Product Review: Vimov Saltwater Fishing Pliers

Company Description:  Vimov Saltwater Fishing Pliers (2 Pack), Stainless Steel Titanium Plated Multi Tool 

Multiple Function: The fishing hook cutter can remove and repair hooks, cut steel leaders, hold tiny line and open split rings. The pliers are also capable of cutting, stripping, pulling and crimping as well. With the Vimov pliers you have the option to change treble hooks on crankbaits or clamp sinkers. Besides this these pliers can be a backup for a knife in case of fishing line entanglement when scuba diving. 

• The titanium plating process makes these fishing pliers corrosion resistant, colorfast, UV resistant under use in saltwater and other harsh environments.
• Small Jaws of the split ring pliers are designed to hold the tiny hooks and grip thin fishing lines firmly. 
• Hard and solid line fishing hook cutter is sharp enough to cut braid, mono filament, fluorocarbon, fly line and nanofil.
• Portable and lightweight: This fishing tackle is only 5 inch long, you can put it in pocket conveniently. Split ring pliers fishing is much more suitable for anglers with small hands, like female or teenagers.
• Fine Hand Feeling: Ergonomical molded grip handle make the fly fishing pliers very handy to carry and make you work efficient and freely.

Features:
Titanium Plating Process: This fishing multitool is corrosion-proof, corrosion-proof and high hardness. It doesn't matter if you're fishing in saltwater or in a pond the Vimov fishing pliers are a handy tool to have with you.

Lightweight: At just over 2 ounces, they can be conveniently taken anywhere.

Comfortable Handle allows for use without fatigue or slipping.


Specs:
Color: Black
Material: Stainless Steel& Plastic
Length: 5 Inch
Craftmanship: Plating fishing pliers titanium
Weight:2.11 oz
Package Include: 2*(Fishing Pliers+Nylon fishing pliers sheath)

Price: 16.99 for 2 Pack

How I used: Initially I purchased the Vimov pliers to check out their qualiy.  As well as to see how they would hold up to everyday usage. However when I received the pliers I noticed that they are much smaller than a normal pair of fishing pliers at only 5 inches in length. Which in turn limited the scope of their use in my eyes. 

Normally I carry two pair of needle nose pliers with me in case I need to remove hooks from fish or anything else.  One pair is a simple pair of hemostats and the other is heavier pair of needle nose pliers. The Vimov pliers have taken the place of my smaller hemostats as they are small enough to serve the same purpose with a few extra benefits. 

The Vimov pliers are small enough get hooks from deep within the throats of small panfish.  While also picking up some extra duties throughout the day.  The line cutter sharp and efficient enough to cut braid, mono and flourocarbon with no problems.  I didn't have a reason to try out the hook cutter on the pliers but from what i can tell it will do fine cutting light wire hooks but not thicker hooks that you may use for saltwater or bigger catfish. 

The split ring pliers works great on the small split rings that standard pliers tend to be too big for. While the split shot closers are perfect for small size 00 split shot used for fly fishing. And what's better? They come in a two pack so I can keep one on me and the other in the kayak as a part of my kayak tool kit. 

Overall the Vimov pliers have surpassed my expectations when it comes to functionality and coming in a set of two. However there is one thing I've found to be a problem with the Vimov fishing pliers that is they're fragile based on their design. Most multipurpose fishing piers have one thing in common and that is they all have a triangular shape. As a result most plier manufactures leave no empty space between the fulcrum and tip of the jaws which causes the two sides to rest flush atop of each other when the pliers are closed.  This simple design was missed with the vimov fishing pliers leaving a weak spot where the pliers don't meet.  As a result if gripped too tightly you'll get stress breaks in this spot.  In fact if I squeeze them too tight I can see the metal bend just a bit. 


Review: I would definitely recommend the Vimov fishing pliers to anyone who ask.  However I would recommend them as a back up tool rather than a primary pair of pliers.  This is due to the size which makes them uniquely agile when it comes to unhooking smaller fish but they don't offer the length needed to unhook a deeply hooked larger fish. 

The multitool functions of the pliers are awesome giving you one more reason you'd be happy with this pair of pliers on your hip.  All of the tools function as needed which will only make fishing easier. 

