Best Fishing Pliers for Smart Buyers – Top Reviews 2018

My life as an angler wouldn’t be complete without the company of my fishing pliers. I just couldn’t imagine myself bending all those wires and removing hooks from my baits sans this crucial tool. I mean, can you?

I’m certain that everyone shares this sentiment especially when those times come when you badly need them. These are the times when you just can’t afford not to have the best fishing pliers right at your disposal.

Our needs vary – but when you get to know which features and factors to spot on when choosing your fishing pliers, these needs should all be addressed. We all need and deserve the best fishing pliers in our tackle box. And if you happen to still be looking for the best one yet, you’re in luck: this post is just for you!

I’ve identified five of the best fishing pliers to narrow down your selection. Right after the top picks, you’ll be provided with the only buying guide you’ll all ever need when selecting the right pliers. Here are the detailed reviews:

Product Name

Length

Material

Rating

Reviews

6-2/3 in

Aircraft-grade aluminum

96/100

6.7 in

Stainless Steel

98/100

6.5 in

Stainless Steel

99/100

7.1 in

Special aluminum alloy

96/100

6.7 in

Aircraft-grade alloy aluminum

98/100

Best Fishing Pliers 

The hue-oriented fishing pliers from Piscifun might just be the most stylish out there in the competition now. But don’t be fooled by its often fun aesthetics for its features are not only innumerable but ultimately and extremely able.

Its most hallmark is definitely the aircraft-grade aluminum that reduces the tool’s weight and makes it extremely light especially when your fishing trip is a little extended than usual. Meanwhile, your hands are comforted with its ergonomic machine-cut aluminum handles.

Its line cutters are hard to be missed as well. They come with probably the sharpest and fully replaceable Tungsten Carbide cutters that can cut even the strongest braided line with much ease.

Its efficient cutting can also be observed when you try them on the fly and backing line. Power and durability are also topnotch in our first item as it comes with the titanium-coated stainless steel jaws; they are also noted for its easy-to-remove hook and corrosion-resistance feature.

PROS

  • thumbs-o-up
    Made of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum
  • thumbs-o-up
    Corrosion-resistant
  • thumbs-o-up
    Compact and extremely lightweight
  • thumbs-o-up
    Modern design
  • thumbs-o-up
    Affordable price
  • thumbs-o-up
    Ideal for saltwater conditions

CONS

  • thumbs-o-down
    Difficulty in getting back the holder in one hand is reported
  • thumbs-o-down
    Screw that holds the line cutter is prone to loosening

Birthing its first fishing pliers right into an already tough competition is no easy task. You’d know that Booms Fishing’s first offering doesn’t dilly dally in providing utmost performance.

Its distinctive design comes with a sharp line cutter along with a small wire cutter and a lock that all keep the tool close when it isn’t open. Looming second, but definitely not any less impressive is its stainless steel construction that is specially developed for young anglers.

On the other hand, the small-sized spring that is loaded right in the handle gives it an efficient operation. This is considered as a hallmark as it is only 6.5 inches in size, which is already outstanding in this segment size-wise.

All in all, if you want to resolve and address basic needs in fishing, this is the one to beat.

PROS

  • thumbs-o-up
    Ideal in freshwater
  • thumbs-o-up
    Made of stainless steel construction
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comes with coiled lanyard
  • thumbs-o-up
    Features fishing line terminator
  • thumbs-o-up
    Equipped with fish gripper
  • thumbs-o-up
    Lightweight, compact, and sturdy
  • thumbs-o-up
    Rust-resistant
  • thumbs-o-up
    Affordable price

CONS

  • thumbs-o-down
    Not ideal for heavy load conditions
  • thumbs-o-down
    A bit too small for some to use

Freehawk is definitely pulling out all its stops in making its fishing pliers ultimately comfortable. They come with ergonomically-molded comfort grip handle and a lightweight, slim split ring design that should allow you to change hooks quickly.

