Walter Hix
Top 5 Hunting Tools Best for Fishing and Outdoor Pursuits
Introduction
The divide between a hunter and an angler is often just a matter of seasons. In reality, the skills required to track an elk through dense timber overlap significantly with reading a river for trout. Both pursuits demand patience, observation, and equipment that can withstand the elements. However, there is a unique category of gear that straddles both worlds—tools that are just as useful in a deer stand as they are on a bass boat.
Whether it is securing food through passive means, keeping critical gear dry during a downpour, or protecting your eyes from both recoil and glare, crossover gear offers the best value for the versatile outdoorsman. A well-rounded kit should not be compartmentalized; it should be fluid, allowing you to adapt to whatever resources are available. Investing in quality hunting gear that serves dual purposes ensures you are never caught unprepared, regardless of whether you are holding a rifle or a rod. The following list highlights five exceptional items that excel in both hunting camps and fishing expeditions.
Main section
Speedhook Emergency Fishing/Hunting Kit
What it is: The Speedhook is a specialized, spring-loaded trapping mechanism originally designed for military survival kits. It consists of a simple wire spring trigger that holds a line under tension. When a fish or small game animal bites the bait and disturbs the trigger, the spring snaps open instantly, setting the hook with a speed and force that manual reactions often cannot match. It is compact, lightweight, and typically comes with dehydrated bait and line.
What problem it solves: In a survival scenario, time is your most valuable calorie. You cannot afford to sit by a bank holding a fishing pole or watching a snare for hours when you need to build shelter or gather firewood. The Speedhook solves the problem of active time investment. It acts as an automated provider, fishing or trapping for you while you sleep or attend to other tasks. It effectively clones your efforts, allowing you to be in two places at once.
Practical considerations: This device is highly effective, which makes it illegal for recreational sport fishing and hunting in many jurisdictions. It is intended for emergency survival situations where staying alive supersedes fair chase regulations. Always check local laws before deploying it. For hunting, it is best used for small game like squirrels or waterfowl near the water's edge using appropriate bait placement.
Rockagator Mammoth Series 60L Waterproof Duffel
What it is: The Rockagator Mammoth is a 60-liter beast of a bag designed to be impervious to moisture. Constructed from heavy-duty TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) with high-frequency welded seams, it eliminates needle holes where water typically leaks in. It features a roll-top closure system similar to a dry bag, ensuring a watertight seal that can withstand heavy rain, mud, and even brief submersion.
What problem it solves: Waterfowl hunters and river anglers share a common enemy: wet gear. A soaked sleeping bag or rusty ammunition can ruin a trip. The Rockagator solves the environmental exposure problem. It provides a 100% waterproof sanctuary for your critical gear, whether it is sitting in the bottom of a leaky jon boat or strapped to an ATV in a thunderstorm. If dropped overboard, it floats (provided there is air inside), making recovery possible.
Practical considerations: The material is tough but rigid. To ensure a true waterproof seal, you must roll the top down at least three times before clipping it. 60 liters is substantial—enough for a week's worth of clothes and a sleep system—but it lacks the internal organization of a suitcase, so use packing cubes to keep smaller items from getting lost in the cavernous interior.
What it is: The Exotac xREEL is a modernized, tactical take on the traditional hobo handline. Machined from high-strength materials, it fits in the palm of your hand or a pocket. It features a textured grip for secure handling and an internal waterproof compartment to store hooks, sinkers, and floats. The "Roundabout" organizer keeps your terminal tackle neat and accessible, preventing the dreaded bird's nest of tangles.
What problem it solves: Carrying a full-sized fishing rod on a backcountry hunt is often impractical due to weight and snag hazards. Yet, crossing a stream full of fish without a way to catch them is a missed opportunity. The xREEL solves the portability issue. It gives you a durable, pocket-sized fishing system that allows you to harvest protein without the bulk of a rod. It is indestructible compared to graphite rods, meaning it won't snap when bushwhacking through dense brush.
Practical considerations: Handlining requires a different technique than rod fishing; you feel the bite directly with your fingers. Wear gloves if you are targeting larger fish to prevent line cuts. The internal compartment is small, so curate your tackle wisely—stick to versatile lures and hooks that can catch a variety of species. It is the ultimate backup food procurement tool for the hunter.
Bolle Sentinel Copper Ballistic Glasses
What it is: The Bolle Sentinel glasses are high-performance protective eyewear designed for tactical and outdoor applications. They feature ballistic-rated lenses (certified to STANAG 2920 and ANSI Z87.1) that can withstand high-velocity impacts. The copper lens tint is specifically engineered to filter blue light and enhance contrast, making colors pop against natural backgrounds. They also feature a non-slip bridge and flexible temples for all-day comfort.
What problem it solves: Hunters need protection from recoil and debris, while anglers need to cut glare to see fish. Standard sunglasses often lack impact protection, and clear safety glasses fail to manage light. These glasses solve the dual-purpose visibility problem. The copper lens is ideal for both spotting game in the brush and seeing fish in the water, increasing depth perception in variable light conditions. Simultaneously, they offer military-grade protection for your eyes.
Practical considerations: The copper tint is excellent for overcast days or transition lighting (dawn/dusk) but may be too light for extremely bright, direct sunlight on open ocean. Treat the lenses with an anti-fog spray if you are hiking in high humidity, although the design allows for decent airflow. They are a single piece of gear that replaces both your shooting glasses and your fishing shades.
What it is: The Wazoo Forager Bandana is a wearable field guide. It is a standard-sized bandana printed with detailed illustrations and identification guides for 12 of the most common edible plants and fungi found in North America. It includes critical information on which parts of the plant are edible and how to prepare them. Made from durable cotton, it functions as a head covering, a water filter pre-filter, or a bandage, in addition to its educational value.
What problem it solves: Foraging is a valuable skill, but carrying heavy field guidebooks adds unnecessary weight. Relying on memory alone can be dangerous. This bandana solves the information accessibility problem. It puts expert botanical knowledge right on your head, ensuring you have a reference for gathering wild edibles to supplement your hunted or fished meat. It turns a walk back to camp into a grocery run.
Practical considerations: While the illustrations are accurate, never consume a wild plant unless you are 100% positive of its identity. Use the bandana as a reference to confirm what you see, but cross-reference if possible. As a cotton item, it has dozens of other uses—from a pot holder to a tourniquet cravat—making it a zero-weight-penalty addition to your pocket or neck.
Conclusion
The most successful outdoorsmen are those who can adapt to their environment. By choosing gear that serves multiple functions, you increase your capability without increasing your pack weight. The Speedhook and xREEL provide passive and active food gathering options, while the Rockagator keeps your vitals dry. Bolle Sentinels protect your vision in any scenario, and the Wazoo Bandana ensures you never overlook a meal on the trail.
When packing for your next trip, ask yourself if your gear can pull double duty. Versatility is the hallmark of the experienced woodsman. Equip yourself with these crossover tools, and you will be ready to harvest the bounty of the land and water alike. Stay safe, stay dry, and happy hunting.
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