Top 10 best Fishing Pliers & Tools products

The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Pliers: A Versatile Tool for Anglers

Angling is a cherished recreational activity that necessitates an assortment of tools, with a crucial accessory being a quality set of fishing pliers. These adaptable instruments play a vital role in numerous fishing activities, including fish handling, line cutting, and other essential functions. In this all-encompassing manual, we will delve into the various kinds of fishing pliers, their characteristics, and the reasons they are indispensable for every angler.

What are Fishing Pliers and Why Do I Need Them?

Fishing pliers stand as an indispensable tool that should find a permanent place in every angler's tackle box. These versatile instruments prove invaluable for a range of tasks, from extracting hooks to severing fishing lines. But what exactly are fishing pliers, and what makes them essential for anglers?

Crafted specifically for fishing endeavors, these tools boast elongated, slender jaws adept at navigating confined spaces, coupled with serrated teeth designed to securely grasp fish hooks. Many models also incorporate a cutting feature within the jaws, facilitating the effortless snipping of fishing lines.

So, why is it imperative to have a pair of fishing pliers in your arsenal? The answer lies in their ability to significantly simplify your angling experiences. Confronted with the challenge of extracting a deeply embedded hook from a fish's mouth? Fishing pliers provide the dexterity needed to retrieve it without jeopardizing the catch or risking a prick from the hook. Dealing with a knotted and tangled fishing line? Once again, fishing pliers emerge as a time-saving and frustration-reducing solution.

What They Do

Fishing pliers serve as versatile tools with a range of applications, including hook removal and line cutting. They are indispensable gear for anglers, playing a pivotal role in determining the success of a fishing expedition.

Typically crafted from stainless steel or aluminum, fishing pliers boast various features tailored to enhance their utility while fishing. Some designs incorporate jaws capable of securely gripping and extracting hooks, while others include cutting blades for trimming fishing lines. Certain models even feature integrated line cutters, further augmenting their versatility.

Regardless of the type of fishing one engages in, possessing a reliable pair of fishing pliers in the tackle box is essential. These tools prove invaluable when contending with challenging situations involving tricky hooks and tenacious fishing lines.

Types of Fishing Pliers

Split Ring Pliers

• Tailored for the task of opening split rings, these pliers are instrumental in the process of changing hooks on lures.
• Often equipped with a small, pointed tip, these pliers excel in precision work, allowing anglers to handle delicate tasks with ease.

Needle Nose Pliers

• Recognizable by their long, slender jaws, needle nose pliers are the go-to tool for reaching into tight spaces.
• Ideal for extracting hooks from the depths of a fish's mouth, these pliers are an essential component of an angler's toolkit.

Line Cutter Pliers

• Fitted with cutting blades designed for clean and efficient cuts through various fishing lines, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.
• Some models boast replaceable or serrated blades, enhancing their cutting performance and versatility on the water.

Crimping Pliers

• Crafted specifically for crimping sleeves onto wire leaders, ensuring secure connections that are vital when pursuing big game fish with heavy-duty leaders.
• An indispensable tool for anglers engaged in challenging battles with powerful aquatic adversaries.

Multi-Tool Pliers

• A versatile and compact solution that combines several functions into a single tool, such as cutting, crimping, and split ring handling.
• Ideal for anglers who prefer the convenience of having a comprehensive tool that can tackle various tasks without the need for multiple implements

Features To Look For In Fishing Pliers

Material

We prefer the use of high-quality materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or titanium when it comes to fishing pliers. However, it's worth noting that titanium is less common and usually more expensive. Brands that compromise on the main body material of their fishing pliers often neglect the supporting components like springs and spring bearings. Aluminum and steel, if of good quality, can withstand the tension of use without warping over time. It's essential to ensure that aluminum is aircraft-grade to avoid the risk of bending and warping.