Meanwhile, the stainless steel-made tool is both eco-friendly and should be able to resist corrosion – rendering it to be perfectly suitable for fresh and saltwater conditions.

The multi-functional fishing pliers can also cut all fishing variations like braid, monofilament, fluorocarbon, nanofil, and fly line. Apart from functioning as they are, these pliers can also double as ring opener, blade folder, hook remover, and braid line cutters.

This product should very well suit your sometimes ever-demanding needs. Best of all, Freehawk’s lone entry is all that you need if you want an extra-smooth operation.

PROS

  • thumbs-o-up
    The best, multi-functional fishing pliers in the competition
  • thumbs-o-up
    Sturdy and well-built
  • thumbs-o-up
    Ideal for saltwater and freshwater
  • thumbs-o-up
    Recommended for those who are on a tight budget
  • thumbs-o-up
    Eco-friendly
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comfort grip handle is ergonomically molded

CONS

  • thumbs-o-down
    Not exactly rust-resistant (spring and locking mechanism)
  • thumbs-o-down
    Clamp that holds the tips are a bit problematic

Via Amazon.com

Touted as the most ideal fishing pliers for saltwater fishing, Zitrade’s sole entry is boasting of a material that is made of a special aluminum alloy that can be seen and experienced in its body; its jaws are also noted for its stainless steel offering that adds power and durability to the tool.

Meanwhile, the CNC machine along with the anodized coated surface that comes with it is specially included to make certain that the overall quality of the product is all topnotch. The fishing pliers are also corrosion-resistant, do not fade, and can withstand saltwater

Wire steels and braided fishing lines are also cut easily with the item’s extra sharp carbide blades. Its add-ons include a nylon sheath and a retractable coil lanyard – making the tool to be reachable and easy to carry around. Ultimately, they can also be used for stripping, pulling, and crimping gold.

  • check-circle
    Length: 14’-16’
  • check-circle
    Material: Polycanvas marine-grade fabric

PROS

  • thumbs-o-up
    Comes with retractable coil lanyard and black sheath
  • thumbs-o-up
    Corrosion-resistant
  • thumbs-o-up
    Extra sharp carbide blades
  • thumbs-o-up
    Extremely lightweight
  • thumbs-o-up
    Ideal for kayak fishing

CONS

  • thumbs-o-down
    Carbide cutters have been reported to contain a gap
  • thumbs-o-down
    A bit too bulky for some

Via Amazon.com

Our last entry is proving to be a tough competitor among its rivals as it comes with all the features a pair of fishing pliers should have. Its durability is peaked with its rust-proof and corrosion-resistant aircraft-grade alloy aluminum.

Convenience on removing hooks and splitting rings is also present with the product’s powerful and extra convenient curved stainless steel jaws. And whenever you have wires that can be sometimes difficult to cut, its replaceable tungsten carbide braid cutters are more than sharp enough to cater to these needs.

Ticoze Aluminum Fishing Pliers’ incredible performance relative to its durability is only rivaled by its extremely light and ergonomic design. This can be experienced right on its aluminum handles which results to a fishing moment that is all easy and comfortable.

Ultimately, the product ensures that you are safe and protected with its added lock along with the protective and retractable lanyard that should both veer you away from injury and prevent the tool from being lost; the pliers can also be carried around as they are equipped with a nylon sheath with a belt loop.

PROS

  • thumbs-o-up
    Ideal for saltwater and freshwater
  • thumbs-o-up
    Doubles as sheath and braid cutters
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comes with a retractable lanyard
  • thumbs-o-up
    Can also be used to cut split rings, crimp and press leads
  • thumbs-o-up
    Small and lightweight
  • thumbs-o-up
    Includes sheath with loop

CONS

  • thumbs-o-down
    None

The Best Fishing Pliers: How To Spot One Among The Many?

1. Material

Perhaps the most common complaint you’ll ever get from fishing pliers is that they are prone to rusting; at times, they’d also lock shut without you being prepared for it, too.

These can all be avoided if one is to consider that the materials that are used in making these pliers are not only paramount but should ultimately be looked into when you’re about to purchase it.

