When dealing with big game fish, removing the hook can be dangerous. With their sharp teeth and strong jaws, it’s easy to see how a fish could cause serious injury if you’re not careful. So, if you want to avoid a costly trip to the ER, getting the best fish hook removal tool is a must!
Not only it will save your fingers from nasty cuts (or getting chopped off!) You can quickly remove a deeply embedded hook and avoid damaging the fish’s mouth.
What You Should Consider Before Buying Hook Removal Tools
All hook removal tools have one purpose – dislodge a hook from the fish’s mouth. Although they may appear the same, it’s important to consider what type of fish hook removal tool is best for you and your needs.
Do you need a simple fish hook remover or a more complex fishing hook removal tool? What type of fishhooks do you typically fish with? These are essential questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.
Here are some other factors to consider:
1. Material
It’s important to consider the material of the fishhook removal tool before making a purchase. Fishhook removal tools are made from various materials, including plastic, metal, aluminum, and even titanium.
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel fishhook removal tools are highly resistant to rust. They are also durable compared to plastic. The downside is they are on the pricier side.
- Aluminum
If you are always on the go and need a fishhook that is lightweight and easy to transport, then aluminum is a good choice. Like stainless steel, aluminum hook removers are resistant to rust. . You’ll find that an aluminum fishhook removal tool is more affordable than one made from stainless steel.
- Titanium
Titanium is one of the strongest metals, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently fish large gamefish. Aside from its durability, titanium is also rust-resistant.
- Plastic
Plastic fishhook removal tools are the most affordable option on the market. Like aluminum, they are lightweight and easy to transport. However, they are the least durable. They can chip and even break into half, especially when removing a hook rammed all the way into the fish’s jaw. Although plastic fishhook removal tools are more affordable, they may not be the best choice for those who fish often.
2. Durability
You don’t want to replace a fish hook removal tool after only a few uses.. If you fish in saltwater often, stainless steel and aluminum are great choices. Titanium is also excellent because of its high tensile strength and rust-resistant properties.
This will ensure that it lasts for years to come. Good quality material will also be resistant to rust and corrosion. A corrosion-resistant fish hook removal tool is essential if you fish in saltwater.
It will prevent the fishhook removal tool from rusting and corroding over time, which will help it last longer.
3. Shank
You should also consider the fish hook removal tool’s shank, a portion of the hook that extends from the eye to the point. Ideally, you should get a longer shank so the hooker can accommodate small and large hooks.
3. Type of Grip
The type of grip you choose will determine how comfortable and easy to use the fish hook removal tool is. There are two different types of grips:
T Grips
T Grips have a “T” shaped handle that you can hold onto with your thumb and forefinger. This type of grip is the easiest to use because it gives you the most control over the tool. However, hook removers with t Grips are a bit larger than other types of grips, so they are harder to maneuver.
To use a T Grip, hold the “T” with your thumb and forefinger and insert the hook into the opening at the top of the tool. Then, push down on the hook to release it from your finger.
Pistol Grips
The pistol grips are similar to the T Grips but have a “trigger” that you can squeeze with your thumb. This type of grip is easier to use than the T Grip because you don’t have to hold onto the “T” with your thumb and forefinger.
Squeeze the trigger to release the hook from your finger. Pistol grips are a bit more expensive than T Grips, but they’re worth the extra cost. They are compact and fit easily in your tackle box.
4. Mechanism
Affordable hook removal tools have a simple spiral loop at the end, in which you insert the fishing line, slide down the hook in, and then, you’ll have to manually yank the hook out. There are others, often seen in more premium options, that use a spring-loaded squeeze-activated mechanism that does the pulling for you.
Fish Hook Remover Alternatives
- Hemostats/Forceps: These are also known as “forceps” or “tweezers.” They use a locking mechanism that keeps the hemostat’s jaws closed so they can grip the fish hook tightly.
- Fishing Pliers: Fishing pliers have a cutting blade that can be used to cut the fish hook. They also have jaws that can be used to grip and remove the fish hook. They are a good choice for those who fish in saltwater because they are less likely to rust and corrode.
What Are the Best Hook Removal Tools?
When purchasing a fish hook removal tool, you’ll want to consider the type of fishing you’ll be doing. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best fish hook removal tools.
The tools are not arranged in a particular order.
1. SAMSFX Fishing Hook Disgorger
The SAMSFX Fishing Hook Disgorger is a no-fuss, beginner-friendly option that won’t empty your pockets.
Instead of having a metal construction, it opts for an all-plastic assembly, which is great choice if you value portability. You’ll get two hook removers in one tool. How? Well, at each end, you’ll find a larger hook remover and a smaller one on the other.
This versatility is exceptional if you’re not always reeling in large gamefish. However, being an all-plastic fishing hook disgorger don’t expect it to be the most durable.
