Gear
Catfish Landing & Dehooking Kit (Net, Grippers, Long Pliers) — Utah Lake
A simple “land it + unhook it safely” kit for Utah Lake channel catfish: long-handle net options, fish grips, long pliers, hook removers, gloves, and a couple small upgrades — with Amazon links.
Why this matters (besides comfort)
- Fewer lost fish: steep, muddy banks + weeds mean a decent net lands fish you’d otherwise lose at your feet.
- Faster resets: long pliers + a simple routine gets you back to fishing quickly.
- Fish + human safety: catfish spines + hooks + darkness is a rough combo without tools.
If you want the full catfish-from-shore setup, start with Catfish Bank Fishing Kit.
Landing nets (pick one)
A long handle helps on riprap and steep banks. If you can, go rubberized (less tangles, easier cleanup).
Dehooking tools
The “must-have” is a long pliers. Everything else is optional, but nice.
- Long-nose pliers (11–16") — the #1 catfish tool
- Hook remover / disgorger (cheap backup)
- Fish lip gripper (optional control for photos/unhooking)
- Line cutters (cut the hook free if needed)
Tip: if a fish is deeply hooked and you’re not confident removing it quickly, cutting the line close and keeping the fish in water is often the least-bad option.
Gloves + cleanup
Small extras that help
- Headlamp (hands-free for night unhooking)
- Small first-aid kit (hooks happen)
- Measuring tape / bump board (optional)
For cleaner photos + measuring, see Measuring + Photo Kit.
Affiliate disclosure
Some links go to Amazon. If you buy through them, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.