If you go fishing then you know that getting the hook out of the fish can be quite challenging. Some anglers prefer to pull it out with their hand, yet often times this can injure the fish or your hand. If you want a safe and quick way to remove hooks from fish, then you have the option to use fishing pliers.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best fishing pliers:
Who Needs To Use Fishing Pliers?
Anyone who wants to catch fish, or catch and release, can use a decent pair of fishing pliers. Pliers will allow you to handle fish and give you grip while removing hooks. Fishing pliers also give you a quick line cutting tool if needed for certain situations.
Here is a short YouTube video that gives some information about fishing pliers:
Are Fishing Pliers Different To Regular Pliers?
Fishing pliers in comparison to regular pliers have a different, smaller form factor. Fishing pliers instead have a longer needle-nose design to reach into the fish’s mouth. This makes it much easier to pull the hook out, if it’s lodged deep into the mouth.
The materials used to make fishing pliers also feature a corrosion resistant design. This makes it so that they don’t rust when subjected to water. Additionally, many come with a belt sheath and carabiner clip for easy everyday carry. It helps to keep your pliers attached so that you don’t drop them into the water by accident.
How Do I Choose Fishing Pliers?
One of the most important parts of fishing pliers would be the level of grip that it provides. When you’re fishing you may be in a boat, or different surfaces and you’ll need good hand grips to avoid dropping. Look for pliers that have a heavy duty grip with finger slots to hold onto.
Buy a pair of pliers that are easy to grip onto hooks with. Most pliers have a longer needle-nose tip to make it easy to reach into the fish’s mouth. Additionally, many will have a multi-grip tip to make it easy to grasp the hook.
Choose a pair of fishing pliers that are well made so they last. Your pliers are going to subject to a lot of wear and tear out on the water. The last thing you want is to buy new ones all the time (unless you drop them in the water). Moreover, you can also find pliers with many uses. You’ll not only want to remove hooks, yet also clip fishing lines if necessary.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing fishing pliers:
- Ensure the handle has a strong grip.
- Buy pliers with a needle-nose tip.
- Choose fishing pliers that are well made.
What Are The Best Fishing Pliers?
We’ve looked at a range of fishing pliers and have selected five pairs. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the level of strength from the tip and line cutters. We’ve reviewed these five fishing pliers and listed some pros and cons for each pair.
our #1 rated
TOOLS DX
Aluminium Pliers
Quality
Price
Our rating
The TOOLS DX fishing pliers are available in a range of four color options with red and blue variations. The pliers have an aluminum frame and a stainless steel serrated jaw for easy hook removal. The pliers include a belt clip for easy access while fishing.
Customers who purchased these pliers like the fact that they do not rust in the water. People said that the pliers also allow anyone on a boat to use them with the included flex cord. Customers also said that the grip fits well in the hand and does not slip.
A few customers who used these pliers for fishing said the cutter isn’t the best at cutting line. Some people also said the pliers have trouble removing heavier tackle. They work better for lighter tackle. Some customers said the pliers’ cutter won’t handle above a 50lb test line.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
ALMIGHTY EAGLE
Hook Removal Pliers
Quality
Price
Our rating
These hook pliers from ALMIGHTY EAGLE are available in many options with two colors. The pliers feature a combination of steel and plastic materials. The pliers secure with a coiled lanyard retention rod to avoid loss on boats.
Customers who purchased these fishing pliers said they’re convenient. Many customers found that the included hook extractor and wire cutter combo helpful. Other customers commented that the pliers are excellent to pull lodged hooks out of fish.
People who purchased these pliers said they started to rust over long term use near water. Others reported that the pliers are a little thin and better for use with smaller fish. A few customers also said the locking mechanism can be quite firm.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Cycle Zone
Hook Removal Pliers
Quality
Price
Our rating
These scissor line fishing pliers made by Cycle Zone are available in one size and black in color. The pliers feature a combination of stainless steel and ABS plastic material. The round handles work as well to fit smooth in the hand.
Customers who purchased these pliers said they’re great for clamping hooks from fish. People said that the pliers also cut cords and even braided lines with ease. Many customers found the level of quality and grip impressive for its small form factor.
Some customers who purchased these fishing pliers said the pliers are small. A few customers said that they lack the ability to adjust them much at all. Some people also said they would’ve likes the pliers to be a bit larger.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
JOF
Shrimp-Shaped Pliers
Quality
Price
Our rating
The JOF shrimp-shaped fish use scissors are available in a fluorescent yellow color. The scissors are not pliers, yet rather a specific design to cut fishing line. The scissors also fold up like how Swiss Army knives do.
Customers who purchased these fishing scissors said the materials are of high quality. People said the scissors are comfortable when fishing and the level of grip is good. Customers also commented that the scissors fold up as small as a lighter.
Other people who cut line with these scissors said they cut mono and braid line well. Yet are rather weak for anything else. Customers also said that the scissors could be easy to lose due to their small size. Some customers reported the strength of the blades are weaker than kitchen scissors.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
FervorFOX
Pliers with Lanyard
Quality
Price
Our rating
These fishing pliers made by FervorFOX are available in one size and color. The pliers have a textured grip for the greatest grip and the upper feature steel. The bent tip is for grabbing many different types of hook sets.
People who purchased these pliers said they’re well made and durable. Customers said that the pliers are easy to grab hooks with, no matter the style they are. Customers also said that the pliers fit in small bags or waist belt pouches.
Some customers who used these pliers for fishing said the size of them were a bit small, and hard to use for bigger fish. A few customers said the pliers work best for small fish or small hooks. Some people also said that the pliers do not adjust much for going deeper in a fish mouth.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each pair of pliers that we’ve reviewed work for those looking to grab hooks in a quick and safe manner. All the pliers have decent grip, needle-nose tips, and a relative portable size.
After comparing all the products the best fishing pliers are the TOOLS DX aluminum pliers.
These fishing pliers are comfortable to use and easy to grab hooks with. The pliers have a retractable hook remover. We also like the fact that the pliers won’t get any rust and feature an ultra-light weight for ease of use.