2. Booms Fishing R1 Hook Remover
If you’re after a more durable option than SAMSFX but still within the budget range, consider picking up the R1 hook remover from Booms Fishing. Instead of using plastic, this hook remover is made entirely from stainless steel material, which is tougher and suitable for either salt or freshwater fishing.
It also has a spring-loaded pistol grip design, making it crazy convenient to grab the hook even with just one hand. Its jaws also have teeth for better grip on the hook! To top it all off, the length of this fish hook removal tool is 11-½”, which is not too short or too long.
With its budget-friendly price point, don’t expect it to be 100% perfect out of the box. The tool may have rough, sharp edges that can slice your fingers before you even have the chance to use it out on the water! The good thing is all you need to do is use a file or 120 grit sandpaper to sand down the tool.
3. Cuda Titanium Bonded Dehooker
The Cuda Titanium Bonded Dehooker is the best fish hook removal tool that you can get in the market today. Rather than an all-plastic build or a pistol-grip design, this dehooker utilizes a T-grip style, which is easy to hold and use.
How to use a fish hook removal tool, you ask? Well, all you need to do is:
- Position its dehooking mechanism to the embedded hook.
- Once the hook is hooked onto the dehooker, squeeze the T-grip handle to grab the hook. While pulling the handle, take the tool out of the fish’s mouth.
- Once the tool is out, release the handle, and you’ve successfully removed the hook.
These four steps will take less than 15 seconds or less to complete! If you are worried that this dehooker tool will slip out from your hand as you maneuver it, don’t be. Cuda cleverly included textured pattern grips on the handle.
In addition to its super convenient and fast dehooking, this Cuda tool is also the toughest option! It opts for aluminum construction, while its efficient dehooking mechanism is titanium bonded.
We couldn’t find any fault with this dehooker – aside from its price. If we’re to nitpick, we wished it had a lanyard attachment. But overall, this is a great investment!
4. Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover
Boom Fishing’s R2 is a better option than the R1 and a more affordable alternative to the Cuda. The R2 steers away from R1’s pistol grip design and opts for a T-grip style.
This mechanism, as expected, is more efficient in removing the hook. Of course, you can use this hook remover using only one hand! The R2 also uses anodized aluminum rather than stainless steel to keep the weight down and prevent rust.
Despite having a better mechanism, the R2 is not the best choice for panfish. It is challenging to maneuver and grip on smaller hooks.
5. Musnina Fish Hook Remover
If you prefer to have a dehooker without any fancy mechanism, the Musnina Fish Hook Remover is one of the best options.
Like our budget option, the SAMSFX, this hook remover from Musnina uses a spiral tip to dislodge a hook. The difference is that this hook remover is not plastic; it uses a combination of aluminum and plastic.
This gives the Musnina a slightly better edge than the SAMSFX in terms of durability. In terms of usage, it also utilizes the same dehooking method – put the line through the dehooker, slide the hook in, and pull.
Take note that this product is advertised that the ring mouth can be adjusted, however, that’s not the case. The dehook and the shank are permanently fixed. Moreover, it is not a solid piece. The parts (the handle and shank) are held together by glue.
6. Region Fishing Heavy Duty Fish Hook Remover
This hook remover from Region Fishing has a T shape design but without the fancy spring-loaded mechanism. If you compare it to the other manual de-hookers like the SAMSFX and Musnina, you’ll notice one thing – the dehooker is not spiral.
This design choice is excellent for anglers that use larger and thicker hooks.Plus, this fish hook remover is a whole lot more durable than SAMSFX and Musnina. Its handle is aluminum, while its shaft is stainless steel.
Using this hook remover is also quick and efficient without damaging the fish’s mouth! All it takes are three steps: Use the tool to catch the line. Grab the line and put it at a 90-degree angle. Then, lift the tool up.
And, with a 10” length, this dehooker definitely keeps your fingers away from the fish’s sharp teeth! Aside from its price, this hook removal tool is a great choice.
7. CRAZY SHARK Hook Remover
The CRAZY SHARK Hook Remover is our second runner-up for the best fish hook removal tool. CRAZY SHARK uses an easy-to-squeeze pistol grip design, which is easier to maneuver and activate from different angles.
Best of all, it’s easy to use. All you need to do is to put the tool inside the fish’s mouth, hook the dehooker, and squeeze the handle, and you’re done!
Unfortunately, despite using aluminum and stainless steel construction, CRAZY SHARK is not as durable as our top choice Cuda.
Keep Your Fingers Safe
Fish de-hookers are a great investment. Not only do they make dehooking faster and more convenient, but they can also keep your fingers away from the fish’s razor-sharp teeth! When shopping for the best fish hook removal tool, always keep in mind five things – material, durability, length, mechanism, and grip!
Table of Contents