I haven't had any issues with corrosion as of yet so I can not speak to how corrosion resistant they are. However I try to keep all of my fishing tools clean at all times. So I believe they'll hold up great for me under normal usage.

The overall strength of the product is the only aspect of the Vimov pliers that I call into question. So if you do purchase a pair make sure you try not to be too heavy handed with the pliers.

Pros: Corrosion resistant, lightweight, small enough for small hands, multifunction; small enough for removing hooks from the mouths of smaller fish; a good backup pair for larger pliers

Cons:  Not very strong can break when used with too much force.

How to Tie a Basic Marabou Jig

In every anglers tackle box you'll have tackle that is species specific.  Then again there are those baits that you believe are species specific but the reality is they are not.  The marabou jig one of those baits thats often prejudged as being only for crappie.  When in fact marabou jigs are often used for other species like white bass, hybrid striper, walleye and smallmouth bass. Because they are so versatile i've taken the time to learn how to tie my own marabou jigs and below is a quick overview of how you can tie your own.

Tools you'll need:

Vice: Pretty much any fly tying vice will work.  You don't have to invest in anything expensive to tie jigs of any kind. You just need a vice that will hold the jig heads tight enough for you to wrap in your materials. 

Bobbin& Thread: The next tool you'll need to tie your own jigs will be a bobbin a color and thickness thread of your choosing.  A simply a tool designed to hold thread while wrapping thread onto your hooks or jigs. 

Whip Finish Tool: A whip finish tool is what you'll need to tie your finishing knots to complete your jigs.  If you don't know how to use a whip finish tool there are plenty of videos on youtube that will give you a quick tutorial. 

Once you have your tools assembled the fun begins. Because this is the point at which you pick your materials and color patterns for your marabou jigs.  In this case I used chartreuse, black and pink. Below is the list of materials I used but you're not limited to my list.

Thread:  The thread is used to tie in each of your materials on to you jigs.  I personally use 210 flatwax denier for tying jigs as its thin enough to not make small jigs too bulky and strong enough to tie larger jigs from striper and walleye.  I pick my colors solely based on what patterns I'm tying.

Jig heads: The jig head you choose is also gonna be based which pattern you're tying.  For basic marabou jig patterns a collarless round head jig sizes from 1/80oz and up will work great.  However for smaller sizes like 1/64oz and 1/80oz you'll want to use a thinner diameter thread like a 140 denier.

Chenille:

Marabou:

Flashabou:

Hard as Nails: 

1. Place jig head in the vise

2. Starting at the base of the jig head wrap thread over itself back to a point just above or before the hook point. 

3.Measure your marabou tips to match the length of the jig head. Then wrap that portion into the jig head by wrapping thread up the shank of the hook then back down in order to smooth out the body. 

4. Wrap in 3 or 4 strands of flashabou up one side of the hook shank then wrap it around the other side making a loop which will hold the flashabou in tightly along each side of the tail.

5. Pull some of the chenille fibers off of the holding thread and wrap the holding thread on to the hook shank, wrapping the thread up to the jig head. 

6. Wrap the chenille up the hook shank in the opposite direction of what the thread has been wrapped. 

7. Once the chenille is wrapped to the jig head, cut off the tag end and wrap down the chenille with about 4 wraps. 

8. Finish up your tie with 3 whip finish knots. 

9. Finally use a straightened paperclip to adhere Sally Hansen Hard As Nails to the thread knots in order to harden them and further strengthen your knots. 

This is probably the easiest jig to tie for multi-species fishing.  Comment below if you have any experience with fishing with marabou jigs for crappie or any other fish. 

11/06/2019 Northwest Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report

Rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures have kept most anglers at home. Those braving the elements have caught some walleye on the inland lakes. Pier anglers are getting steelhead, whitefish and the occasional walleye. Check out the waters that hold muskie and northern pike in your area as this is the time of year to catch both species. 

Northwest Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Overall: All the rivers were running high. There should be some steelhead in area rivers however very few anglers have been out.

Crooked Lake: In Emmet County, a few anglers were looking for perch.

Petoskey: Some anglers were targeting steelhead off the clock dock; however, the last report was no fish were caught. Those shore fishing just past the mouth of the Bear River caught a couple lake trout that had be released as the season is closed.

