Best Fishing Pliers Top 5 Reviewed (Freshwater & Saltwater)

Materials

This involves several components. It starts with the pliers’ nose/jaws. Look for materials like titanium-coated aircraft-grade stainless steel versus run-of-the-mill aluminum. This will boost the cost of the pliers but also increases the unit’s durability and longevity.

The cutters should also be made of sturdy materials like tungsten carbide. This will allow you to cut the toughest fly/backing/braided lines. Also, make sure the cutters can be swapped out so you can replace them when necessary.

Another important material is the one used for the handle. A high-quality plastic is a good option to boost the component’s durability/sturdiness.

Finally, make sure the pliers’ main components include corrosion/rust-resistance. It’s important not only for freshwater but especially saltwater fishing. Even if your pliers have this feature, it’s also important to maintain them properly. That includes washing, drying, lubricating, and storing them properly.

Color

Should form follow function when picking a pair of fishing pliers? In general, that’s true. However, you’ll want to spot your pliers easily in your tackle box, for example. Look for bright-colored handles so you can see and find the pliers faster.

Brand

Unlike rods and reels, fishing tools like pliers are a niche product that’s manufactured by a limited number of companies. Make sure to do your homework about some of the top manufacturers on the market. This will help you to pick a company that provides quality products and good service.

Sheath/Lanyard

Fishing pliers are sometimes bundled with sheath and less often with a wrist lanyard. They’ll bump up the price tag of pliers but are arguably worthwhile. A sheath helps to protect your pliers from water, dirt, salt, etc. Meanwhile, a lanyard keeps the tool within arm’s reach whenever you need it.

Price

You won’t have to worry about fishing pliers costing more than a Bamboo Fly Rod by Oyster ($4,600). In fact, many pliers are in the under-$20 price range. Just make sure you’re still getting good value.

Since these fishing tools are quite affordable, it means you can splurge a bit to get good quality. For example, even the Professional Saltwater Fishing Pliers by Manley are in the under-$30 categories. So you won’t even have to spend big bucks for solid-quality saltwater fishing pliers.

A related issue is the value the pliers deliver. Are they sturdy and durable? Are they effective gripping, crimping, and cutting? Is the handle easy to see and ergonomic? These are some of the biggest issues to take up to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Fish Hook Remover

Sometimes pliers are bundled with a dedicated fish hook remover. This provides better functionality than products that aren’t bundled with this extra tool. It will likely add to the price tag but is definitely worthwhile in terms of adding value to your purchase.

Handle

There are a few key factors here starting with durability. You should also consider the handle’s ergonomics. It should fit in your hand well and feel comfy even during long fishing trips. What should you look for? The handle should be lightweight, provide a natural fit, and not cause sore hands after several hours.

Another big feature for fishing pliers is spring-loaded pliers. This allows you to operate the tools with one hand. It’s a plus since it frees up the other hand for holding other things like line and fish. This tends to be a standard feature so make sure to look for fishing pliers that have it.

Finally, there’s the handles’ color. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is when you need to spot the pliers quickly. Look for handles with bright colors like red, yellow, and light blue. The right hued handle can be the difference between winning or losing your battle with a big fish.

Saltwater-specific

Some fishing pliers offer extra protection for saltwater fishing. These units are made with non-corrosive body metals like aluminum, stainless steel, or aluminum. They also usually include high-end steel or tungsten carbide cutters.

These features provide protection from rust/corrosion caused by saltwater. It’s still important to clean/maintain the units as effectively as possible in order to get the best performance. Always rinse and dry the pliers properly after each fishing session, for example.

Warranty

As you might guess it’s less common to find warranties for fishing pliers than rods or reels. Still, they’re sometimes offered. Some companies offer a 1-year warranty on their pliers, for example. Make sure to read the fine print, so you’ll know what it does and doesn’t cover.

A less common offering is a money-back guarantee. This is sometimes given for 30 days, for example. You should still do your homework before making a purchase. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the tool, you’ll have the option to return it for a full refund.

Conclusion

We’ve just reviewed some of the top fishing pliers on the market, and we’re ready to announce our pick for the top model (drumroll, please): Aluminum Fishing Pliers by Piscifun.

It starts with the pliers’ material and durability. It’s constructed of anodized aluminum (electrochemical process) to provide high-end corrosion/rust resistance. The jaws are titanium-coated for extra durability. The tungsten carbide cutters are also ideal for cutting even the toughest lines.

Next, there’s the high functionality of the fishing pliers. The handles are spring-loaded so you can easily operate the tool with one hand. The pliers also include a sheath, lanyard, and belt loop to make the tools more mobile and functional.

The icing on the cake is the company’s name, which cleverly includes the Latin word for fish. It’s another reason Piscifun’s unit is the best of the best pliers for catching bass, trout, or salmon.

They help make fishing fun!