Durability

The longevity of your fishing pliers is heavily influenced by the materials used. Even if the primary material is stainless steel, poor-quality springs or spring bearings can lead to a set of pliers becoming unusable quickly. Durability depends on brand reliability and high-quality materials from the tip to the grip. While titanium and stainless steel offer the utmost durability, aircraft-grade aluminum is a close contender.

Weight

The weight of the fishing pliers can be both an advantage and a drawback. For those with small hands or engaging in a swift and lightweight fly-fishing trip, opting for a lightweight set is recommended. However, when dealing with torque, durability, and larger fish, a bit of extra weight in aluminum or stainless steel pliers is preferable.

Grip

The grip serves more than just a comfort function; it aids in proper tension application and prevents hand slippage. A good grip includes individual finger inlays and either a rugged end (found in full-bodied aluminum fishing pliers) or a soft-touch rubber coating. Rubber coatings are preferable to reduce fatigue and limit hand exposure to cold temperatures.

Additional Tools

Look for fishing pliers that include a line cutter. Not all pliers have this feature, but it can save weight, reduce the need for an extra tool, and save time during line cutting. A lanyard is also useful for keeping track of the pliers. Brands often include a metal-braided lanyard, standard hooks, and sometimes a sheath for protection.

Side and Line Cutters

Opt for tungsten carbide for side or line cutters for enhanced durability. It's preferable to choose a model with blades that can be sharpened or replaced when they dull.

Rustproofing/Corrosion Protection

Given the inevitable contact with water, corrosion resistance is crucial. Quality fishing pliers should not rust, and materials like stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum offer varying degrees of corrosion resistance.

Length

The ideal length for fishing pliers typically ranges from six to eight inches. Consider the size of your hand, your comfort, and the type and size of fish you'll be handling when choosing the length.

Split Ring Tool

A split ring tool on the nose of the pliers is handy for easily opening small split rings used in assembling fishing lures and tackle.

Crimper

For those who frequently build their own rigs or lures, having crimping jaws in the nose of the pliers can be convenient. While regular needle-nose pliers can perform crimping, dedicated crimping tools enhance efficiency.

How To Care For Your Pliers?

Fishing pliers are commonly crafted from steel or aluminum, with titanium options also available. Materials like ABS plastic or engineered hard nylon are not commonly used in their construction, primarily due to the adverse effects of water exposure, especially in saltwater environments. Despite utilizing high-grade stainless steel, improper storage conditions can still lead to damage.

• Organized storage: Avoid the mistake of leaving your fishing pliers hanging in your fishing vest, as this makes them vulnerable to falls and potential knocks. Allocate a designated space for them rather than leaving them in your vest.
• Regular greasing: If your fishing pliers have multiple moving parts, akin to a Swiss Army Knife, invest extra time in greasing each part appropriately. Regular greasing prevents the formation of rust, protecting the pliers from damage caused by water exposure.
• Understand material limits: Avoid overestimating the capabilities of your pliers. If you have a lower-grade aluminum pair, attempting to cut through steel wire can lead to damage and frustration. Maintain a mental inventory of the metal grades of wire and fishing line you use to avoid simple mistakes that could ruin your pliers.
• Quarterly sharpening: For avid anglers who use their pliers frequently, it's essential to sharpen them regularly. Proper use can dull the edges over time, and attention should be given to additional features like fold-out knives. Note that some cutters, even on expensive fishing pliers, are designed to be replaced rather than sharpened, so consult the manufacturer before sharpening.
• Specialized use: Avoid using fishing pliers for tasks beyond their intended purpose. These pliers are designed for specific fishing-related functions and should not be treated as general-purpose tools.

Conclusion

In the world of fishing, having the right tools can make a significant difference in the overall experience. Fishing pliers, with their versatility and functionality, are indispensable for anglers of all levels. Whether you're freshwater fishing for bass or saltwater fishing for marlin, a reliable pair of fishing pliers should be a staple in your tackle box. Invest in a high-quality pair, and you'll find yourself reaching for them on every fishing adventure.