Platte River: The egg-take operation in the lower river is finished. Staff plan to remove the lower weir on November 14.

• For Benzie County bait and tackle list: Click Here!

Manistee: When they could get out, pier anglers continued to target steelhead when using fresh spawn. A few whitefish were hitting on salmon eggs or wax worms.

Manistee River: Flow is a bit high and steelhead fishing was fair. Water temperatures below Tippy Dam were in the mid to high 40’s. Anglers caught steelhead, brown trout and even the odd salmon on flies, beads, spinners and crank baits. Those wading above and below the coffer dam caught a few fish.

• For Manistee County bait and tackle list: Click Here!

Pere Marquette River: Water levels are up. Those targeting steelhead were getting a few, mainly on flies. Try an egg pattern or a bead.

Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county: 

• Benzie County Click Here!
• Charlevoix County Click Here!
• Grand Traverse County Click Here!
• Manistee County Click Here!

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

• Charlevoix County Public Lakes: Click Here!
• Cheboygan County Public Lakes: Click Here!
• Grand Traverse County Public Lakes: Click Here!
• Leelanau County Public Lakes: Click Here!
• Antrim County Public Lakes: Click Here!
• Otsego County Public Lakes: Click Here!

11/06/2019 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

Rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures have kept most anglers at home. Those braving the elements have caught some walleye on the inland lakes. Pier anglers are getting steelhead, whitefish and the occasional walleye. Check out the waters that hold muskie and northern pike in your area as this is the time of year to catch both species.

 

Northeast Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Cheboygan County: A few walleye anglers could be found on the inland lakes. Try Maple Bay or along the east side of Burt Lake. On Mullett Lake, try the south end near the Indian River. On Black Lake, try a crawler harness or casting a body bait on the north end.

• For more Cheboygan County public lakes: Click Here!

Alpena: A few walleye could still be found near the mouth of the river when casting crank baits and jigs. This is the time of year when spear anglers start targeting whitefish.

• For more Alpena County public lakes: Click Here!
• Alpena couinty bait and tackle Shops: Click Here!

Thunder Bay River: Those fishing up near the 9th Street Dam caught the occasional Atlantic salmon. Most were drifting and floating spawn however a couple fish were taken when casting spoons and body baits. Walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when casting body baits.

• For more Alpena County public lakes: Click Here!
• Alpena couinty bait and tackle Shops: Click Here!

Oscoda: Pier anglers continued to target walleye when casting body baits in the early morning or late evening. The whitefish are slowly moving in and were caught when casting small spoons.

Au Sable River: Anglers were still getting a few Atlantic salmon when drifting spawn bags, casting small spoons and spinners or when stripping streamers. A few more steelhead were caught on flies or spawn bags. The occasional brown trout or brook trout were also caught. Walleye were caught in upper Foote Pond or down near the mouth when casting jigs or body baits.

Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing was picking up, however no anglers have been out. The only boats out were duck hunters. Those fishing near the Reedsburg Dam were getting a few pike but no one has been out lately.

Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:

Lymans On the Lake Resort: (989) 422-3231

H&H Fireworks, Guns & Sporting Goods: (989) 366-0126Tawas: Walleye anglers were fishing near the boat launch and off the State Dock. Early morning or late evening were best when casting lures or still-fishing with live bait.

• For more Iosco County Lakes: Click Here!

Tawas River: The occasional walleye was caught down near the mouth.

Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:  

• Montmorency County Click Here!
• Alpena County Click Here!
• Arenac County Click Here!
• Clare County Click Here!
• Alcona County Click Here!

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

Alcona County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Alpena County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Clare County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Crawford County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Gladwin County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Iosco County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Montmorency Public Lakes: Click Here! 

Ogemaw County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Oscoda County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Presque Isle County Public Lakes: Click Here!

11/06/2019 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

Rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures have kept most anglers at home. Those braving the elements have caught some walleye on the inland lakes. Pier anglers are getting steelhead, whitefish and the occasional walleye. Check out the waters that hold muskie and northern pike in your area as this is the time of year to catch both species. 

Southwest Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! 

