The device efficiently secures the reel to the body of an angler with the purpose to evenly spread the weight which is being applied to the angler’s rod.
Fishing harnesses should be, as a rule, attach to the top of the reel lugs, specially engineered clips to be applied here.
One can differentiate between the variety of harness types, all of these being specially engineered with its aim to offer an angler many different ways to enjoy the right load spreading.
The ‘kidney’ and ‘shoulder’ basic types of the described harness are the main types to consider.
There are some sit-in pads featured with several models of the kidney-type harness, the latter is to easily allow your using of own weight to achieve your maximum leverage, all this to be achieved with minimum or no harm to your comfort.
Being generally considered a better option while dealing with the lighter class angler’s gear, for instance, those of 20-50lbs class, shoulder types are usually the best choice for this specified class, while all kidney- and sit-in styles should be preferred as better options to suit for the outfits within 50-130lbs class range, but it is the matter of anglers’ choice though, depending on your preferences and on how you feel your setting should be properly up.
When you are after the big game while stand-up fishing, no doubt you should be equipped with some style of a fish-fighting belt or any of the below harness. It is rather a must than a necessity.
In this case, a harness that you combine with some type of a fighting belt, would be ideal for your stand-up battle, while fighting the big tuna, huge marlin or a massive swordfish. This comes handy, since you get a perfect option to re-arrange the supposed greater pressure applied to the fish, and at the same time to enlarge your body’s area to which this strain is applied. Note, that if having a bucket harness conceptual type on, you are going to be allowed to simply sit back, and efficiently use the weight of your own body, that is to move a monster easily!
Below, you are offered to choose from the following major brands: Pellor, Braid, Sampo, Alutecnos, VGEBY, Aftco, GAFFER, Black Magic and many more.
Consider the Quick Picks – Choose from our 7 stand-up fishing harness styles
- Power Play Harness, Braid Products – Editor’s Choice, best overall harness (Review).
- GAFFER SPORTFISHING – Also great standup fishing harness with fighting rod belt (Review).
- Aftco HRNS1BLUE MaxForce Harness – Perfect product for fighting big fish (Review).
- Shoulder Harness, AFTCO HRNS2BLUE Maxforce – Excellent fishing harness for big gamefish (Review).
- Offshore Fishing Fighting Belt, Pellor Fishing – Perfect budget fishing harness (Review).
- VGEBY Fishing Shoulder Harness – Good cheap product (Review).
- Pellor Back Harness with Fishing Fighting Belt – Best value for money (Review).
Power Play Harness, Braid Products (fits 26-56 inch) Review
This is our champion. Ultimate for the giant or largest fish in the ocean or sea and the heaviest tackle. No rivals in comfort due to its progressive all-in-one adjustable size/shape system. The perfect one, featuring each and every advantage as above.
Pros:
- made of the finest materials at the market
- experts’ choice, actual design and ergonomics
- ultimate for 80-130 and 50 of drag
- fully adjustable independent of size and shape to achieve maximum comfort of the angler
- engineered to withstand maximum pressure/largest size fish
- exclusive quality stainless steel for all the fittings and snaps assured
- included are special drop down straps – extras to be added to the Braid Power Play Belt
- compatible with Braid Fighting Belts 30350 or 30900
Cons:
- High cost
Shoulder Harness, AFTCO HRNS2BLUE Maxforce Review
This one of the best fish-fighting harness provides for your perfect choice. It is mostly needed when you are standing any one of your epic reeling battles up. Extremely useful in cases you tend to use test lines of up to 50-pound range.
Note that this style of harness demonstrates its superiority being provided with specially designed padding for the foam shoulder and back covered with polyester. It also has special cloth liners from synthetic terry, and also enjoys the special mesh for the ventilation, all these features are extremely useful when seeking to distribute the load evenly and comfortably across your back.
The feature allows your upper body and shoulders to withstand the carried load while during your fights with large stubborn game. The type has four special ladder locks made from stainless steel that are easily adjustable for the angler’s perfect fit under the load, at the same time the carabiner clips (stainless steel items) enable secure attachment to the reel lugs on the harness.
The extreme durability of this type of harness is efficiently enabled by its nylon webbing straps which are cross-stitched for better safety and extreme durability at all the critical locations. You will find also a specially designed mesh bag with unique grommets included for the angler’s easy storage. This item will also enable easy rinsing with fresh water.
Remember, your AFTCO Shoulder Harness is, as the matter of fact, completely made of synthetics. That is the item is 100% machine washable. The most sizes and shapes fit by the one-size solution.
