Top 5 Uses of Fishing Pliers

Fishing pliers are a versatile tool that can be useful for a variety of tasks while fishing. So if you’re wondering what fishing pliers are used for, you came to the right place.

Uses for fishing pliers

Removing hooks

Fishing pliers can help you safely remove hooks from a fish’s mouth without injuring the fish or yourself. Most fishing pliers have a design similar to needle-nose pliers, which makes it easier to get those hooks out.

Cutting fishing line

Fishing pliers with cutting blades can help you cut fishing line quickly and easily. The type of fishing line that fishing pliers can cut depends on the specific pliers you have. Most fishing pliers can easily cut monofilament and fluorocarbon. I’ve used pliers to cut braided line as well, but definitely takes more effort to cut through the braided fibers. Fishing pliers are one of several ways to cut braided line.

Crimping and bending

Fishing pliers can be used to crimp sleeves onto the end of fishing line to make leaders or to attach swivels.

They can also be used to bend hooks or other tackle into a specific shape or angle.

Removing barbs

Removing the barbs from hooks can make them easier to remove from a fish’s mouth, reducing the risk of injury to both the fish and the angler. You can use a pair of pliers to flatten the barb.

Splitting rings

Some fishing pliers have a small notch on the end that can be used to open split rings, which are used to attach hooks or lures to fishing line.

Overall, fishing pliers can be a very useful tool for anglers, and can make fishing more efficient and enjoyable.

Are there special pliers for saltwater fishing?

Yes, there is a difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing pliers. Saltwater pliers are typically made from materials that are more resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or titanium. Freshwater pliers may be made from other materials, such as aluminum, which is lighter but not as resistant to saltwater corrosion.

Saltwater pliers are often designed to cut through thicker, tougher lines and hooks, as saltwater fish are generally larger and more powerful than freshwater fish. Freshwater pliers may not have the same cutting strength as saltwater pliers.

Fishing pliers alternatives

Growing up I always had a pair of needle-nose pliers in my tacklebox. They work pretty well for removing hooks, bending hooks, etc. But when I started saltwater fishing I picked up a decent pair of saltwater fishing pliers.

While you could potentially use regular nose pliers for fishing in a pinch, they won’t have all the features (line cutter, ring splitter) as fishing pliers. Plus, most fishing pliers come with a tether and sheath, so you can easily grab them and not worry about losing them in the water. Lastly, regular needle-nose pliers aren’t made out of steels that resist corrosion, so they’ll start to rust, especially near saltwater.

Wrapping up

Overall, fishing pliers can be a very useful tool for anglers, and can make fishing more efficient and enjoyable.

If you’ll be saltwater fishing, be sure to get a pair of pliers designed for saltwater.

Happy fishing!