St. Joseph River: There were still a few steelhead moving through the ladders, however steelhead movement declined with the recent drop in water temperatures which were in the middle 40’s. Once that temperature drops below 40 there will be even fewer fish in the ladders.
Note: At any time you can view the Berrien Springs fish ladder cam by go to this link or following their youtube channel. Subscribing to their channel helps fund the fish ladder cam. 

• For a list of Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Kalamazoo River: Higher water levels affected steelhead fishing as the fish were harder to land. A decent number of northern pike were being caught in the lower river. Try the shallow bayous and marsh areas.

Grand Haven: Had no boat anglers. Pier anglers were still getting a fair number of steelhead when using spawn. Some caught the occasional whitefish on a single egg or wax worms.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead were caught up near the 6th Street Dam. Most were floating or drifting salmon eggs. Chartreuse was the hot color. Some caught the occasional coho.

Grand River at Lansing: With water levels up and the fast current, few were out. This is a good time to target pike in both the Grand and the Looking Glass River.

• For a more accurate report on the Grand River at Lansing I suggest reaching out to the people at Grand River Bait & Tackle. Phone: (517-482-4461)

Muskegon: Both pier anglers and those surf fishing continue to target steelhead. A few perch and walleye were caught at the mouth of the Muskegon Channel.

Muskegon River: Water levels were high, so most were boat fishing. Levels should come down and the waters should clear up which will help those targeting trout. Most were swinging flies, but a few were using spawn bags, spinners or crank baits. Anglers reported a fair number of fish between the mouth and Croton Dam.

• For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)

For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:

Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here! 

Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Kalamazoo Public Lakes: Click Here! 

St. Joseph County Public Lakes: Click Here! 

11/06/2019 Southeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

Rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures have kept most anglers at home. Those braving the elements have caught some walleye on the inland lakes. Pier anglers are getting steelhead, whitefish and the occasional walleye. Check out the waters that hold muskie and northern pike in your area as this is the time of year to catch both species.  Southeast Lower Peninsula To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! Lake Erie: Walleye anglers were fishing off the Metro Park when the winds allowed. Those fishing the Metro Park Marina caught bluegills and small perch. If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle. Huron River: Steelhead were just starting to move up into the river. No big numbers, but a few were caught up near the dam at Flat Rock when floating spawn. Detroit River: Walleye anglers caught a few throughout the river. Fish were caught north or Wyandotte near Grassy Island and near the Ambassador Bridge when jigging. Try a brown Wyandotte worm or a blue ice minnow. Shore anglers caught perch and bluegill in the marinas, however they were sorting through a lot of small perch to get some keepers. Try minnows and wax worms. For more public lakes to fish in Wayne County: Click Here!  Wayne County Bait Shops: Click Here Lake St. Clair: This is prime time for muskie fishing. Water temperatures are rapidly decreasing, and these fish go on a feeding frenzy. Fish can be found in the shallows and near the mouth of rivers and creeks. Walleye fishing improves as the weeds are dying off. Try bottom bouncers with a crawler harness in the early morning. For bluegill and perch, try the marinas. For a more accurate report on Lake St. Clair I suggest reaching out to the people at Sportsmen's Direct  as their weekly LSC fishing report is usually far more in depth.  Phone: (586-741-6052) Macomb County Bait Shops: Click Here! St. Clair River: Walleye fishing continues to pick up throughout the entire river. A few limit catches were taken near Port Huron when fishing the Canadian side. Shore anglers casting off the wall at Port Huron caught a few after dark. Water clarity was highly variable with the wind and rain. Saginaw River: Anglers continued to catch walleye in the lower river near the Independence Bridge. Most were boat anglers jigging a twister tail with a minnow. A few were caught by boat and shore anglers up near the Veterans Bridge.

Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:   Wayne County Click Here! Washtenaw County Click Here! Bay County Click Here! Monroe County Click Here! Livingston County Click Here! Ingham County Click Here! Genesee County Click Here! Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county. Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here! Genessee County Public Lakes: Click Here! Hillsdale County Public Lakes: Click Here! Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here! Lapeer County Public Lakes: Click Here! Lenawee County Public Lakes: Click Here! Livingston County Public Lakes: Click Here! Oakland County Public Lakes Page 1: Click Here!  Oakland County Public Lakes Page 2: Click Here! Washtenaw County Public Lakes: Click Here! Wayne County Public Lakes: Click Here!