I’ve been enjoying several new products from Gerber in my fishing adventures over the last couple of months. The braided line cutter and pliers have earned a permanent place in my kayak and the Controller fillet knife is my new go-to when it’s time to clean the catch. Looking deeper down their line of new fishing tools, the Gerber LineDriver Line Management Multi-Tool is next on my list.
Multi-Tool, Multiple Functions
Tether Ring
I fish from a kayak 95% of the time – if it’s not tethered, it’ll eventually go overboard. There’s a clip that’s handy for attaching the tool to your belt, pocket, or MOLLE strap. That’s great, but it can still slip off and take a swim. Attaching a tether will help ensure you get to keep the tool longer.
Spinning Line Vice
As one of the coolest functions on the Gerber LineDriver, this is also one of the least helpful for me. It’s great for tying clinch/improved clinch knots. However, I use a double Uni knot for my leader connections and a Palomar knot at the lure/hook. While it’s hit or miss depending on your knot preference, it is very effective for helping tie those clinch knots.
Eyelet Clearing Spike
The eyelet clearing spike is one feature I’m really stoked about Gerber including on the LineDriver. Whether I’m painting my own jig heads or picking up certain brands at the store, this is a lot more convenient than using the tip of my knife or hook to clear the additional paint.
The same spike will also let the LineDriver grab hold your hook or lure when you’re tightening up your knot so you don’t have risk the hook slipping on you. For most hooks, this works great. One limitation I found is on smaller offset hooks like the 2/0 Eagle Claws that I use for Texas rigged soft plastics. Hooks in that range have too much flex in them and will bend out.
Hook Threader
2 years ago, I had a retinal detachment that left my right eye with a heavy distortion. My left eye is now dominant, but I still have issues tying some of my knots and threading line. The hook threader helps out a lot there. The biggest challenge is just getting the eye of the hook lined up perfectly. Once you get the hang of it, threading your line is a lot easier for those of us with vision challenges.
Scissor Snips
The scissor snips are what I use most often on the Gerber LineDriver. Micro-serrations grab hold of monofilament and braided lines just fine. Mono clips super easy, but braid required some tension in the line.
What I really like from a feature standpoint is that I can clip the LineDriver to my belt and just slip the line in to cut it. Since both hands are free to provide tension, it clips both braid and mono easily. On the precision side of things, this does pretty well. I still turn to the braided line cutters for most of that, though.
Split Shot Crimper
I’m grateful to have a split shot crimper on any tool. This one will get the job done, but it does lack some of the leverage that pliers offer with their jaw and handle designs.
The Bottom Line
The challenge for any multi-tool is to do each of its functions well, knowing that it’s unlikely it can do any of them as well as a standalone tool. That’s no different with the Gerber LineDriver. But while it’s not going to be everything to everyone, nearly every angler is going to find several things that it does well enough to justify having it onboard. The tool does what it claims and it’s the ability to cut, crimp, thread, and clear eyelets that make me want to keep it close at hand while I’m fishing rather than reaching for individual tools in my tackle box when I’m trying to keep my bait in the water.
Gerber LineDriver Line Management Multi-Tool Features
- Spinning line vise
- Tether ring
- Eyelet clearing spike
- Hook threader
- Scissor snips remain slightly open to cut line while clipped to pocket
- Split shot crimper
- Body: 6061 aluminum, flat sage + orange
- Sliding lock
- Priced: $50 (Amazon)
