How to Use a Fishing Comb 

A fishing comb is a unique and highly specialized tool you won’t find in most kits. Developed by Bushcraft Kelso this tool includes three triangular prongs along one side — think of them as clean, sharp gripping points shaped specifically for wet environments and manipulating objects underwater.

Unlike a spear or gig, the fishing comb does not have barbs and does not have a pointed tip.
That’s intentional.

It isn’t built to stab or penetrate deeply — it’s built to grip, hook, pull, lift, separate, and maneuver objects where fingers, knives, and hooks fail, or might not be wanted.

This guide teaches exactly how to use the fishing comb safely and effectively in water, during small-game handling, and in all the small utility tasks that make this tool so much more valuable than it looks.

What the Fishing Comb Is

A fishing comb is a thin, flat tool with:

• Three triangular gripping prongs

• A wide flat body for leverage

• A compact shape for EDC 

• Sharp edges on the prongs
  

Because it’s flat, it works extremely well in:

• Water

• Mud

• Tight crevices

• Between rocks

• In shallow streams

• In fish cleaning and processing

• For pulling weeds or debris from water

It’s essentially a micro grappler, designed for precision tasks where hands can’t reach and hooks slip free.

Primary Uses of the Fishing Comb

Handling Fish and Small Game

The triangular prongs are shaped to:

• Grip slippery scales

• Pin small fish against the ground

• Pull fish out of tight spaces

• Hook and lift panfish

• Hold small game while processing

• Keep hands away from teeth, spines, or claws

Because there are no barbs, the comb:

• Doesn’t puncture deeply

• Doesn’t damage meat

• Releases cleanly

• Avoids tearing flesh

It’s a controlled hold, not a deep stab.

Grabbing and Pulling in Water

Hands lose grip in water.
Fishing combs do not.

Use it to:

• Grab fish hiding under rocks

• Pull crawfish from crevices

• Lift shellfish

• Retrieve dropped items

• Hook loops, cords, or straps underwater

• Pull tangled line or netting

• Move aquatic vegetation aside

• Hold slippery river stones during trap building

The triangular geometry gives maximum grab with minimal pressure.

Water Debris Clearing

This may be the most useful real-world function.

Use the comb to:

• Scoop debris off hooks

• Clear weeds from fishing line

• Pull stringy algae off lures

• Remove packing from dam-building spots

• Clean intakes on small pumps or filters

• Clear water channels for fish traps

• Sweep aside underwater debris

Pinning and Lifting

The three prongs can:

• Pin a fish against a rock

• Lift a small fish from the water

• Hold a frog or crawfish in place

• Grip bait fish

• Secure items while tying or cutting

• Pull small creatures safely

Because the prongs aren’t barbed, you can reposition easily without damaging what you’re holding.

Cleaning Fish and Preparing Bait

The fishing comb works as a:

• Scale scraper

• Gutting aid

• Pinning tool

• Gunk remover

• Grip for slippery skin

For bait prep, it helps:

• Hold minnows without crushing

• Scrape membrane

• Pull sections of small bait fish

• Grip slimy bait without touching it

How to Use the Fishing Comb on Land

The comb isn’t just a water tool.

Use it to:

• Grab small game safely

• Pull thorns

• Lift sharp objects

• Pull stuck cordage

• Separate plant fibers

• Rake through debris

• Drag tinder or bark off logs

Its geometry makes it a fantastic fine-manipulation tool.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Stabbing with the comb — it’s not a spear

• Trying to pierce too deeply

• Using too much force

• Grabbing large fish instead of small game or panfish

• Not bracing the wrist in fast-moving water

• Letting fingers get too close to the prongs

• Using the comb for heavy prying (it’s a fine tool)

FAQ

Q: Can the fishing comb grab large fish?
A: It’s best for small fish, bait fish, frogs, and crawfish. Larger fish require nets or gigs.

Q: Does it pierce skin?
A: Lightly — enough for grip, not enough to damage meat or harm gear.

Q: Can it be used as a spear point?
A: It’s not designed for thrusting. It’s a grab tool, not a stabbing tool.

Q: Does it work in muddy water?
A: Yes — the wide prong spacing helps it move debris and find objects by feel.

 

(© 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 compact fishing tools, grabbing tools, and outdoor-ready EDC gear, visit www.grimworkshop.com.)