It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. That can only mean one thing: it’s time to start gearing up for the fishing season!
If you’re like most people, you probably have a tackle box full of all the essentials: lures, bait, line, hooks, and of course, fishing pliers. But what are the best fishing pliers out there? And how do you know which ones are right for you?
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best fishing pliers for your needs:
What You Should Consider Before Buying Fishing Pliers
Before you start shopping, it’s essential to understand what features and options are available. By doing so, you can down your choices and ultimately find the best for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a good pair of fishing pliers.
Type of Fish
The type of fish you’ll be catching will significantly impact the type of pliers you need. You should only use smaller pliers for fish species that do not swallow hook very deeply. On the other hand, larger pliers are a must for aggressive species like catfish and fish species with sharp teeth like a pike. If you are targeting different fish, it’s good to have pliers in various sizes.
Split Ring Opener
If you fish with lures, you’ll need a pair of pliers that can open and close split rings. This is a small metal ring that connects the lure to the fishing line. Most tackle boxes come with a pair of needle-nose pliers that can do this, but they’re not always the best option.Â
Look for a pair of pliers that have a dedicated split ring opener. This will make it much easier to change out your lures, and you won’t have to worry about damaging the rings.
Line Cutter
A line cutter is a must-have feature for any pair of fishing pliers. This is a small blade that’s built into the pliers, and, as its name suggests, is used for cutting fishing lines. Some premium options even include replaceable line cutters, so you can always keep a sharp blade on hand.Â
Having a line cutter made from stainless steel or another rust-resistant material is a good idea. This will ensure that it will last longer and won’t rust after being exposed to saltwater.
Material
The most common materials are stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum.
Aluminum
Aluminum pliers are the lightest. This can be helpful if you carry a lot of gear or have a smaller tackle box. However, aluminum is not as durable as steel, so choosing a pair with reinforced construction is essential.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum, and it’s also more resistant to corrosion. This makes it a good choice for saltwater fishing. However, stainless steel pliers are usually more expensive than other options.
Carbon Steel
If you’re looking for a pair of fishing pliers that are both durable and affordable, carbon steel is a good option. However, carbon steel is more susceptible to corrosion than stainless steel, so choosing a pair with a coating or finish that will protect against rust is important.
Nose Length
The nose is the part of the pliers used for gripping and holding onto things. If you’re using your pliers for tasks like removing hooks, you’ll need a pair with a longer nose. This will give you more reach and allow you to get a better grip on the hook.
On the other hand, if you’re using your pliers for tasks like cutting line, a shorter nose will suffice.
Grip
You’ll want to choose a pair of pliers with a comfortable grip. This will help you avoid fatigue, and it will also give you more control over the pliers. Some fishing pliers have ergonomic handles designed to fit comfortably in your hand.
Others have cushioned grips that absorb shock and reduce vibration. You may also want to look for a pair that has a non-slip grip. This will help you keep a firm hold on the pliers, even when your hands are wet.
Other Features
- Crimping Slots: Some fishing pliers have crimping slots that can attach swivels, weights, and other terminal tackles. This is a handy feature to have, but it’s not essential.
- Lanyard Loop: A lanyard loop is a small hole or loop designed for attaching a lanyard. This cord or strap is used for attaching the pliers to your belt, tackle box, or boat. A lanyard loop is an excellent way to keep your pliers from getting lost, and it can also help you avoid dropping them in the water.
- Hook Holes: You’ll find that some pairs of fishing pliers have hook holes. These are small holes that are designed for holding hooks. This can be a helpful feature if you’re trying to remove a hook from a fish or if you’re trying to keep the hooks organized in your tackle box.
What Are the Best Fishing Pliers?
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of fishing pliers, it’s time to choose the best option for your needs. Here are some of the best fishing pliers on the market:
1. Ugly Stik Ugly Tools Fishing Pliers
You can’t go wrong with a pair of Ugly Stik fishing pliers. This high carbon steel pliers has spring-loaded jaws, making it extra convenient for any angler to use this fly fishing gear with just one hand.
Making this fishing pliers even more great is its ergonomic handles that isn’t fatiguing. It’s easy to grip, and thanks to its light weight construction, manuevering is pretty straightforward. And, should you ever have hooks stuck in a fish’s mouth, the plier’s triggered reverse grip handle can come in handy.Â
Another worthwhile feature? The cutters are replaceable. You also get a matching sheath. So, if you’re looking for a pair of fishing pliers that have it all, the Ugly Stik Ugly Tools Fishing Pliers is our top choice.
2. Van Staal 6″ Titanium Pliers Kit with Lanyard and Sheath
Another excellent pliers to have in your fishing arsenal and accessories is this Van Staal pliers, and it will definitely will last a lifetime.
