ICON FILLET KNIFE

RRP: £12.99

This seven-inch filleting knife is constructed from hardened stainless steel for increased sharpness and reliability. The blade features a double taper, which helps to keep it sharper for longer, and aids with directional cutting stability. Supplied with its own protective sheath and handy sharpener that slots neatly into the top of the handle.

■ Available from Gerry’s Fishing, visit: www.gerrysfishing.com

Because the UK has extremely strict laws when it comes to carrying a knife, anglers need to be aware of the rules.

Firstly, you need to have a reasonable excuse to be carrying a knife in a public place – like going fishing. Plus, it must be stored in your tackle box or bag and secured in a protective sheath. You must not carry it in your pocket or jacket while quickly nipping into a shop. Neither can you store it in your vehicle, such as a car door pocket or glovebox. It all boils down to common sense and having a reasonable excuse to be carrying a fillet or bait knife in the first place.

It’s illegal to:

■ Sell a knife to anyone under 18, unless it has a folding blade 3in (7.62cm) long or less.

■ Carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3in long or less.

■ Carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife.

■ Use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife).

■ The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and an unlimited fine. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife without good reason more than once.

■ For a more detailed explanation of the law on carrying a knife, visit: www.gov.uk/buyingcarrying-knives