10Best.Guide

Fishing Pliers

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Resists rusting from salt water
  • Cutter blades are very sharp and cut through all types of line cleanly
  • Well-machined and have almost no slop
  • Nose is a perfect length for fishing
  • Line cutter on the side cuts right through mono tags
Cons
  • Requires regular fresh water rinsing after each use in salt water
  • Difficult to remove deep hooks with large hands
Bottom Line
These pliers are a great value for the price and are well-made with sharp cutter blades and a comfortable grip. However, they require regular rinsing after use in salt water and have some issues with the belt clip and sheath.
Pros
  • Well-made and durable
  • Good alignment of the jaws
  • Orange textured rubber handles for a better grip
  • No issues with plier gapping or rust
  • Makes split rings quick and easy
Cons
  • No locking mechanism
  • Belt clip is not durable
Bottom Line
The KastKing Cutthroat 7" Fishing Pliers are a well-made and durable tool with a good grip and narrow jaws to get into tight spaces. They come with a fitted case and carabiner for easy transport. However, they lack a locking mechanism and the belt clip is not durable. They are not suitable for cutting metal leader.
Pros
  • Multiple functions for varying needs.
  • Quality and durable.
  • No corrosion even with heavy use in saltwater.
  • Spring-loaded and padded grip for easy use.
  • Great price for the quality.
Cons
  • Grip slips off.
  • Line cutter may come loose.
Bottom Line
The KastKing pliers are a great investment for kayak fishermen and those who need a tool with multiple functions. They are durable, comfortable to use, and come at a great price. However, they may have some issues with rusting and the grip, line cutter, and holster may need some adjustments.
Pros
  • Lightweight and solid build
  • Comes with a case to protect the pliers
  • Well-made with excellent fit, finish, and quality
  • Includes a ripstop nylon holster for the pliers
  • Good price for the quality
Cons
  • Gripper can get clogged with sand easily
  • Jaws on the pliers can become misaligned
Bottom Line
The ZACX multiple purpose fishing plier is a versatile and well-made tool that is lightweight and comes with a protective case. However, it may have some issues with rusting and bending, and may not be suitable for cutting thicker fishing lines.
Pros
  • Great design and feel in hand
  • Comes with a holster and lanyard
  • Unique shape of the tip is helpful for grabbing hooks
  • Lots of little additions to make it do everything you'd ever need while fishing
  • Super comfy and easy to use
Cons
  • Durability issues with the pliers
  • Holster is not easy to use and not practical
Bottom Line
These fishing pliers have a great design and come with useful accessories, but they have durability issues and the cutters may not work well with braided line. The holster is not practical and may puncture holes in fabric.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Fishing Pliers

Overview

Fishing pliers are an essential tool for every angler. They are designed to help you cut fishing lines, remove hooks from fish, crimp sleeves, and split rings. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will take you through the different types of fishing pliers, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. Split Ring Pliers - These pliers are designed to help you open split rings easily. They are ideal for changing hooks and lures without damaging the split rings.

2. Needle Nose Pliers - These pliers have a long, narrow tip that is perfect for removing hooks from fish. They are also useful for reaching into tight spaces.

3. Line Cutters - These pliers are designed specifically for cutting fishing lines. They come in different sizes and shapes.

4. Crimping Pliers - These pliers are used to crimp sleeves onto fishing lines. They are ideal for making leaders and rigs.

5. Multi-Function Pliers - These pliers come with a variety of features, including line cutters, split ring pliers, and crimping pliers. They are a versatile tool that can handle multiple tasks.

Key Considerations

1. Material - Fishing pliers can be made from different materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. Stainless steel is the most durable and corrosion-resistant material, while aluminum is lightweight and affordable.

2. Size - Consider the size of the pliers based on the type of fishing you do. If you are fishing in saltwater, you may need larger pliers to handle bigger fish.

3. Grip - Look for pliers with comfortable and non-slip grips. This will help you handle the pliers better, especially when your hands are wet.

4. Durability - Choose pliers that are built to last. Look for pliers with rust-resistant coatings and strong jaws.

Features

1. Cutters - Look for pliers with sharp cutters that can easily cut through fishing lines.

2. Jaws - Pliers with serrated jaws are ideal for gripping hooks and removing them from fish.

3. Locking Mechanism - Pliers with a locking mechanism are more secure and prevent accidental opening.

4. Sheath - A sheath can protect your pliers and prevent them from getting lost.

Prices

Fishing pliers can range from $10 to $100, depending on the type, material, and features. Multi-function pliers are generally more expensive than single-use pliers.

Tips

1. Clean and dry your pliers after use to prevent rust and corrosion.

2. Keep your pliers in a sheath or pouch to protect them from damage.

3. Consider buying pliers with a lanyard or tether to prevent them from falling into the water.

FAQs

Q: What is the best material for fishing pliers?

A: Stainless steel is the best material for fishing pliers as it is durable and corrosion-resistant.

Q: Can fishing pliers be used for other tasks?

A: Yes, fishing pliers can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting wire and crimping sleeves.

Q: Do I need different pliers for freshwater and saltwater fishing?

A: It depends on the size of the fish you are targeting. If you are targeting larger fish in saltwater, you may need larger pliers to handle them.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Durable in saltwater
  • High quality for the price
  • Cuts line with ease
  • Lightweight
  • Made well and feels premium
Cons
  • Stiffness after exposure to saltwater
  • Ring splitter is small
Bottom Line
The Lixada Fishing Pliers are a great choice for light tackle fishing and offer good value for the price. However, they may not be suitable for heavy applications and may require maintenance after exposure to saltwater.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Aluminum material prevents rust and corrosion.
  • Comes with a holster and attachment cord.
  • Decent value for the price.
  • Well-designed and built.
Cons
  • Slippery handles.
  • Poor build quality with tips not closing all the way.
Bottom Line
These fishing pliers are a good value for the price and are well-designed and built. However, the slippery handles and poor build quality may be a concern for some buyers.
Pros
  • Solid construction and quality materials
  • Multi-function ability with small hook and integrated line cutter
  • Lightweight and feel good in hand
  • Cutters work well even on braid
  • 6" split ring pliers work well on smaller split rings
Cons
  • Not good for pulling fish out of the water
  • Pliers seem cheap and for light use only
Bottom Line
These KastKing fishing pliers and fish grippers are a great value for the price and have solid construction and multi-function ability. However, they may not be suitable for heavy use and the holder and belt holster could use improvement.
Pros
  • Nice looking and feels sturdy.
  • Cuts mono lines and braids from 10-65 lb. well.
  • Does not leave frayed ends.
  • Split ring tip makes the process easier.
  • Light and feels good in your hand.
Cons
  • Jaws rotate to the left and right of each other.
  • Feels too light for some people's preference.
Bottom Line
The Piscifun aluminum pliers are a great value and hold up well to saltwater and abuse. They are well-built, lightweight, and have a split ring tip that makes the process easier. However, some people may find the jaws rotate too much, and the pliers may not be as strong as others in the price range.
Pros
  • Great for removing hooks from fish
  • Versatile for cutting different types of line
  • Comes with a pouch/sheath
  • Has a tooth on the tip for other uses
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Holster doesn't hold pliers securely
  • Cheap plastic handles
Bottom Line
These pliers are a good option for those looking for an affordable and versatile tool for fishing and other uses. However, the holster and handles could be improved for better functionality.
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