
How to use a Guitar Pick
Learn how to use a stainless steel guitar pick that doubles as a fishing lure. Field uses, setup tips, and EDC benefits.
How to Use a Guitar Pick That Doubles as a Fishing Lure
A guitar pick may seem like an odd thing to find inside a survival or EDC tool kit, but there’s a good reason Grim Workshop includes one in our multipurpose tools: this stainless steel pick does far more than play music (but it does that too of course).
Yes — someone could use it as a traditional guitar pick.
But here at Grim Workshop, we focus on its survival, fishing, and utility roles, especially its hidden purpose as a compact metal fishing lure.
This guide covers all the practical “field-use” applications of a stainless steel guitar pick, including how to set it up as a lure, how to improvise with it, and how it fits into an everyday carry kit.
What the Guitar Pick Tool Actually Is
This tool is:
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A stainless steel guitar pick
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Durable and corrosion-resistant
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Thin and flexible
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Shaped for grip and scraping
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Designed with a hole for fishing line
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Able to double as a reflective lure
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Compact enough for wallet or Altoids tin storage
Even if you never touch a guitar, it still earns a place in your kit.
Primary Field Uses for the Stainless Steel Guitar Pick
Using the Guitar Pick as a Fishing Lure
The hidden superpower of this tool is how well it works as a flash lure, especially when fish are feeding on movement and shine.
Why It Works
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Stainless steel reflects light
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Flash mimics small baitfish
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Pick shape creates fluttering motion
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Works well in shallow and mid-depth water
Pairs with:
→ How to Use a Gorge Hook
→ How to Choose and Use Fishing Hooks
→ How to Use a Spool
How to Rig the Guitar Pick as a Lure
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Tie fishing line through the pick’s hole
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Add a hook to the other end of the leader
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Use a swivel if available
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Cast by hand or use a bushcraft fishing pole
→ How to fish with a hand caster
Best Retrieval Techniques
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Slow Flutter: Lift and drop slowly
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Fast Flicks: Short pops to catch light
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Steady Pull: Works well in flowing water
This lure attracts:
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Trout
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Bass
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Perch
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Crappie
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Bluegill
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Any fish hitting shiny bait
Using It as a Scraper
The edge of the pick works well for:
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Scraping fish scales
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Cleaning sap or resin from tools
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Light wood scraping for tinder curls
Pairs with:
→ How to Use a Wood Scraper
→ Fire Starting Tinder For Beginners
Using It as a Makeshift Shim or Spacer
Because it’s thin stainless steel:
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Slip under stuck lids
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Use as a wedge to separate small items
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Shim minor gear misalignments
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Press down tabs on small projects
It’s surprisingly handy.
Using It as a Micro Spreader Tool
You can use it to spread:
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Butter
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Peanut butter
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Soft cheese
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Jam
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Thick sauces
When your normal cutting utensil is busy, the pick is a backup.
Using It as a Mini Signal Reflector
With light:
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Catch sunlight to signal
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Flash toward partners
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Get someone’s attention on trail
Not as strong as a dedicated mirror, but effective at short range.
EDC Use: The Actual Guitar Pick Function
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Stainless steel picks create a bright, sharp sound
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They work perfectly on acoustic or electric
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They don’t wear out like plastic picks
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They’re always available in your wallet
For some users, this is a real bonus.
FAQ
Q: Is the guitar pick sharp?
A: No — the edges are smooth, safe, and designed for scraping and lure use, not cutting.
Q: Can it be used as a primary fishing lure?
A: Yes — many people report strong results due to the reflective action.
Q: Will it bend?
A: It’s stainless steel, so it holds shape very well.
Q: Can I use it for guitar playing?
A: Absolutely. It plays like a heavy metal pick.
Q: Does it rust?
A: Stainless steel resists rust very well, even in wet environments.
Related Skill Series Posts
(© 2025 Grim Workshop. All Rights Reserved. Grim Workshop, Survival Cards, and all related marks are registered trademarks of Grim Workshop. This article is part of the Grim Workshop Skill Series educational archive. No content may be reproduced, republished, stored, or adapted without written permission. For multipurpose survival tools, fishing kits, and compact EDC gear, visit www.grimworkshop.com.)
