One of the most important aspects of fishing is to fish responsibly. It is important that each fisherman aid in conserving our natural resources so future generations can enjoy them as well.
Many fishermen remember their first fishing trip. Most likely it was with a father or grandfather – the generations before you. They worked together to help conserve natural resources so that our generation could enjoy them. Our generation must do the same and teach the next generation.
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With conservation in mind, always leave with everything you brought. Do not leave trash behind – always dispose of it in the proper receptacles. If you bring paper/plastic cups, open food, or open new fishing products, always be sure to throw them away or take them home to dispose of them.
For the fisherman, it is extremely important to NEVER leave fishing line in the water or on the ground. Some parks (and most tackle shops) have receptacles for recycling fishing line. Fishing line is one of the most dangerous things you can leave in the wild. It can become entangled around a bird’s legs or beak and pose a fatal risk. Other animals, such as turtles and small, furry friends can be harmed by fishing line. NEVER leave behind fishing line!
Catch and release is another way to conserve resources. Many fish have a size limit. Always release fish that do not meet the size requirement. Also, release fish that you do not plan to eat. Fishing can provide many days of quality family/friend time – catch and release unless you eat so that future generations can enjoy this favorite pastime.
Removing a Hook
Whether you plan to release the fish or keep the fish, one thing must be done. The hook must be removed from the fish’s mouth. This is where having the proper pliers will come in handy and make removing the hook easier for you and the fish.
When you catch and release, you want to do the least harm possible so the fish has a higher chance of survival. For small fish, it is easy to hold the fish with one hand and remove the hook with the other.
If the fish is larger and/or the hook is deep in the mouth, you will want to use a pair of fishing pliers to remove the hook. Secure the fish with your hand or foot, grasp the hook with the pliers, and remove the hook by twisting it in a way that brings it out the way it went in.
Not only do pliers aid in removing hook, they also keep you from being bitten by a fish with sharp teeth (saltwater fish, especially).
Comparison of Best Fishing Pliers in 2019
| Brand | Material | Length | Accessories | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manley Professional Saltwater Fishing Pliers | Anodized Aluminum | 7.5 inches | Side cutters, tungsten carbide cutters for braided line | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Pliers | Anodized Aluminum | 6 ½ inches | Crimper, fish gripper, tungsten carbide cutters | Check Price Read Review |
| Buck Knives Splizzors | 420HC Steel | 10 inches | Scissors, long nose for hook removal, bottle opener, crimper | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Lix&Rix Saltwater Fishing Pliers | Stainless Steel, aluminum | 9.6 inches | Hook remover, side cutter | Check Price Read Reviews |
| MadBite Fishing Pliers | Aluminum | 7.5 inches | Hook remover, line cutter, side cutter, crimper | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Fiblink Saltwater Fishing Pliers | Anodized aluminum | 7.87 inches | Hook remover, fish holder, crimper, line cutter | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Booms X1 Fishing Pliers | Stainless Steel, Aluminum | 7.9 inches | Line cutter, split ring, hook remover, crimper | Check Price Read Reviews |
What to Consider When Choosing Fishing Pliers
There are several things to consider when choosing fishing pliers. One factor is fishing environment – will you be fishing in freshwater or saltwater? Saltwater fishing can corrode pliers quicker than freshwater fishing.
Material
Choose pliers made from material that offers the most resistance to corrosion. High-grade aluminum alloys and stainless steel are the materials least resistant to corrosion. Cheap/fake stainless steel and cheap aluminum are more likely to corrode and rust shut.
Nose/Handle Length
Nose and handle length are also things to consider. The size of the pliers is dependent on the types of fish you will be catching. For freshwater fishing, smaller pliers will do the job well. However, for saltwater fishing, you need a longer nose because the fish are usually larger and many have sharp teeth. You want to be able to remove the hook without harm to you or the fish.
Extras
While a simple pair of needle-nose pliers will do the job, most avid fishermen look for something more. Some pliers are equipped with line cutters and crimpers. If you use braid, you will need stronger cutting power.