If you want to get the best plier relative to its material, go for pliers that are made from airport grade aluminum alloys. This material should make your plier stronger and can weather the wear and tear of its daily use.

fishing tackles for anglers - swimmers plummets and tools on wooden background

As this material is already a new standard today, you won’t have difficulty looking for one. Other materials that are used on fishing pliers nowadays are titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Aluminum, along with airport grade aluminum alloys, is also a commonly used material for fishing pliers. The only drawback with this type is that it can bend when it gets subjected to excessive weight and force.

2. The Length of the Nose

Seasoned fishers are well beyond acquainted with the fact that pliers won’t function effectively without the needle nose. This component enables anglers to go deeper right into the fish when removing hooks. It is also utilized when you go saltwater fishing or when you’re gunning for the big fish.

On the other hand, some pliers come with split ring capability or those which feature specialty pliers. One of the ends of the pliers is hooked to prepare the split ring; the other end locks it in one spot.

3. Cutting Alternatives

Salomon Fishing Tackle

Choosing the best pliers based on their cutting capabilities will entirely depend on the activity that you’re planning to do. Ideally, though, pliers should both have line cutters along with a side cutter.

Make certain that the pliers’ line cutter is sturdy enough to cut through braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon line. Meanwhile, if you’re working on steel wire or intend to cut hooks, ensure that the pliers’ side cutter is robust enough.

With regard to cutter materials, tungsten is the more preferred than staple stainless steel. As cutters may get unreliable due to their eventual, continuous use, it is suggested that you go for cutters which feature replaceable options.

4. Handles

Blue multi tool in open position on blue seamless paper backgroun

One of the more important aspects of a fishing plier is its handle. Handles are very much needed when you’re dealing with spring loads; the handle should aid you in when you’re adjusting or readjusting the grip.

You’ll also be introduced to spring-loaded handles in which the springs should give the tool a smoother motion as it provides you comfort. Handles that spring-loaded also features a loaded hinge that enables the handles to move back to open position.

5. Comfort and Ease of Use

You’d know that your fishing pliers are the best when they are not heavy and won’t wear you down either. Now while fishing pliers are generally perceived as a hefty tool, the best ones in the business are noted for its lightweight quality which comes from its efficient design and use of technology.

In addition, the fishing pliers’ ease of use can be determined if you can operate them with one hand easily. Now, if you intend to use your pliers more than frequently, I’d highly recommend that you use them with a strap or a clip that can be fastened conveniently right on your belt or fishing pouch.

6.  Add-ons

One fishing pliers isolated on white background

Just who doesn’t want extra features or perks in a product? If your fishing pliers come with extras like a kid-friendly round end or rubber insert grips, then you’re in luck!

Other cool and convenient add-ons comprise of bottle opener, a built-in LED light, replaceable offerings (line cutter), the soft grip handles, and the crimpers that could deal with leads or sleeves.

The Verdict

Our top five choices did not happen on our list by just their famed brands. No, these entries have all wowed their users and proven time and again that they are more than just your regular fishing pliers. And in that regard, versatility in this type of tool is something that I truly find to be paramount.

These fishing pliers can definitely cut and assist you with your barest need to slice through things but if there is one significant element the Freehawk’s entry has over its closest contenders, it has got to be its multi-functionality – the exact reason as to why it is taking the cake in this competition.

​Did you like this post? Did it finally help you narrow down your selection? If you have anything to add, share, or ask, please feel free to sound them off in the comment section below. Until then, have fun and be safe!

John Morris
 

Hi, I’m John Morris. I’m an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, blessed with an awesome wife and 2 kids. Fishing is not my passion, it is my lifestyle. I fished before I knew how to walk! I’m obsessed with all things related to fishing, even the fishy smell. I’m always willing to extend a hand to novice anglers looking for fishing tips and tricks thus I created this blog. This blog is a collection of my experiences, knowledge, and also research from other blogs.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments