We are not talking about the creature that flies through the air at night scavenging for insects. Instead, we refer to a tool to subdue fish caught and headed for the icebox. A bat used for fishing is otherwise called a fishing priest. When fishing from the shore or vessel, fishing bats or priests are stowed in a tackle bag or onboard storage compartment. Here is what you need to know about a fish bat and what is a fish bat used for.

What Is A Fishing Bat Or Fishing Priest Made From

Don’t imagine hauling a Louisville slugger baseball around each time you cast a fishing line. Despite the tool being called a bat, it is a mini version compared to playing on the ball field. Here is what a fishing bat or priest is made of.

Materials

When it comes to materials, the device to tame flopping fish is either aluminum or wood. The most recent versions of bats are composed of aluminum compared to wood. 

Wood carved bats are referred to as priests and are not commonly sold. The aluminum version called a fish bat is found widely at marine retail stores and online. 

The transition from wood to aluminum prevented rapid deterioration when exposed to the elements, including rain, freshwater, saltwater, and humidity. Aluminum-made products are superior when resisting corrosion in saltwater environments. Anglers frequently use bats when saltwater and freshwater fishing Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. 

Size

The bats most frequently range between 12 and 20 inches in length and weigh under one pound when it comes to size.

As a result of the lightweight hollow construction, the modern fishing bats are designed to float. Should the bat slip free from your hand, no need to worry as it is retrieved from the surface of the water.  

Grip

The grip of a fishing bat is essential to prevent it from becoming airborne when in use. The base of the bat is wrapped in a soft rubber material that prevents it from sliding free while striking the fish. 

Despite the slip-resistant grip we recommend rinsing your hand prior to using the bat. A bat that becomes a projectile is dangerous to fellow passengers. 

Lanyard

In addition to a non-slip grip, an additional safety measure is the addition of a lanyard that connects to the bottom of the bat. 

The lanyard is designed to be worn around the wrist of the person handling the bat. The purpose of the lanyard is to prevent the bat from becoming airborne should it slip free of the hands. Utilize the lanyard at all times and especially when the hands are wet or coated in slime.

How Do You Use A Fish Bat

When a fish is caught and flops freely about the boat it puts passengers and the vessel at risk of injury or damage. 

Large fish in particular cause extensive damage if left to flop freely about the boat without being subdued. Remember, the bat serves no purpose in catching the fish so it is not bat fishing.

When it comes to how to use a fish bat, the purpose of a fishing bat or fish priest is to strike a fish. When hitting fish with bat, the strike must be a direct blow to the head to render it unconscious or kill it in the process while holding it still. One of the most wild fish landed and placed on the deck of a boat is a cobia. Make sure you don’t miss and damage the boat’s deck or other surfaces. Also, don’t attempt to use anchor bats, these are wooden baseball bats that can break.

How Much Does A Fish Bat Cost

You won’t need to break the bank to buy a fishing bat. Despite the high cost of the vast majority of fishing gear, bats are low in comparison.

When shopping for a bat utilized to subdue flopping fish before placing it in the cooler expect to pay between fifteen and thirty dollars. Considering the low price point, we recommend a fish bat when you are fishing from the land or boat. 

What Are The Best Fish Bats On The Market

We have used fish bats while fishing in salt and freshwater and can attest to the benefits. Here are the best wood and aluminum bats on the market. 

Best Wood Bat

We recommend the Fish Bat. The Fish Bat is made of solid white ash, includes a lanyard, is does not chip or flake. 

Best Aluminum Bat

Aluminum bats are easy to come by but we know what will suit you best for salt or freshwater fishing. The best aluminum fish bat on the market is the Hurricane Fish Bat which is known for its light weight and durability. 

Fish Bats Are An Important Piece Of Fishing Equipment

Now you know what is a fish bat. Rather than allowing the boat or passengers to become at risk of a flopping fish on the deck, use a fishing bat. The bat when used properly will quickly subdue a wild slimy creature of the sea. Remember to hold the grip tightly and utilize the lanyard to avoid it from becoming a projectile.