Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Fishing Pliers for Your Needs
When it comes to angling, every piece of gear is crucial, but few tools play as multifaceted a role as fishing pliers. Crafted to handle everything from unhooking fish, and cutting lines, to adjusting tackle, a good pair of pliers is the multi-tool of the fishing world.
The Short Answer: Prioritize durability, functionality, good grip, sharp cutters, and additional features that align with your individual fishing needs. The right pliers will hold up well even under tough conditions, streamlined to your fishing environment and style, and infused with bonus features to make your angling more effective and enjoyable.
Key Features in High-quality Fishing Pliers
Material: The best pliers are made from durable and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium, especially for saltwater angling.
Jaw Design: Opt for pliers with multifunctional jaws, capable of gripping hooks and fish securely, and equipped with additional features such as split ring openers.
Cutting Ability: Make sure your pliers have integrated cutters, capable of slicing through different types of fishing lines.
Comfortable Grip: Look for pliers with rubberized or ergonomic grip handles, preferably in a compact, lightweight design for easy handling and minimal hand fatigue during extended fishing.
Additional Features: Extra features like line crimpers, split shot removers, or a lanyard and sheath, can significantly boost the functionality of your fishing pliers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Fishing Pliers for Your Needs
Step 1: Consider Your Fishing Environment:
Saltwater Fishing: Go for pliers made from materials that resist corrosion like aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. All these can withstand exposure to saltwater.
Freshwater Fishing: Lighter, compact pliers are ideal, given the environment requires handling smaller hooks and lines. Stainless steel presents a durable and affordable option.
Step 2: Determine Your Fishing Style:
Big Game Fishing: You'll need heavy-duty pliers adorned with robust cutters for handling thick lines and hooks. Additional features like crimpers for leaders and locking mechanisms also come in handy.
Fly Fishing: Opt for small, lightweight pliers or forceps, crucial for precise hook removal. The aspect of portability should not be overlooked.
Step 3: Identify the Features You Need:
Basic Needs: Ensure your pliers have sharp, replaceable cutters capable of slicing various lines, along with strong jaws designed to grip hooks securely.
Extra Features: Perks like split ring tools for lure changes, crimpers for rigging big-game setups, and sheath or lanyard attachments add convenience and can prevent plier loss overboard.
Step 4: Match Pliers to Your Target Species:
Small fish like panfish or trout: Lightweight, needle-nose pliers are ideal.
Big fish like bass or saltwater fish: Heavier, feature-loaded pliers offer the multi-functionality needed for larger fish species.
Get the Best Fishing Pliers from Smith's
Now that you understand the essential factors to consider when choosing fishing pliers, let's look at some of the carefully crafted options from Smith's that will guarantee you an enjoyable fishing experience.
Locking Aluminum Fishing Pliers: Smith's Lawaia 6.5" pliers are an excellent choice for both saltwater and freshwater fishers. The anodized aluminum provides corrosion resistance, and the lightweight design promises effortless one-handed use.
Stainless Steel Angler Pliers: If stainless steel is your choice of material, consider the Smith's Lawaia 6½" needle nose pliers. Equipped with non-slip grips and multiple tools for fine-tuning your lures, these stainless steel pliers are the perfect addition to any tackle box.
Cutting Pliers: With an ergonomic design, Smith’s 7” Cutters feature a non-slip soft PVC grip handle. The pliers are hardened for increased ease of cutting, and fine polishing lends to corrosion resistance, making these pliers a reliable fishing companion.
Panfish Needle Nose Pliers: Smith's Regal River 6" Panfish Needle Nose Pliers are built for precision. Nickel-plated carbon steel lends durability and resistance to corrosion, making these long-nose pliers ideal for both freshwater and saltwater angling.
Fly Fishing Forceps: Smith’s Regal River 5.5” locking scissor forceps are an essential tool for securing and releasing small objects. Their stainless steel construction and large loop handle ensure easy function and long-term durability.
No matter your criteria—whether you prioritize durability, a solid grip, or versatile capabilities— Smith's collection of fishing pliers and tools will cater to your needs, ensuring that your fishing gear is complete and up-to-date. Always remember that the right fishing pliers can significantly enhance your angling experience. Choose wisely!
Article reviewed 12/13/2024: Ricky Dukes
Vice President Marketing and Product Development
Ricky Dukes has been leading the marketing and product development resources at Smith's Consumer Products for over 7 years. In that time, Ricky has become an expert in the world of knives and sharpeners including a deep understanding of their applications and uses.