10 Best Fishing Knives 2026 in the United States

The Buck Knives 102 Woodsman is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable fixed blade hunting or fishing knife. It features a 4-inch clip point blade made from 420HC stainless steel, which is known for its good balance of sharpness, durability, and resistance to rust – important when working around water or outdoors. The blade is full tang, meaning the metal runs through the entire handle, giving it strength and balance. The handle itself is made of phenolic material shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, providing a good grip even in wet conditions. It also includes a finger guard and thumb ridges, which help with precision and safety during use. A nice touch is the genuine leather sheath that comes with the knife, making it easy and secure to carry on a belt. Weighing just 2.6 ounces, the knife is lightweight enough for extended use without causing fatigue.

On the downside, the blade length is somewhat modest at 4 inches, which might limit its effectiveness for larger cutting tasks. Also, the knife requires hand washing to maintain its quality, so it's not dishwasher safe. Since the manufacturer has discontinued it, finding new units might be challenging, but Buck's lifetime warranty indicates it's a trusted product.

This knife is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts who want a dependable, well-balanced tool for detailed cutting, whether fishing, hunting, or general outdoor use.

The Buck Knives 191 Buck Zipper is a well-crafted hunting knife featuring a 4-1/4 inch drop point blade made from 420HC stainless steel. This blade material is known for good edge retention and resistance to rust, which is important for outdoor use. The integrated gut hook is a standout feature designed to make field dressing game quicker and cleaner, much like a zipper, which can be very handy for hunters and those processing fish. The blade’s shape and length strike a nice balance for detailed slicing and tougher cutting tasks.

The handle is made from DymaLux walnut, offering a comfortable, secure grip with a classic look enhanced by brass accents. This wooden handle feels sturdy and balanced in hand, helping with control during use. Additionally, the knife includes a quality leather sheath with a snap closure and belt loop, making it convenient and safe to carry in the field. Weighing 6.3 ounces, the knife is light enough for everyday carry without being flimsy.

This model has been discontinued, which might affect availability and price. While 420HC stainless steel is good for corrosion resistance, it may require occasional maintenance to keep the edge razor-sharp and free from rust, especially in wet environments. The Buck Zipper’s simple, reliable design and lifetime warranty reflect Buck’s commitment to quality. It is best suited for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need a practical tool for skinning and field dressing rather than a specialized fishing fillet knife. If you want a sturdy, versatile fixed blade with a gut hook, this model is a solid choice, though checking current availability is recommended.

The Buck Knives 657 Pursuit Pro is a solid choice if you want a durable fixed blade knife for fishing and general outdoor use. Its 4.5-inch blade is made of S35VN stainless steel, which means it stays sharp longer and resists rust—important when you’re around water. The drop point blade with a guthook is especially useful for game processing, which can be handy if you catch fish or hunt. The handle combines nylon with a rubber overmold (Versaflex), giving you a comfortable, non-slip grip even in wet conditions.

Plus, the thumb jimping adds extra control for precise cutting, and the included polyester sheath makes it easy to carry safely. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, it’s light enough to handle without fatigue. On the downside, the handle material might not feel as premium as some other knives with full rubber or textured grips, and the sheath is imported, which could affect durability compared to the knife’s US-made blade.

Designed primarily for hunting, its corrosion resistance and ergonomic grip also make it a good fit for fishing tasks. If you want a reliable, well-made knife that covers various outdoor needs including fishing, this one stands out—especially backed by Buck’s lifetime warranty.