Some pliers are equipped with side cutters that allow you to cut the shank of the hook if it become buried in your fishing gear. Or, worst case scenario, your skin. This is a handy accessory to have in such an emergency.
7 Best Fishing Pliers Review in 2019
#1. Manley Professional Saltwater Fishing Pliers
Manley Professional Saltwater Fishing Pliers are one of the best pliers for saltwater fishing. Metal corrodes/rusts 5 times faster in saltwater than freshwater. Manley saltwater pliers are made from quality aluminum and stainless steel with a coating that protects the pliers from the effects of saltwater.
Manley Industries has been providing quality products and tools to fishermen for over 25 years. They use high-quality materials that withstand everyday use in freshwater and saltwater environments – with all the extras the avid fisherman needs.
- 5 inches long
- Includes a coiled lanyard and sheath so your pliers are always within easy reach
- Tungsten carbide cutters cut braided fishing lines
- Spring loaded for easier handling
- Plier grip and cutting blades are replaceable
- Handles are wide, which may make it difficult for people with smaller hands to grip easily
#2. Piscifun Fishing Pliers
Piscifun Fishing Pliers are one of the best split ring pliers for fishing. Split rings are used for attaching hooks to your lure or attaching lures to your leader. They resemble very small key rings and can be difficult to manipulate by hand. Split ring pliers have a hook that splits the ring so that you can easily change your hook or lure.
Piscifun was founded in 2013 by friends who are avid fishermen. Their goal is to provide quality products at affordable prices so that customers can enjoy the sport without breaking the bank. Piscifun is dedicated to equipping fishermen with products designed specifically with the angler in mind.
- Made with aircraft-grade anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance
- Spring loaded for easier use
- Replaceable Tungsten Carbide cutters cut braided, mono, and fly lines
- Split ring tip for splitting rings and removing hooks
- Crimps sleeves and leads
- Includes coiled lanyard, sheath, and belt loop clasp so your pliers are there when you need them
- Plier jaw may not be large enough for removing the hook from large fish
#3. Buck Knives Splizzors
A cross between scissors and pliers, Buck Knives Splizzors may be the best fishing pliers for the money. The innovative design allows you to use this multi-purpose tool for almost any angling need – from cutting line to removing hooks.
Crimping is a process used by anglers to make leaders and fishing rigs for big game fish. Splizzors include a tool for making both small and large crimps so you are ready for any size fish. The three most common types of crimping sleeves are round section, oval section, and double barrel. Making a strong crimp can be the difference between getting that massive fish in or losing it to a break. The crimping tool can also be used for split shot weights.
- 420HC Steel construction make Splizzors resistant to corrosion
- Needle nose pliers make hook removal easy – even on large fish
- Splizzors are capable of 10 times more pressure than normal scissors
- Includes a sheath with several attachment options
- Includes a set of replaceable blades that fit in the sheath
- Includes a bottle opener
- Some anglers found it more difficult to remove hooks with the scissor design
#4. Lix&Rix Saltwater Fishing Pliers
When searching for the best saltwater fishing pliers, you cannot overlook the Lix&Rix Saltwater Fishing Pliers. With space grade aluminum handles and stainless-steel jaws, Lix&Rix pliers are designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. The Tungsten steel side cutters cut through the heaviest monofilament and braided lines.
The handles are designed to fit comfortably in your hands and are slip proof, making it easier to remove hooks from the fish’s mouth without dropping your pliers. Hooks can sometimes be difficult to remove with an active fish who is also trying to dislodge the hook. Dropped pliers make it difficult to quickly remove the hook without causing too much stress for a fish you are going to release.
