Novice anglers are sometimes surprised to learn that pliers are an essential part of any angler’s kit and a reliable and durable pair is a must when you’re first starting. Pliers can be used for any number of essential tasks like cutting fishing line, bending wires, or retrieving hooks from fishes’ mouths.
Every angler has been caught on the hop without a pair at some time or another and it’s not something that you want to do very often. A decent pair of players can make or break a fishing trip and your enjoyment of it as they just make things go along much easier.
Whether you’re looking at replacing a pair of pliers or are looking to buy your very first pair, it can be a little hard to wade through the different available options to find the best ones for you. We’ve helped you out by putting together some of our favorite options in one place for you to have a look through to get a flavor for the sort of thing that might suit you.
We’ve even out together a buyer’s guide to remind you of some of the key features to look out for before you make a decision.
Top 5 Best Fishing Plie
OUR TOP PICK
Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Plier
EDITORS CHOICE
ZITRADES Aluminum Fishing Plier
BEST VALUE
Booms Fishing H1 Fishing Plier
OUR TOP PICK
Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Plier
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Summary
First up we have this 8.46" pair from Piscifun which is an excellent option for those anglers who want a reliable pair of pliers that will be able to cut most things it needs to and that they can take in freshwater and saltwater. The pair is nicely designed with features like heavy-duty corrosion resistance thanks to the aircraft-grade anodized aluminum construction which will help stop the pliers from rusting shut and a crimping tool for leads and sleeves. The aluminum construction also makes this pair very lightweight and durable so that they’ll last for a long time.
The Tungsten Carbide cutters are very well positioned and are insanely sharp, which coupled with stainless steel jaws that have a titanium coating for additional strength and rust protection make this pair one of the best pairs for cutting easily through even the toughest braided line. The pliers could also easily cut through fly, backing, or monoline, and the cutters are easy to replace if they wear out.
This pair of pliers feel nice in the hand and are comfortable to hold even when using them for difficult tasks. The pliers have been designed to be as easy and comfortable to use as possible, and the handle is a good example of how Piscifun has aimed to design a tool that all anglers will find easy and comfortable to use. The CNC cut handles are lightweight and include a non-slip grip which is spring-loaded which makes the pliers easier to use with one hand.
The pair are also more versatile than other similar options on the market as they can also function as a fish holder, and the split ring tip has been designed to be durable and strong so that it helps make splitting rings or pulling hooks as safe and easy as possible. The serrated jaws feel very secure when removing hooks, and the whole operation is very smooth and easy. This a well-designed set of pliers that most anglers would be happy o find in their tackle box when they need them.
Pros
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Versatile
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Well designed and durable
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Built with efficiency and comfort in mind
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Can be used with just one hand
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Very sharp and can cut through most lines
Cons
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The handle can get a little slippery when wet
- Add Piscifun fishing pliers to your fishing arsenal. Make your hook removal much easier. Fish on!
- Anti-Corrosion Aluminum - The aircraft-grade anodized aluminum delivers excellent corrosion resistance, great for long term use without any signs of oxidation and rust. CNC cut handles offer extreme light feeling and durability.
- Spring Loaded Pliers - Keeps the pliers open freely, super easy to use by one hand. The titanium coated stainless steel jaws come with split ring tip, strong enough for removing hooks and splitting rings.
- Tungsten Carbide Cutters - The Sharpest Tungsten Carbide Cutters (which are fully replaceable) of any pliers on the market, make it extremely easy to cut the strongest braided lines, the heaviest mono leader, the fly lines and backing lines.
- Excellent Carrying Around Pliers - Come with Nylon Sheath, Coiled Lanyard and Belt Loop Clasp makes the pliers extremely convenient to carry around and secure with you. The Belt Loop on the back of the sheath makes it safer when being attached to the belt.
EDITORS CHOICE
ZITRADES Aluminum Fishing Plier
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Summary
If you’re looking for a pair of pliers that offer a good performance but affordable enough that you won’t be too heartbroken if they end up going overboard, then this stylish pair of pliers at a very accessible price point might be just what you’re looking for. They’re perfect for using both salt and freshwater bodies. This pair of pliers are great at removing a range of different types of hooks from all different sizes of fishes’ mouths and the stainless steel jaws give a tight and secure bite on objects so you can complete tasks quickly and safely.
The pliers have an anodized coating that helps protect them against rust and corrosion and the stainless-steel jaw construction makes them very durable too. The body of the pliers has been made with quality aircraft grade aluminum and the construction and the materials used are high quality. The aluminum is lightweight, and the pliers are very easy to keep in your tackle box and only bring out when needed. The split ring tooth is durable and opens split rings quickly and safely. The pliers are only is 7.1inches in length so they fit easily into the hand are comfortable and easy to use, and the handle includes a skid-proof coating so you can keep a secure grip on them even with wet and slippery hands, and is spring-loaded so you can use them easily with just one hand. The hard-line of carbide cutters are very sharp and can cut easily through most fishing lines including braided, and could even be used to cut wire if you needed them to.
