A boat hook is a critical part of any boater's boating gear, so how do you choose the best boat hook for your boat? As with any tool, the quality of the materials used and the design of the hook will make a huge difference to its effectiveness and usability.
I had the chance to test out some of the best boat hooks on the market. You'll be surprised how the different quality levels impact how easy the boat hook is to use, how long the hook will last, and how easy the boat hook is to store.
If you're looking for a boat hook for kayaking or fishing, I hope you find this boat hook review useful.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Boat Hook -Telescoping | Best Overall |  |
| Boat Hook | Budget Pick |  |
| The Boat Loop | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Star brite Boat Hook -Telescoping
Pros:
- Handy hook that can double as rake
- Flexible and handy to use
- Telescoping design makes it easy to use and store
- Amazingly strong
Star Brite continues to make their mark on the boating community by releasing innovative and unique products that make your experience out on the water much more convenient. This telescoping boat hook is one of those innovative products that makes hauling or retrieving your boat gear much more convenient.
The telescoping design of this fishing pole allows you to use it at different levels from 4” all the way up to 8”. At its highest length it is able to extend about 18” beyond your hand. At its shortest it is still around 6” above your hand which is no problem at all.
The boat hook is made with a stainless steel boom that has marine-grade corrosion protection. The high-strength line is resistant to abrasion and will not tangle or kink up over time. It comes with a plastic telescopic extension handle for easy storage. You get a lifetime warranty when you purchase this product.
2. The Boat Loop
Pros:
- Large and heavy duty
- Great for beginners and professionals
- Comes with pivoting head
If you’re looking for one of the best boat hooks you can get, then you may want to consider the The Boat Loop – White Pole. It comes in three variations of white, red and black.
These boat hooks are a little bit on the pricey side, but they’re built to last. They’re made with high-strength composite material and designed to resist corrosion.
The Boat Loop has a pivoting head so you’ll be able to move about more easily in a boat or on land. It measures 30 inches in length, so it’s not the biggest thing ever, but definitely not the smallest.
3. SEACHOICE 71050 Aluminum Telescoping Scratch-Resistant Boat Hook 4-Feet to 7-Feet
Pros:
- Aluminum telescopic boat hook can be adjusted to between 4-feet and 7-feet
- Has an ergonomic rubber handle for comfortable, non-slip grip
- Has a non-scratch scuff guard designed to protect your boat when docking
- Has a secure snap-lock clamp for quick and easy attachment
- Includes a braided rope, a mounting bracket with hardware, and a drawstring storage bag
When it comes to fishing rods, the SEACHOICE 71050 is a top-performing telescopic boat hook.
Designed with an ergonomic non-slip rubber handle, it allows you to have a comfortable grip and secure hold. The boat hook features a rubberized paint that offers a slip-proof grip while docking.
The SEACHOICE weighs 3.5 pounds and comes with a mounting bracket that allows you to install the boat hook in the transom.
4. WindRider Telescoping Boat Hook
Pros:
- Telescopes to 12 or 8 ft
- Double grip to prevent hand fatigue
- Super strong zinc construction
Cons:
- It's better quality than a normal boat hook.
The Windranger Telescoping Boat Hook is a multipurpose push pole, so it can be used for more than just fishing. You can use it as a paddle, a fishing rod, or a foregrip. This boat hook also has a double handle, which is incredibly comfortable for long periods of time.
The Windranger Telescoping Boat Hook is 6 feet when it is shrunk down, and it can be extended to over 8 feet, which puts you high enough to clear any weeds or branches that might get in your way.
The comfortable double handle also has a button lock that prevents it from extending. This is great for keeping you from accidentally extending it while you're on the water.
5. EVERSPROUT Telescopic Boat Hook
Pros:
- Its telescoping design is ingenious!
- Even when very long, it doesn’t feel too unstable
- Comes with a nice carrying pouch
- Sturdy and lightweight at the same time
Cons:
- Extremely long, which causes issues with storage
- There is a little play on the telescoping section, makes us wonder how long it will last
- Doesn’t seem heavy-duty enough, won’t last for a long period of time
The EverSPROUT boat hook has a specially designed pole, which can be extended to as much as 25 feet. It has a three-stage telescopic design with a long extended arm to help you reach for your next grab.
It is designed with EVA foam handles and a snag-free rope for quick and easy retrieval of your items out of the water.
It comes in three lengths; 13 feet, 19 feet, and 25 feet, so you can find an arm length that will work best for your needs.
6. SAN LIKE Telescopic Boat Hook
Pros:
- Available in fast blue, black, and camo colors
- Very long; which makes it great for lake users and marinas
- Scratch and rust resistant
- Small bright beads on the handle help you to spot the hook in dark days
- Price
- 600 pounds carrying capacity
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- The handle can easily get slippery
- The hook is not quite sharp enough
- Doesn’t have handles
The SAN Like Telescopic Boat Hook is an ergonomically designed, sturdy, telescopic fishing pole that comes in seven different sizes. The steel shaft tube is completely resistant to rust and corrosion.
The best feature of the boat hook is definitely its capacity. It can easily hold a few hundred pounds of weight without any issues.
The length ranges from a few feet up to 15 feet, while the padded handle is approximately 26 inches in length. The hook itself is designed with a safety locking system.
7. Rainier Supply Co Premium Telescoping Boat Hook
Pros:
- Stretches from 55 inches to 98 inches
- No corrosion
- Handle grips are soft handle grips. Not hard plastic.
- There’s a nylon strap that goes through a loop that goes around the mast of the boat to ensure the hook is very secure.
- 2 year warranty
- Bars at the end of the pole are squared off to provide more grip
8. Boat Hook
Pros:
- Works well on wet or dry surfaces.
- Strong enough for standard boating uses, such as docking, towing, and maneuvering.
- Locking mechanism keeps hook in place
- Rubber notches on the bottom prevent scratching on boat hull.
Cons:
- Extension pole is not meant for heavier fishing equipment
- Pole can become damaged while using above water.
9. WindRider Telescoping Boat Hook
Pros:
- Telescopes to 12 or 8 ft
- Double grip to prevent hand fatigue
- Super strong zinc construction
Cons:
- It's better quality than a normal boat hook.
The Windranger Telescoping Boat Hook is a multipurpose push pole, so it can be used for more than just fishing. You can use it as a paddle, a fishing rod, or a foregrip. This boat hook also has a double handle, which is incredibly comfortable for long periods of time.
The Windranger Telescoping Boat Hook is 6 feet when it is shrunk down, and it can be extended to over 8 feet, which puts you high enough to clear any weeds or branches that might get in your way.
The comfortable double handle also has a button lock that prevents it from extending. This is great for keeping you from accidentally extending it while you're on the water.
10. Shurhold 130 Boat Hook
Pros:
- Made from non-corrosive materials
- Safe to use on fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Can be attached to a line
- Easy to reach and use
- Can handle a wide range of objects
- Can be stored easily under a seat or in a glovebox
- Holds objects such as cooler