SPECIALLY FEATURING
- web straps from heavy duty nylon
- bio foam full mesh back
- spring action carabiner clips [stainless steel]
- ladder system locks [stainless steel]
- universal option to fight up to [including] 50-lb tackle
Offshore Fishing Fighting Belt, Pellor Fishing [Rod Holder Pole Bracket] Review
The most reasonably priced option, salt water proof, made of high-strength and ultimately lightweight materials, all this being done for the extreme durability and longer service life.
The special EPE padded PVC mesh material applied when engineering this model should be stressed, since it provides for the more comfortable anglers’ experience of fishing.
The most attractive function is, of course, the in-built ability to easily adjust to mostly all the required and possible comfortable positions an angler may need. This feature is actually enabled by the function of the unique braided-form rope belt that has a fixed safety clasp, the latter being adjustable in accordance to the various body shape/size (suitable waistline within 80 cm – 126cm / 31.5-49.6inch range).
Perfect both body and fishing rods protection as well as outstanding safety characteristics.
Pros:
- extremely durable and light-weight materials used, corrosion-free, salt proof
- life-long service life
- special EPE padded PVC mesh available
- extreme comfort and better fishing experience granted!
- quick-and-easy adjustable belt; most comfortable positions fit
- special braided-form rope belt and safety clasp fixed on it, freely adjustable to various sizes and body shapes (suitable for waistlines from 80 cm up to 126cm / 31.5-49.6inch).
- perfect body and fishing rods protection
- advanced ergonomics
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Review
Standup Fishing Shoulder Harness with Fighting Rod Belt. This popular shoulder harness model just works perfectly! All the parts being perfectly put together, your maximum comfort and fighting ability will please you right from the start! A unique opportunity to enhance your offshore experience.
PROS:
- Featuring one of the perfect strong & secure complex available on the market. Meet the unique opportunity to set up your very own efficient shoulder harness: an adjustable, with drop straps and D-rings made from ultra-durable stainless steel and utilize one of the best fishing belt and maximum optimal reel for the better leverage!
- Advanced construction combining first and the most essential part – a fishing belt specially designed and from patented Neoprene FISHING BELT: its extra-comfortable padding allows you exclusive comfort and safety while fighting the large fish with the ability to obtain the control of it;
- Enjoy its exclusive high quality. The harness features the basic materials it’s made of as those to meet all the requirements and to fit the variety of needs with its ABS plastic corrosion-resistant belt & wide body as well as its exclusively progressive and comfortable groin guard with Foam padding (EVA); all these will definitely make your catch easier and ensure the maximum comfort and support for the angler!
- Never care of your rod while being specially fixed with the unique rod lock containing the stainless steel insert pin to hold it in place while fighting the fish in your standing position! Thus the fishing rod lock here will occur extremely handy and provide for your multiplied fighting abilities.
- Multiple choice waist size adjustment option: your size and height matters, yet this fish harness is capable of accommodating different sizes and heights with ease and comfort!
VGEBY Harness Review
Fishing Shoulder Harness Preventing Shoulder Instability Fishing Harness Fighting Belt. Praised for exclusive lightweight properties and high quality by both leisure fishermen and experienced anglers, this ultra-modern fishing stand up harness will make your fishing tours unforgettable.
PROS:
- Try its perfect quality, first. Second, never feel any discomfort while fighting your catch or suffer from being overloaded anymore: the fighting load will be evenly distributed with the specially designed connects featuring the extremely comfortable back padding and, what is sufficient, the mesh to provide your shoulders with ventilation required as well as to ensure the angler’s back safety and comfort!
- The most advanced and, say, high-end-design solutions applied and utilized here with this harness will provide you for your perfect fit and extra comfort: just use the adjustable shoulder straps and also the straps to keep your chest segment in place in complex with the specially engineered reinforced cross-webbing segment on your back for your life-long applications!
- The most lightweight option currently available with the manufacturers. Strong yet ultra-light construction utilizing the pair of durable snap buckles connecting the whole thing with your fishing reel will never feel heavy or some kind of a burden. Forget about your aching shoulders guys!
- Most advanced and heavily tested materials used, modern state-of-the-art technologies and tooling applied, best results ever achieved: your fighting abilities extended that much that you are capable of subduing any of the most stubborn catches you ever had!
- Last but not least: the manufacturer guarantees the life-long warranty for the harness and all parts included. Unconditional return and nearly instant money-back refund granted within 6 months. Round-the-clock customer support and consulting by the manufacturer via email.
CONS:
- Some experienced anglers would condemn its plastic fittings, yet these may be easily replaced by stronger metal (steel) ones.