These are a durable, and effective pair of pliers that would make a great first pair for a novice who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on their pliers while they’re still getting started. This is a great value option that is well-constructed and durable enough to last for a good couple of years at least but is at an accessible enough price point that it won’t be the end of the world if they get damaged or lost while on the water. There’s a lot to like in this option, and they’re certainly sharp enough to be a great tool when you need them.
Pros
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Well-designed and constructed
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Very sharp
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Lightweight and portable
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Accessible price point
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Good for beginners
Cons
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The included protective sheath will probably break down well before the pliers do
- Body of the Gripper is made of Special Deluxe Aluminum.
- Designed specially for fishermen.
- High density skidproof handle. more portable, comfortable use.
- Lightweight and bright, Essential fishing equipment!
- With Holder which has a belt loop and lanyard (never leave on the beach again)
BEST VALUE
Booms Fishing H1 Fishing Plier
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Summary
Booms have a reputation for crafting fishing tools and tackle that make fishing tris easier, their pliers help simplify tasks to make your time on the water relaxing so you can just concentrate on your fishing, and this pair is no exception to that ethos. This compact pair at only 6.7inches is a great option for younger anglers or those with smaller hands, and they include a spring-loaded handle with plastic grips which makes these pliers easy to operate with one hand comfortably and safely. This is one of the most popular sets of fishing pliers available and it’s easy to see why when the quality of the 420 stainless steel construction makes this pair so durable and strong.
The line cutter is very sharp and can cut a range of lines including braid, and there’s an extra feature in the small wire cutter so this is a great set of pliers that should be able to cope with pretty much anything you may encounter. The pliers have a slightly more bent nose than some of the other options and the serrated jaws hold objects securely and are also excellent at removing hooks. It’s easy to change your lures and hooks with the split ring opener and the crimpling tool can also crimp shot split lead. This is a great set for those a little worried about safety as the pliers’ lock when not in use to reduce the chance of accidents.
These pliers have been very well constructed and designed to make anglers' lives a little easier, their only downside is that they’re more suitable for freshwater as they don’t have the same amount of corrosion resistance as other options out there. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use them on saltwater angling trips, but it does mean that they require more maintenance after exposure. These pliers will need to be dried and oiled to stop corrosion and rust and some anglers may want something suitable for both salt and freshwater environments.
Pros
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Excellent price point
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Strong and durable
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Well-constructed and very comfortable to use
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Suitable for younger anglers or those with smaller hands
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Includes line cutter and wire cutter
Cons
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Not the best for saltwater use
- [Pliers and Gripper Combo] Booms Fishing H1027 fishing tool combo includes 6.7inches H1 fishing pliers and 6 inches fish gripper
- [H1 Fishing pliers] H1 made of stainless steel and rubber handle,loaded spring, design a pliers lock to keep it closed when not open
- [Usable pliers Jaws in Fishing] H1 fishing pliers works as a tool pliers, which can hold objects firmly and crimp shot split lead. It is featured as split ring opener, with which you can repair your lure
- [Portable and Safe Gripper] The fish gripper is made of stainless and ABS rubber, 6 inches long and with a hand lanyard, easy to carry and safe to use
- [Necessary Fish Gripper] A fish gripper is necessary when doing some serious saltwater (or freshwater) fishing, because you can catch the sly fish with tight grip, rather than stick your hand in its mouth and get poked by its sharp teeth
RUNNER UP
MadBite Lighted Aluminum Fishing Plier
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Summary
If you like your tackle and tools to have something a bit innovative about it than you’ll love this next option from MadBite. These attractive pliers have been designed to handle even the toughest saltwater environments so they’ll be able to handle whatever location you need them to, and they also include a range of features to make them suitable for pretty much anything you may need them for from setting up split rings to removing hooks. Made from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum this set is built to last and as they’re only 7.5 inches in size they’re a good option for anglers going after fish like bass or trout with smaller mouths.
The tungsten carbide cutters are extremely sharp and have been specially hardened, so they cut cleanly through wires, braided fishing line, and fluorocarbon. Another useful feature is that the cutters are easily replaceable if they wear out which elongates the lifespan of the pair. This pair features an angled head design that makes removing hooks very simple as it’s easy to find and grasp the hooks to take them out. The jaw measures just 3.2 inches which gives an excellent amount of grip while cutting or crimping, and they’re easy to handle even with smaller hands, and as they’re made from aluminum they’re lightweight enough to use for long periods if you need to.