Out of the pliers options in our review, the Van Staal is the only one made from titanium. It offers spectacular corrosion resistance without the need for additional rubber coating. To top it all off, it’s super light weight and the precision bushings provide smooth operation!Â
Even its cutter, which is made from tungsten by the way, is highly reliable in cutting lines. Another excellent feature is the unique line-keeper is designed to hold onto both braided and gel spun lines that have been cut.
The downside? It’s a huge investment. It costs eight times more than our top pick!
3. Berkley XCD Fishing Tools Straight Nose Pliers
If you’re looking for pliers that can reach hooks stuck in the throat of a fish, the Berkley XCD Fishing Tools Straight Nose Pliers is an excellent choice.Â
Compared to other pliers on our list, this Berkley fishing tool boasts a long straight nose length of a whopping 11-inches. And, you are not compromising durability for the sake of a longer reach.Â
This pliers can stand up to years of use thanks to its strong and durable carbon steel. The corrosion-resistant composite coating further enhances the pliers resistance against rust and wear. Â
We particularly love the ergonomic co-molded handle with spring-loaded mechanism – it’s easy to grip! And the adjustable lanyard ensures that you won’t lose them overboard. The only downside is that its pliers. You will have knives and scissors within reach or in your fishing vest.
4. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers
With the KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers, you’ll get all the features and functions you need to ensure your fishing line is in top shape – and then some! This pliers is constructed with highly corrosion-resistant materials, so you can use them in any condition.
The tungsten carbide cutters will make short work of any line, and the non-slip grip will keep you comfortable even when your hands are wet. The multi-function jaws can crimp split shot, build leaders, tune baits, cinch knots, and cut wire. And, of course, the hook remover is a must-have for any fisherman.
With all these features, the KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers will become your go-to tool for all your fishing needs. However, the braided line cutter is not in a convenient location and can be a little frustrating to cut line with.
5. KastKing Cutthroat Fishing Pliers
If you prefer fishing pliers with Teflon coated stainless steel jaws, the KastKing Cutthroat Fishing Pliers are hard to beat. This pliers use 420 stainless steel with Teflon coating for maximum resistance to corrosion.Â
Its tungsten carbide cutters can also easily slice through the monofilament line, and the serrated jaws can grab and remove any fish hook.Â
You can also take advantage of the crimping slots to secure a split shot weight. Don’t worry, though. The ergonomic textured rubber handle provides a comfortable grip when crimping.Â
Unfortunately, we only recommend it for freshwater fishing. Even with the Teflon coating, this pliers will eventually start to rust. Even its side cutters will rust.
6. Piscifun Fishing Pliers
Piscifun pliers are made of high-strength yet lightweight aluminum alloy, making them a great choice not only for freshwater fishing, but also saltwater fishing. Moreover, its aircraft grade aluminum handles boasts an ergonomic design for an easier grip.Â
Like other pliers in our list, this fishing pliers from Piscifun features a spring-loaded system for one-handed operation. Its jaws are also exceptional as its titanium-coated stainless steel! You can even replace them when worn out.Â
The Piscifun Fishing Pliers have a nylon sheath, a coiled lanyard, and a belt loop clasp.
Despite the premium choice of material and its split ring nose feature, we don’t recommend Piscifun fishing pliers for hooks that are really stuck in the fish. If you do, the jaws can wiggle from its position, and you risk of damaging your catch.
7. ZACX Fishing Pliers
For the fisherman who wants the best fishing experience, the ZACX Pliers are a great choice. It is made from high-quality aluminum and feature a hollow-out design that is both stylish and functional.
The machine-cut aluminum handles reduce weight without sacrificing strength, and the multi-functional jaws are perfect for cutting braid, removing hooks, and more.
The lanyard prevents accidental loss, and the spring-loaded handle ensures that the pliers stay open for easy one-handed use. It is also saltwater- and freshwater-ready, making them an excellent choice for any fisherman. However, the lip gripper is extremely damaging to the fish.
8. Booms Fishing H01 Small Fishing Pliers
While the Booms Fishing H01 Pliers may not be as heavy-duty as some of the other options on this list, they’re a great choice for budget-conscious fishers. This pliers are made from 420 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable.Â
The jaws are designed for easy hook removal, and the wire cutter can cleanly cut through braid, mono, and fluorocarbon. The coiled safety lanyard ensures you won’t lose this pliers overboard, and the compact size makes them easy to carry in your tackle box.
 They are best suited for small fish, as the jaws are not strong enough.
Gearing Up
Gearing up for the season with the best fishing pliers means being prepared for anything. From cutting lines to removing hooks, these versatile tools are essential to any fisherman’s tackle box.
With so many great options on the market, choosing the right pair for your needs can be tough. But with our list of the best fishing pliers, you’re sure to find the perfect pair for your next fishing adventure.
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