I always feel you can learn a lot about what they’re hitting by looking at what’s missing on the pegboard at your local tackle shop. If there’s a hole on the shelf where mackerel-colored swimmers should be, it’s a pretty good bet what stripers at the ‘ditch’ or along the rocks are on.
Much can be said of tackle accessories and tools; when folks are running low on a particular item, it’s safe to say that anglers have found a quality, well-priced filet knife, grip and scale or pliers that you may find worthy of another look. Talking to Fred Haas and the crew at Tackle Direct recently about Cuda brand tools, I was able to glom a little more.
First off, Cuda has been around for about 40 years. Founded by Capt. Rick Constantine, a longtime charter boat captain and commercial fisherman. From pliers and crimpers, to scissors and dehookers, Cuda tools are built using leading edge materials like Titanium Alloy, Aluminum Alloy, German Stainless Steel and Tungsten Carbide. These products are built to last, which is why Capt. Rick’s company guarantees their tools with a lifetime warranty
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Cuda’s top seller at Tackle Direct in recent months has been the 8-inch Titanium Bonded Snips (model 18825) which are a great tool for cutting braid, leader, rope, even for snipping fins. The blades are three times harder than untreated steel and maintain sharpness through many uses. There’s an integrated wire cutter and micro-serrated edge, and the internal spring system is well constructed for endurance. The non-slip Cuda ‘scale’ patter grips, offered on all Cuda tools, is comfortable to hold and easy to grip even when your hands are wet and messy.
The unique grip design comes in especially handy on the Cuda 9-inch Titanium Bonded Flex Filet Knife (model 18832) which boasts a precision ground-flex edge. The full-tang construction of the Cuda ‘flex filet’ knife allows for increased force leverage through the handle while at the cleaning station; it’s well-balanced for finely slicing meat from your catch, and with the German 4116 corrosion resistant stainless and titanium bonding you can count on this blade to last after many successful outings.
The third most popular Cuda tool in this season’s line at Tackle Direct so far is the larger, 18-inch Titanium Bonded Dehooker (model 18869) that features aluminum alloy construction and Cuda’s dual-nonslip grips. That and the smaller, 8-1/2-inch model (18835) are built with a corrosion resistant dehooking mechanism to stand up in harsh, saltwater environment, especially handy when you’re releasing those extra bluefin or even short fluke.
And if you’re looking for an inexpensive yet durable set of aluminum alloy pliers for either the boat or the beach, Cuda’s 7-1/2-inch (model 18837) model features tungsten carbide cutting blades for cleanly cutting mono and braid alike, with titanium bonded jaws for gripping power. It also comes with a nylon sheath and lanyard to keep them close at hand when the need arises.
Again, the non-slip ‘scale’ pattern Cuda grips are especially functional when your hands are covered with salt and slime. If you regularly watch Wicked Tuna you’re probably already familiar with the unique ‘grip’ design of the Cuda line; ‘pro’ partners include captains TJ Ott, Dave Marciano, Dave Carraro and Tyler McLaughlin who put their gear to the ultimate test, day in and day out, in the hunt for giant bluefin.
Learn more about Cuda brand fishing tools online.
