Fishing Tools
Tools, uses & API connections for fishing operations
Releasing & Circulating Overshot
OvershotEngages and releases external fish (drill pipe, tubing, collars). Allows circulation through the fish.
API Regular, IF, NC (varies by size)
2-3/8" to 9-1/2"
Spiral or basket grapple
Right-hand rotation with release
High-Release Overshot
OvershotHeavy-duty overshot for high-torque and high-pull applications. Engages fish neck.
API Regular / NC50
4-1/2" to 8"
Grapple on fish neck
Hydraulic or mechanical release
Releasing Spear
SpearEngages internal bore of fish (tube, casing). Self-releasing on left-hand rotation.
API IF / NC
1-1/2" to 9-5/8"
Slips/grapple expanded inside fish
Left-hand rotation
Wall Hook Releasing Spear
SpearLocates and engages fish in washed-out or enlarged hole. Wall hook guides spear into fish top.
API Regular / IF
3-1/2" to 8"
Wall hook + grapple
Left-hand rotation
Tapered Tap
Tap & DieCuts threads into internal bore of fish. Non-releasing — permanent catch.
API Regular / IF
1" to 7"
Thread cutting (self-tapping)
Not releasable
Die Collar
Tap & DieCuts threads onto external surface of fish. Non-releasing — permanent catch.
API Regular / IF
2" to 9"
Thread cutting on OD
Not releasable
Reverse Circulation Junk Basket
Junk CatcherRecovers small junk (bit cones, bearings, hand tools) from bottom of hole. Reverse circulates fluid to trap debris.
API Regular / IF
6-1/4" to 14"
Jet basket / finger catcher
Surface dump
Boot Basket (Junk Sub)
Junk CatcherCollects junk circulating in annulus. Run above bit or fishing tool.
API Regular / IF
6" to 12"
Baffled chamber
Surface dump
Fishing Magnet
Junk CatcherRecovers ferromagnetic junk (bit teeth, bearings, shims) from bottom of hole.
API Regular / IF
4" to 12"
Permanent magnet
Surface release
Impression Block
AccessoriesMakes an impression of the top of fish to determine its shape, size, and condition.
API Regular / IF
3-1/2" to 12"
Lead/resin impression
N/A (inspection tool)
Bumper Sub
Impact ToolProvides controlled up/down jarring action to free stuck fish. Stroke typically 12-20 in.
API Regular / IF
3-1/2" to 8"
Used with overshot/spear
Stroke adjust
Drilling Jar (Hydraulic/Mechanical)
Impact ToolDelivers impact blows to free stuck drill string. Up and down jar capability.
NC38 to NC61
5" to 8"
Integral to BHA
Timer/mechanical trip
Safety Joint
AccessoriesWeak point in fishing string. Allows back-off above stuck fish if fishing tool cannot release.
API Regular / IF
3-1/2" to 8"
Shear pin / left-hand release
Left-hand rotation
Washover Pipe
AccessoriesWashes over stuck fish to free it from surrounding wall cake or bridging. Allows circulation.
API Regular / Washover thread
4-1/2" to 16"
External washover
N/A (clearance tool)
Wireline Fishing Grab
AccessoriesRecovers broken wireline, cable, or slickline from wellbore. Grabs wire with barbed fingers.
Threaded / rope socket
1-1/2" to 4"
Barbed finger grab
Surface dump