We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything but it helps to offset the costs of paying our writing team (Me) Thanks for your support!
Product: Gerber Linedriver/ Multi-Tool For Fishing
Cheapest Place To Buy: Amazon.com
Size: 9.5 inches H, 5.5 inches L, 0.8 inches W
Weight: 0.22 Pounds
Body: 6061 aluminum
Rating: 7/10
Click Here To Check The Latest Price
Gerber linedriver Multitool; Product Review
Like every fisherperson, I want to spend more time fishing, and less time with my line out of the water. A quick google search will tell you that there are many multi-tool for fishing around that supposedly help you while fishing. Now, don’t get me wrong, you will find some very good products around.
The problem is, that for every good 1 you find, there are 10 bad ones. At first glance, the Gerber Linedriver seems like a great product, with so many different functions. So let’s break it down and look at each one separately to see how good it is.
Features and Details
- Spinning line vise
- Tether ring
- Eyelet cleaning spike
- Hook threader
- Stay open scissors to cut while still in your pocket
- Sliding lock
- Split shot crimper
Spinning Line Vise
This is probably one of the coolest functions of this tool. Designed to help tie your clinch and improve clinch knots, it’s not so great for others like a double uni or Palomar knot. The spinner was quite smooth, but like all things, needs lubricating regularly. I found the line vice worked quite well but didn’t always hold securely.
Verdict 7/10
Tether Ring
It might seem like an obvious thing, but not all of these types of tools come with one. We all know the frustration of dropping a tool in the water. You can use the clip to attach to a pocket or belt, but for extra peace of mind, I recommend getting a tether. Though the ring looks a bit cheap, it is secure enough.
Verdict 8/10
Eyelet cleaning spike
This is a great little feature if you are painting your jig heads, or to help clean the excess paint from new ones you may buy. Also, great for tightening knots on your hooks or lures by limiting slipping.
If using this technique make sure you are aware of the flex of your hook as you may bend it. The spike itself is a little large, so probably not suitable for smaller eyes like in a lot of flies and smaller hooks.
Verdict 6/10
Hook threader
If your eyesight just isn’t what it used to be, your hands are a bit shaky or you are in a rocking boat, this function was built with you in mind. Despite the weather, we all still want to go fishing, this includes winter. Problem is, you need to take those gloves off to tread those hooks, flies, lures, or jigs.
The frustration of trying to thread that line is all too real. This little tool will take that frustration away. Unfortunately, it will also add another frustration to the mix, trying to line the eye up perfectly. This will take some practice till you get the hang of it.
Verdict 8/10
Click Here To Check The Latest Price
Scissor/Snips
It doesn’t matter what type of fishing you do, sooner or later you will need to cut line. These scissors have mico-serration to help cut mono and braid lines. They cut through mono like a hot knife through butter, but you will need some tension on the line to cut the braid effectively.
With the Gerber Linedriver attached to your belt with the clip, you have two hands-free, so getting this tension isn’t a problem. If you’re not using the clip, this becomes a problem.
As the scissors are set quite far back inside the tool, it is can be hard to see where you are cutting. Likewise, as they are a little bulky, it is hard to get a close cut, so not recommended for trying to cut the braid close.
Verdict 7/10
Sliding lock
Now, this feature is designed to keep those scissors closed securely. Unfortunately, the way it is positioned, they tend to unlock with a bit of vibration and the scissors will spring open. The open position it locks in is supposed to help in cutting the line, making it easier and faster, but creates a problem when walking and can be a potential cut hazard.
Verdict 6/10
Split shot crimper
To have this on any tool is a plus. This design, though will still get the job done, does lack the leverage of most pliers because of the handle and jaw design.
Verdict 7/10
If you would like to check out some other great multi-tools for fishing, then follow this link.
Best Multi-tool For Fishing (Top 7)
Final Verdict
When it comes to designing a multi-tool, it’s hard to get everything perfect. The Gerber Linedriver has given it a good try but does fall short in some areas. Just the fact that it does so many things means that it would have at least a couple of features that would be handy to any angler.
The fact that you don’t need to carry multiple tools, and can always keep them close at hand is a big plus.
I found that it might not be the best for fly-fishing, or at least not be the only tool you take out with you. An eye cleaner is a tool big for most flies, and the eye threader can make it more difficult than easier.
You may find a lot of flies won’t even fit in the threading grove. I would recommend putting it through its paces and getting comfortable with it before going out.
With all that being said, I think it’s a good tool, not perfect, but good. Enough so that it has become a welcome addition to my tackle box. If you have any questions, recommendations, or your own experiences you would like to share, please feel free to leave a message below.
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin
