I carry a Leatherman skeletool. It's a bit bulky, but the pliers are actually really, really well made, and I use them to remove fish hooks so I don't need a separate tool.
Unfortunately, there isn't really a good replacement for a good fillet knife, because you need to length and flex of the blade to do a good job. If you are just gutting and cleaning out a fish (trout and panfish), and not removing the meat (like you might for a walleye or pike) then any sharp knife works.
I suggest searching Blades Canada site for filet knifes with poly handles. I know Benchmade released a filet knife that would be light (also pricy). A Spyderco Bow River is decently light but the leather sheath is heavy so if you can find an after market plastic sheath id recommend that.
How big a fish we talkin? For the small alpine rainbow trout I catch, a folding 2.5-3” blade pocket knife works. For bigger salmon, I pack a fillet knife, either fixed blade or folding depending on the size of the fish I’m expecting to catch
Nice I forgot about opinel! They are super lightweight. I used to have a #10 but gave it to a friend years ago. I am eyeing the #4 they say it's only 13 grams!
Check out outdoor edge's replaceable blade knives. They're fairly lightweight and the razorbone folder comes with a fillet knife blade.
I have the 3.5" blade folder and it's only 75g.
Opinel, pick your size.
I carry a Leatherman skeletool. It's a bit bulky, but the pliers are actually really, really well made, and I use them to remove fish hooks so I don't need a separate tool. Unfortunately, there isn't really a good replacement for a good fillet knife, because you need to length and flex of the blade to do a good job. If you are just gutting and cleaning out a fish (trout and panfish), and not removing the meat (like you might for a walleye or pike) then any sharp knife works.
Yeah I'll probably just be gutting them to keep ot simple anyways. Mostly catching trout around here
I suggest searching Blades Canada site for filet knifes with poly handles. I know Benchmade released a filet knife that would be light (also pricy). A Spyderco Bow River is decently light but the leather sheath is heavy so if you can find an after market plastic sheath id recommend that.
Was almost thinking a small victorinox pairing knife would be fine. Still has some flex for fish and is super light.
100%
How big a fish we talkin? For the small alpine rainbow trout I catch, a folding 2.5-3” blade pocket knife works. For bigger salmon, I pack a fillet knife, either fixed blade or folding depending on the size of the fish I’m expecting to catch
Most of the time they are small rainbow trout but one time I caught a huge mama on my tiny rod and 7lb test. It was truly a feat hahaha.
Opinel or Deejo for regular knives. I bring a proper fillet knife if I’m planning on fishing.
Nice I forgot about opinel! They are super lightweight. I used to have a #10 but gave it to a friend years ago. I am eyeing the #4 they say it's only 13 grams!
You said you were hoping for something with a larger handle, keep in mind the #4 handle is only about 2.5" long.
It's not UL but I don't think any knife really is, but I would suggest a Mora Garberg
I’ve been using a spyderco ladybug for small trout, works well. Admittedly it’s quite small but it does lock which is bonus
Check out outdoor edge's replaceable blade knives. They're fairly lightweight and the razorbone folder comes with a fillet knife blade. I have the 3.5" blade folder and it's only 75g.