They are just the right size to slip a sandspike in.

[PurpelNoon]

Originally posted by pops
on the sandspike thing. I have the 14 compt surfcasters bag, with two optional belt loops on the back . They are just the right size to slip a sandspike in.

You put the spike horizontally through the loops?

[Mr. Sandman]

I picked up a new belt last season...for years I could not find a belt I really liked (must have 6 or 8 of them) but last year found a navy seal black HD velcro ammo belt for 10 bucks in an army navy store. Used it all season...works great!!! Very heavy duty and no metal on it to rust or cut my aquaskinz jacket.

I have on it a small aquaskins bag (on the side), and the large pauch(in the back), sometimes a bogo grip cliped to the stainless D ring and teatherd to the belt with a VS coiled teather(also on the back). Also I have a pair of pliers...I don't take the donmars anymore...I leave them on the boat now, I use a pair of 15 buck shimano pliers that last the season no problem if you soak them in some wd40 now and again and have them on quick open/close velco sheath. (I buy 4 or 5 of these pliers a season now cause I do loose them to Neptune...I consider it a fishing tax) They can not cut a hook...(well I did but I ruined the cutters) but they do a pretty good job on braid (***if*** the cutters are in like new shape, if not...they suck on braid) and do a good job at de-hooking a fish) Also I have a plastic D ring on the side for clipping a eel bag should I need that.

It is loaded but my hands are free and I have enough gear for fishing just about anyplace. I can get in and out of the small bag for plugs and I rarely go into the pauch but it carrys some extras should I need it and it says near my backside.
I keep a clipper on my jacket (for braid) and have two LED lights, one on my hat and one around my neck that fits in my pocket. I also carry a leader wallet in my skinz pocket.

If I am going for an extended period and want lots of stuff, my big bag then makes the journey, I wear a different belt which has less stuff on it and carry the big bag on my sholder and place it on the beach when I get to my spot.

But I have to say having everything on your belt and nothing to carry except your rod is nice..

can't wait for the spring run............................................... ...

[libassboy]

about pliers, look into the shimano offshore pliers. cut any hook easily, very durable, and a great waterproof finish. plus they look pretty darn cool

[pops]

Originally posted by PurpelNoon
You put the spike horizontally through the loops?

yes , I regularly use spin/fly so one rod gets parked when I find a spot ...

[PurpelNoon]

I have the Manley long nose pliers. I paid under $20 for them years ago and they are holding up great. I believe they can cut hooks but I never tried. They are very tough material. Someone with a drill press helped me out because my drill would'nt even scratch them. I attached the lanyard and now I'm all set.

[TunaCell]

Originally posted by Water Treater
OOPS! Forgot one very important thing. I usually tag any decent size, healthy striped bass and blues I catch. Tagging in the surf requires TWO HANDS.

I've been tagging fish for ALS for a few years now, but never attempted to do it in the surf because I dismissed it as impossible and only did it when I was fishing while standing on the beach. If you wouldn't mind sharing, could you tell me how you have to handle the fish to tag in the surf? This info would be much appreciated.

[Crafty Angler]

I'd post a photo of myself in my waders but I think they make my butt look big.......

I really want to look for that SEAL velcro ammo belt - I've never been crazy about the standrd pistol belt once the plastic clasp wears.

On my belt I carry a 30 lb Boga with the mike cord from an old CB radio (remember those, good buddy?) as a lanyard - it's stouter than a telephone cord -

Rip-Off plier sheath with a loop rather than the clip-type and a fold-over cover to secure the pliers with velcro - the pliers are Shimano's that are $20.00 or so and more than adequate. I won't be tempted to go in after them if I drop 'em overboard.

The only other item on my belt is a 9" Rapala fillet knife that I keep sharp as a straight razor.

After many long nights of casting with a Surfcaster double row bag on I keep thinking a small 'Skinz bag for the belt is going to be high on my list this Spring - that and a small lunch-size soft-sided cooler with eels is all I need and I'm good to go.

[Water Treater]

Tuna Cell,

I've tagged almost 1000 fish (bass and blues) for Pam Carlsen at the ALs. It's much easier from a boat but it's not too difficult from the surf (sandy beach) in the daytime if you are prepared and have rehearsed all the steps.

At night it's more difficult but then again everything is more difficult to do at night.

The trick is to have your fish tag (already threaded in the ss needle), wet rag for fish, dry rag to give you a grip on the fish while it's lying on the beach, measuring tape, scissors/pliers, flashlight and if you are old like me, reading eyeglasses, ALL WITHIN REACH.

I pre-record the fish tag number on pages of an inexpensive (79 cents) 3X5 inch spiral bound mini-notebook with lined paper(available at CVS or local stationery store) using a Sanford fine point waterproof permanent marker laundry pen. It's OK if some of the pages of the paper notebook get damp (they will dry out later at home), but you must use a pen with waterproof ink.

Gently but quickly drag your catch up on the beach, remove the hook, put wet, not dry, rag over the head of the fish to calm it down (also helps to talk to your fish and reassure it everything will be all right-honest), use dry rag to give you a grip on the tail/body of your catch while inserting tag/needle, tie knot, trim excess tag, measure fork length, drop your accessories onto the dry rag on the beach, and quickly bring your catch back to the water's edge for a gentle release. That's the best part-quality time spent releasing a fish.

If you keep your tagging needles in a small piece of stryofoam you won't lose as many needles. My biggest problem tagging fish on the beach is needles lost in the sand after I return to the spot on the beach where moments earlier I tagged a fish.


Tagging on a beach/jetty takes practice but more importantly it takes PREPARATION.

Bluefish are not very controllable with just a wet rag over their eyes but if you insert the point of a small hand gaff under their lower jaw and out through the mouth they are cooperative. Their jaw skin is tough here. No harm to the bluefish-no bleeding either.

Hope these thoughts helps. PM me if you have any more questions.

Bill Brett

When fish is strong enough to swim away, let her go

[Water Treater]

TunaCell

I just re-read your request..."tagging IN the surf". I think I answered the wrong question!

There's no practical way to tag fish while you are standing IN the surf. However, using pieces of styrofoam to hold ss insertion needles pre-threaded (with tag ID pre-recorded) tags and having a tape measure in a wader pocket might allow you to tag a fish "on the run" (i.e. without kneeling down on a sandy beach or a rocky jetty).

Bill Brett

[TunaCell]

Never had problem with the actual tagging/ releasing, I learned from the best in the world. But even what you said about "tagging on the run" is going to save me a lot of fustration next season, running back to the beach was getting old

thanks a lot