Aftco HRNS1BLUE Max Force Harness Review
Larger a bit than you guys may think of it, its extremely versatile size-adjustable straps with buckles would make the process of adjustment an easy game in no time! Be sure there is just enough Velcro on the straps to hold the whole thing right on the place! Smaller waistlines will be satisfied either!
The only creature to feel worse from now on is your next sea monster to get hooked from the beach very soon.
PROS:
- Utilizing all the opportunities as integrated solutions to maximize your stand up fighting power, this fishing harness demonstrates the most recent concepts in design and construction for your comfortable fighting stand up style!
- Unique design to feature both stand-up and sit-in options it evenly distributes the entire load just on below your hips, so that to allow your lower body to make it stronger and with maximum force applied, while making no harm to your body.
- EVA-molded foam padding option applied here enables your extra comfort; its water-proof ability thanks to the specially designed polyester and Lycra covering provide for the better and extremely safe applications;
- Smart ID tag attached to the liner inside for your quick item identification!
- Universal size adjustable to fit the most popular waistlines and seizes, the best solution to be kept with your tackle available!
Pellor Offshore Stand Up Fishing Fighting Belt Review
Absolutely awesome harness, as the most recent feedback from anglers runs, makes a perfect reasonably cheap solution for all those seeking a chance with their massive rod/ heavy reel tackle. It enhances your fighting abilities against the sea monsters while perfectly performing hook-after-hook from offshore, and you ever fight with extra comfort, no matter stand-up style or sitting.
PROS:
- Exclusive quality. A champ for the money!
- Special slot working rotary mode (360 degrees) to clamp your soft ABS padded plastic fishing belt to adapt the harness in any position required and as you wish, yet ensuring your best comfort and flexibility;
- Enjoy the most progressive and advanced design currently presented on the market: its reasonable construction to utilize padding backing that actually reduces the strain, makes it easy to efficiently use your rod and keep yourself safe;
- Fashionable colors and contemporary popular design makes your looks advanced and gives you a great strength to fight your giant catch, submit the big fish, or enjoy your perfect control!
- Adjust your waist belt easily! Multiple choice versatile long-term use safety buckle allows your better adjustments and longer service of the whole thing: special corrosion-free and corrosion-resistant materials applied while constructing the belt make it possible to extensively use the harness and, that is even more important, equip your offshore fishing with the ultra-lightweight yet extremely durable and strong system!
- 6-months warranty from the manufacturer; great customer support service line.
CONS:
- Some anglers feel it would be better to have some stronger material clips to attach the rod, as the currently available are a budget variant to be less durable and subject to be replaced after they break.
Bucket Harness, Seamount Charles Perry Pro [CP] Review
This would become your ultimate weapon when battling the greatest fish or a giant sea monster of your lifetime. Being an owner of the Charles Perry Pro Bucket Harness would enable catching your prettiest giant marlin!
Pros:
- enjoy your own very legendary Charles Perry Pro Bucket Harness, the latter was proudly designed in close collaboration with the notorious IGFA Hall of Fame Captain Charles Perry!
- totally capable of catching really big fish, ultimately superior, extreme comfort!
- never collapse under pressure!
- exclusive fit, actual and efficient spinal protection ability
- salt proof, contains Memory Foam (NASA development)
- being recently rave reviewed!!!
Cons:
- High cost
Shoulder Harness, Williamson Fighting Review
Whenever you are out for your epic battle with large game fish, this ergonomic and extremely comfortable option will become a day-saver!. Moreover, the ultimate comfort is enabled by its special design EVA cushioned 600D construction (nylon) featuring the breathable mesh inserts for better and efficient ventilation. The webbing is rather strong, since it is made of strong nylon with reinforced [double] stitching. There are handy ladder locks of stainless steel and special reel [spring-action] lug clips. Also included are the jigging strap and a handy mesh storage bag for your best comfort and positive experience.
If used together with a rod belt, this Williamson’s Fighting Shoulder Harness would spread out the intense pressure while fish battling from the angler’s hips to his upper back area, thus providing for lower overload on your body.
Pros:
- EVA nylon construction [cushioned 600D] with ventilation mesh inserts for your comfort and safety
- reinforced webbing with double strong stitching on nylon
- ladder locks and reel lug clips [spring loaded action] from stainless steel
- included are a specially designed jigging strap and a handy storage mesh bag.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, a true giant or huge fish game angler is literally obliged to own his ultimate fish-fighting harness since the very moment he undertakes going after large tuna or giant marlin! The styles reviewed above are currently considered the best anglers’ choice, being impressively used by the most authoritative champions of the time.