Experts’ Top Recommended Hunt and Fish Gear
ExpertVoice members — from retail associates to outdoor guides — log hours of first-hand, real-world experience with the products they’re recommending. They’re voices you can trust when it comes to all things hunting and fishing, and we want to share their top picks with you.
Check out the products and brands our experts most frequently recommend, including Benelli shotguns, Zamberlan boots, Zeiss scopes, Vortex binoculars, Pelican cases, Okuma reels and many more hunt and fish essentials.
Upland Bird Hunting
Great shotgun
Cycles every time of ammo I've fed it without complaint, mounts really well, is shockingly lightweight for a gun that shoots 3.5 inch shells comfortably. I'm a hack with a shotgun, but this makes it easy. I'll be using this for Turkeys and upland game as well.
Multiple editions of the same gun
Why experts love it: Dozens of experts have affirmed Benelli’s marquee bird hunting shotgun. In recommendations, hunters talk about durability, reliability, repeatability and ergonomics. While marketed as a supreme waterfowl option, the SBE3 is a go-to 12-gauge option.
Multiple editions
Why experts love it: Tight patterns and knockdown power make Federal’s Prairie Storm shotshells a go-to for our members.
Three editions of the same shotgun
Why experts love it: ExpertVoice members talk about the reliability, versatility and price point of the Beretta A300.
Why experts love it: ExpertVoice members recommend the Sport Pro for its simplicity and ease of use as well as excellent battery life.
Shilah Doble
Verified Product Owner
Zamberlan 980 Outfitter GTX RR Boots
From the first time wearing these boots out of the box, they felt broke in. They are super comfortable, but still give you the stiff feeling of support. I went hunting in them for 3.5 miles the first time in the snow and mud and I was impressed with the soles, flexibility and toe guard. This is my second pair of Zamberlans and I will probably never wear another brand besides them. I will note that if you have wide feet, this may not be an ideal fit. The boot is narrow which I like as a narrow footed woman, but a man with wide feet might not like it.
Why experts love it: Quick to break in, these boots are a favorite for their ability to handle mountainous terrain that’s common for any type of hunting.
Big Game Hunting
CONQUEST V4 6-24x50 ZBR-1 Reticle (#91)
The glass on this scope is absurdly clear. I would even compare it with my Swaro. I was between this one and the Nightforce, and I am glad I went this way. I had the opportunity to compare them side by side and without any doubt the Zeiss has a more clearer glass. The turret is easily turned, which can be a problem is you are banging the rifle around, so that a plus for the NG, but otherwise this scope is a steal for the price. Oh yeah, and it shipped within a week.
Multiple configurations available
Why experts love it: Pick your magnification and reticle style, but experts have given high marks to the new ZEISS Conquest V4 because of the clarity of its glass, good light transmission and true zero stop.
Multiple editions of the same rifle
Why experts love it: Available in a variety of popular big game calibers, the Tikka T3X has won acclaim for its accuracy, smooth action and value in a lightweight rifle.
Why experts love it: While not in Vortex’s highest end Razor class, the Viper HD 10x42 has won favor with experts because of its clarity, value and sturdiness that’s also backed by the brand’s VIP Warranty (no questions asked).
Why experts love it: Raving about all the features this app offers, experts agree onX provides a must-have piece of technology for hunters and anglers.
Scott Ury
Verified Product Owner
It's a Pelican Case!
This is the standard for all other cases. I have used pelican cases in the worst environments during my travels overseas deployments to protect equipment. So it only makes sense that when traveling I'd use the tried and tested cases stateside when I need to protect my rifles in my travels. The only way to improve this case is to ship it with the pluck and pull foam insert and not the solid piece. If I had to find something to complain about with this case is that the foam is so protective and thick that I can't put my 300 WM in the case without cutting the foam. Otherwise it "pinches" the rifle and scope more than I like.
Why experts love it: This is a burly, watertight and airtight hard rifle case from Pelican. Experts are raving about the strength and quality of the build.
Fishing
Arthur Brooks
Verified Product Owner
Sawtooth
I joined my brother for 250 miles of his Continental Divide Trail thru-hike in Wyoming, and brought this rod along. Thru-hikers are notorious for foregoing all but the necessities, so our fellow hikers were amazed when they found us dining on fresh cutthroat trout most nights. My entire fishing kit with the Sawtooth weighs less than 5 oz, and it’s incredibly packable and sturdy when collapsed, so there’s absolutely no reason not to bring this amazing tool along on any trip, even if it’s a 3,000 mile long trail.
Why experts love it: Many people look to Tenkara for a lightweight fly rod that’s easy to pack on a hike. Experts rave about the rod’s responsiveness and the brand’s unparalleled customer service.
Why experts love it: Some experts have exclusively used the SLV Fly Reel in saltwater environments without issue. Others are giving high marks to the SLV because of its value.
Multiple configurations available
Why experts love it: Experts were confident in the stout feel of the Komodo SS, enough to chase after 40-pound tuna and full-sized tiger musky. At least one person called the Komodo SS “bulletproof.”
Why experts love it: Experts say these solid glasses handle rough daily use, and polarized lenses help cut through the water.
Guided Field Sharpener
Worksharp is one of the best out on the market for quick, reliable, and accurate sharpening. I am the gun manager at a Gander RV and Outdoors and I always explain to my customers when looking for their next “go to”, they will have it in a worksharp. I have been using this product for years and have it has never failed. We have taken one of them hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and shooting. I also leave one in my vehicle so I have it. Whether its to sharpen my knife or one of my co workers, I dont leave home without it.
Why experts love it: The Guided Field Sharpener offers a full set of tools for sharpening just about everything, and is affordable and compact enough to keep one in all your field kits.
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