Fishing is an entertaining experience for both well-seasoned anglers and those on their first adventure. Charter and recreational fishing boats are stocked with ample supplies to achieve the goal of catching fish. One of the pieces of gear is a fighting belt. Fighting belts are a useful tool to land the species pulling at the end of the line. Here is what you need to know about a fishing fighting belt. 

What Is A Fishing Fighting Belt

A fighting belt is a device worn around the angler’s waist. The fishing aid most frequently connects to the angler by use of velcro straps. Velcro straps are highly adjustable, allowing a wide range of age groups to wear a single belt. Keep in mind we are not talking about a belt for fishing shorts.

The front of the belt consists of a hard plastic molding with a gimbal-mounted in the center. Gimbals are designed to hold the butt of the rod. Leverage is gained by the angler when the butt is positioned in the gimbal by pulling up and reeling down towards the water.

Belts are designed to put the angler at an advantage over the fish. Additionally, they prevent the angler from becoming bruised by resting the butt of the rod against the body. 

How Do You Use A Fighting Belt For Fishing

When a fish strikes a bait or lure the belt is attached to the angler. A crewmember or friend must assist in securing the fishing device.

Once the belt is connected, place the butt of the rod in the gimbal. Ensure the belt is positioned securely over the thighs. Fight the fish until it comes to the surface and is netted, lifted into the boat, or gaffed.

What Types Of Fish Do You Use A Fighting Belt To Catch

Fighting belts are used to catch a wide variety of fish species. Considering the equipment is primarily used in saltwater environments, both offshore and inshore anglers utilize the belt.

Offshore Gulf Stream Fishing

When it comes to targeting offshore fish, blue water fishing vessels keep ample belts onboard in the event of multiple hookups. When trolling the gulf stream waters off of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, fishing belts assist in fighting and landing dolphin, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin, and more. It is not uncommon for passengers to fight fish simultaneously. 

Reef And Wreck Offshore Bottom Fishing

Pulling bottom fish away from underwater hangups is a must to avoid breaking the line. Accomplishing this task requires anglers to draw the fish from the depths at a fast retrieval rate. A fighting belt helps the angler achieve this goal dramatically.

When bouncing baits on or near the bottom, fighting belts allow the fisher to apply pressure on the fish to bring the fish boat side and avoid cutoffs.

When fighting grouper, snapper, sharks, kingfish, and cobia, anglers use saltwater fishing fighting belts over reefs and wrecks.

Inshore Saltwater Fishing

Although infrequent, fishing belts are used in the inland waters of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The belt is most frequently utilized when targeting shark species, including bull, lemon, blacktip, and hammerhead. 

Freshwater Fishing

The most unlikely but occasionally used are belts in freshwater. Anglers targeting the massive and prehistoric sturgeon utilize the fishing gear in rare instances. 

What Are The Best Fishing Belts On The Market

Check out these three fishing fighting belt options. We have made an effort to recommend the most budget-friendly, most versatile, and highest quality. 

Budget Friendly

The belt below is one of the least expensive on the market but is a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

Most Versatile

The most versatile belt is a mix between quality and comfort. The Promar belt fits all and is extremely comfortable for all ages.

Highest Quality

When it comes to quality, we recommend the Gaffer Sportfishing Fishing Belt. The design is suited for the most experienced anglers. This option is the best fish fighting belt.

Use A Fighting Belt On Your Next Fishing Trip

A fish fighting belt is a tool used to help anglers battle swimming creatures from the depths. Belt fishing allows the angler to place the butt of the rod into a gimble. The gimble is a support to assist in pulling the fish alongside the boat. Remember, a license is required, whether you are inshore fishing, offshore bottom fishing, freshwater fishing, or blue water trolling.