The handles have been designed to be extremely comfortable to use and include a non-slip silicone grip which is easy to have a sturdy grasp on the pliers even in slippery conditions. The opening mechanism is spring-loaded which makes them easy to operate. The pliers' most interesting feature is the included bright LED light that makes these a great option to take in poorer light conditions or out at night if night fishing is something you’d like to try. Overall, these are well-constructed and durable pliers, that are attractive to look at, are multifunctional, and have been designed to be as useful to the user as possible. Most anglers will find something to like about this pair of fishing pliers, and they’ll certainly get the job done.
Pros
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Strong and durable
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Lightweight and well-constructed
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Multi-functional
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Includes an LED light
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Comfortable and easy to use
Cons
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Velcro on the case might be a little annoying in an urgent situation
RUNNER UP
Manley Professional Saltwater Fishing Plier
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Summary
A lot of anglers prefer a smart reel over a reel that they have full control of.
If you are one of those anglers that want your coil to move and stop with the slightest of movements in water, then the Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Line Counter Reel is the perfect pick for you.
This product from the house of Okuma is perfect for musky fishing if you don't trust your instincts enough. This product has intuitive gears in place, ready for the musky or any other fish for that matter, to backflip, to troll, to counter-troll, and back-bounce.
This means that, when aided with your guidance, this reel can start spinning, stop spinning, and retrieve quickly when there a lure is baited.
Another innovative feature of the Okuma Coldwater is its advanced line counter technology. The line counter is a counter that is installed atop the reel and measures the depth at which the line has reached when you start baiting.
The line counter comes equipped with precise vision technology, which prevents fogging of the display glass.
Having said that, the product also comes equipped with corrosion-resistant and stainless steel ball bearings along with a gear ratio of 5.4:1, which packs enough drag and speed.
Pros
- It allows for automatic spinning.
- Line counter technology allows pinpoint angling.
- It is corrosion-resistant.
- The gear ratio of 5.4:1 packs enough drag and speed at spinning.
Cons
- It's not preferred by anglers who like complete control over their reel.
- Spring-loaded and great for removing small hooks, and gripping fishing lines quickly
- Being 7.5 inches in length, these offer the perfect grip for every fishing enthusiast
- Advanced surface coating protects the tool from salt water exposure for maximum durability
- This great fishing gadget has tungsten carbide cutters that allow you to cut braided fishing lines
- Includes free sheath and lanyard, so you've always got the handy tool nearby when you need it
Best Fishing Pliers Buying Guide
There are a lot of different fishing pliers available and finding the right pair can take time, but it is ultimately worth it. You may have now found the pliers of your dreams, but if you want a little bit more info before deciding than this next bit is just what you’ve been waiting for. We’re going to take a moment and go through some of the most important features to look out for on fishing pliers so that you know everything you need to make the best possible choice.
Comfort
Every angler's dream fishing scenario is a day where they spend a lot of time reaching for the pliers because that means you’ve landed yourself a decent catch. Pliers are a really important tool for an angler and if you’re going to be using them a lot, you need them to be comfortable to hold. You want your pliers to be lightweight so you can operate them easily with just one hand. Heavy pliers are harder to use and will slow you down, so looking for pliers with large springs that are easier to handle is a good start. Spring-loaded pliers are also a good option because you don’t have to worry about prying them back open. It’s worth getting this right and investing in a good lightweight pair as cheaper options with smaller springs can be much harder to use.
Cutting Options
Your pliers need to have a bit of versatility to them in terms of their cutting ability so you can handle anything that you may encounter while fishing. Most pliers have a line cutter and a side cutter, so you can cut lines easily but also hooks and wires. The line cutter should be able to do what its name says, cut line. To do this you need a line cutter that’s extremely sharp and hard so it can handle braided line which is tougher than monofilament or fluorocarbon. A side cutter handles wires and hooks and typically tungsten carbide is the best option. Cutters will need to be replaced eventually, and choosing a set of pliers with easily replaceable cutters are a great investment to save you time and money later down the line.
Nose Length
This is an important feature on your pliers and what will suit you best depends on the location you’re going and type of fish you’re pursuing. You’ll need a longer nose if you’re going saltwater fishing and will be encountering fish like snappers which have a lot of teeth because you’ll need a longer reach to retrieve the hooks. Something like a needle-nose length is a good option here. For trout or bass or other freshwater fish, something smaller will be better as freshwater fish tend to have smaller mouths.
FAQs
What is a split ring tip used for?
A split ring tip is a tool normally on the nose of fishing pliers that makes changing hooks and lures easier and quicker because you don’t have to use your fingernails to lever open and install split rings. Using a split ring tip is much safer and easier, so this is a great tool for an angler.
Why should I use fishing pliers?
Fishing pliers are useful for removing hooks from fish, bending hooks into the right position, and cutting fishing line, all of which are much easier to do with a pair of fishing pliers. They’re also good in an emergency for removing hooks that may have got stuck on you or someone else and they generally just make your time on the water easier so you can concentrate on fishing.