- 7 inches long
- Designed to be corrosion resistant
- Designed for 1-hand operation with auto-open 2-side spring bearing
- Sturdy side cutters easily cut through wire, fishing line, and hooks
- Includes belt holder sheath, lanyard, and velour pouch
- The pliers stay open, making it difficult to remove from the sheath with one hand
#5. MadBite Fishing Pliers
One of the best fly fishing pliers is the MadBite Fishing Plier. 7.5 inches long and constructed of anodized aluminum for rust resistance, these pliers have everything the serious fly fisherman needs for a productive day on the water. The belt sheath and lanyard keep your pliers within easy reach while fishing from the bank or wading in the water.
A division of Eposeidon, a website based in Garden City, New York, uses only ecommerce practices to provide affordable and innovative fishing supplies for the avid angler. Their vision is to provide quality products that help create enjoyable fishing experiences. They also foster a love of nature, sensitivity to our environment, and sustainable fishing practices.
- Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel for resistance to corrosion
- Tungsten carbide cutters easily cut through braided and mono line, wire, and hooks.
- Includes crimping tool
- Lightweight and spring loaded for easy manageability while fishing
- Includes belt sheath and a coiled lanyard so your pliers are always where you need them as you fish
- Silicone grips are slip-resistant, corrosion resistant, and do not hold odors (fishing can be a smelly business)
- Sheath has a belt loop rather than a belt clip, which requires taking the belt off to secure the sheath
#6. Fiblink Fishing Pliers
If you are after large fish or fish with teeth (they bite), it is important to find the best needle nose pliers for fishing. One of the best fishing pliers is Fiblink Fishing Pliers. Equipped with everything an angler needs, these pliers are made from rugged aircraft-grade aluminum and anodized to further decrease the risk of corrosion.
Anodizing is a method used to make products more resistant to corrosion. The material is submerged in an electrolytic solution and a current goes through the acid solution to create a film of metal oxide that creates a product that is corrosion resistant and wear resistant. Anodized fishing pliers can stand up to more exposure to saltwater and freshwater than non-anodized pliers.
- Tungsten carbide cutters easily cut through heavy monofilament, braided line, wire, and hooks
- Ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip
- Multi-functional – cut lines, crimp and press lead, hold fish, hook removal, split rings
- 87 inches in length
- Includes sheath and lanyard
- Pliers are slippery when they get wet
#7. Booms X1 Fishing Pliers
If you need the best fishing split ring pliers, consider Booms X1 Fishing Pliers. Lightweight and spring-loaded, the X1 pliers are great for use with one hand. The nylon sheath and steel wire coiled lanyard allow you to keep your pliers on your side, so they are always within easy reach, whether surf fishing, wading, or pier fishing.
The long nose makes it easy to remove hooks from large fish and to split rings easily to repair or make fishing lures or rigs for larger fish. Whether you need to cut fishing line, crimp, or attach split weights, this all in one fishing tool provides everything necessary for the avid angler.
- Easily cuts strong monofilament and braided lines
- Spring loaded handle keeps pliers open for easy one-hand operation
- Coiled lanyard extends to 59 inches
- Crimps split lead and single barrel sleeves for leaders
- Includes ring splitting tool
- There is no way to lock pliers closed, making it difficult to remove pliers from sheath
Final Thoughts
Pliers are one of the most-used tools in your tackle box. They are used for preparing lures and leaders, cutting fishing line, crimping, splitting rings, and removing hooks from fish. Most anglers have a pair within reach the entire time they are fishing, whether they are fishing from a boat, fishing from shore, wading, or surf fishing.
The best fishing pliers are multi-functional and have all the accessories to perform these tasks. Corrosion resistance is also a leading factor in choosing the best pliers for fishing – especially in saltwater conditions.
With these criteria in mind, my choice for the best fishing pliers is Fiblink Fishing Pliers. Ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, these pliers have all the bells and whistles that an angler wants in a pair of fishing pliers.
This multi-functional tool allows you to crimp and press lead; cut all types and strengths of fishing line (including braided line); split rings; cut hooks that get caught in your fishing equipment or skin (Yikes!); hold fish; and remove hooks with less stress to the fish.
The anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum make these pliers resistant to corrosion and rust. Whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater, Fiblink Fishing Pliers are built to last.
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