Ask a newer angler what a fish priest is and you'll usually get a blank look. Ask an old-timer and they'll reach into a tackle bag and hand you one.
A fish priest (also called a fisherman's priest, fish bat, fish bonker or fish billy) is a short, weighted club used to kill a landed fish quickly with one firm blow to the head. It's one of the oldest and simplest tools in fishing, and it's still one of the most humane ways to dispatch a fish you plan to keep.
What is a fish priest?
A fish priest is a compact striking tool, usually 8 to 14 inches long, with a heavier head and a grip that fits in one hand. After a fish is landed and secured, you use it to stun or kill the fish with a quick, well-aimed tap on the top of the head.
Priests are made from dense hardwood, aluminum, brass-weighted wood or composite. The design is simple on purpose: it has to feel solid, stay grippy when wet, and carry enough weight to do the job in one blow instead of several.
Why is it called a "priest"?
The name is old British angling slang. The priest "administers the last rites" to the fish. It sounds grim, but the idea behind it is respect: end the fish's life quickly instead of leaving it to suffocate on deck or in a cooler.
You'll also hear it called:
- Fish bat or fish club: common in the US
- Fish bonker or fish whacker: the casual version
- Fish billy or billy club: often used for heavier saltwater versions
- Persuader: an old British nickname
They're all the same tool.
What does a fish priest do?
A priest isn't for landing a fish or bleeding it. It comes in after the fish is under control, and it does three jobs:
- Safety. A thrashing fish on deck swings hooks, spines and teeth around. One tap and the danger is over.
- Fish quality. A fish that's killed quickly doesn't bruise itself on the deck or build up lactic acid, so the meat stays firmer and cleaner.
- Humane dispatch. A well-placed blow kills or stuns the fish almost instantly, far better than letting it slowly suffocate.
How to use a fish priest (step by step)
- Secure the fish. Pin it gently on the deck or hold it firmly in a wet towel. Keep your hands away from hooks, teeth and spines.
- Find the spot. Aim for the top of the head, just above and slightly behind the eyes. That's where the brain is.
- Strike once, firmly. Use a short, controlled swing, not a wild one. You want a single sharp blow with the head of the priest.
- Check it. The fish should go still, and its eyes usually stop moving. If it's still kicking, give one more firm tap in the same spot.
- Bleed and ice right away. For the best-tasting fish, cut the gills, let it bleed in seawater, then put it in an ice slurry. See our full guide on how to bleed a fish.
What's the most humane way to kill a fish?
The two most humane methods are a sharp blow to the head with a priest and a brain spike (the Japanese ike jime method). Both kill the fish almost instantly when done right. The worst option is doing nothing: letting a fish suffocate slowly in air or a cooler is stressful for the fish and ruins the meat.
Which one you choose mostly depends on the size of the fish.
Fish priest vs. tuna spike vs. gaff
A lot of bad fish handling comes from asking one tool to do another tool's job. Here's how they fit together:
| Tool | What it's for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gaff | Landing the fish and getting it on board | Any fish too big to lift by the leader |
| Fish priest | A quick kill with a blow to the head | Trout, salmon, rockfish, bass, snapper and other small to medium fish |
| Tuna spike (ike jime spike) | An instant kill by piercing the brain, which keeps the heart pumping for a better bleed | Tuna, yellowtail, dorado, wahoo and big or thick-skulled fish |
A priest can struggle on big, hard-headed pelagics like tuna, where it takes several blows and still might not work. That's where a tuna spike shines: one push into the brain and the fish goes limp, with no bruising. Many offshore anglers carry both. Learn more in what is a tuna spike and our ike jime guide.
To land the fish in the first place, see what a fishing gaff is used for, or browse our handmade Calcutta bamboo gaffs.
What to look for in a good fish priest
- Weight in the head. Too light and it won't do the job in one blow. Look for a heavier striking end.
- A grip that works wet. Blood and slime make smooth handles slippery. Cord wraps, rubber or textured wood grip best.
- The right size. 8–10 inches for trout and small fish; 12–14 inches for saltwater table fish.
- A lanyard hole. So it can hang from your belt or bag and won't go overboard.
- Saltwater-proof materials. Sealed hardwood, aluminum or composite. Avoid raw wood or cheap metal that will rot or rust.
FAQ
What is a fisherman's priest?
It's another name for a fish priest: a small club used to kill a caught fish quickly with a blow to the head.
Is a fish bat the same as a fish priest?
Yes. Fish bat, fish bonker, fish billy and fish club are all names for the same tool.
Where do you hit a fish with a priest?
On top of the head, just above and slightly behind the eyes, where the brain is.
Is a fish priest humane?
Yes, when used correctly. One firm blow kills or stuns the fish almost instantly, which is far more humane than letting it suffocate.
Can I use a fish priest on tuna?
It's not ideal. Tuna have thick skulls and are very strong. A tuna spike is faster, cleaner and better for the meat.
What's the difference between a fish priest and a tuna spike?
A priest kills with a blow to the head; a spike kills by piercing the brain. Spikes are better for big fish and for bleeding, while priests are quick and simple for smaller fish.