Fishing pliers are an essential part of any fisher’s gear whether you are beginning your fishing journey or have been an avid fisher for years.
Fishing pliers are primarily used to cut the hooks and lines.
There are a lot of different types of fishing pliers available because of the wide variety of fishing lines available.
So if you’re a beginner gathering your tools before your first trip or if you are more experienced in fishing but need to purchase new pliers, it’s important to have a pair that are fine to use among freshwater and saltwater fishing.
This is because they are the most common waters that you will be fishing in making them essential.
With a huge number of fishing pliers available on the market, you don’t have to worry as we have curated everything you need in one guide.
The importance of investing in a good pair of fishing pliers cannot be repeated enough.
Making sure that you have pliers for all kinds of waters and lines is essential but it’s not as overwhelming as it may seem.
With freshwater and saltwater fishing proving to be among toughest, you want to ensure that you get pliers that have the durability to do the job after long term hard use.
To set your mind at ease, we’ve gathered the top 5 fishing pliers for freshwater and saltwater on the market as well as a Buyers Guide and FAQ where we tell you everything you need to know when you’re researching which one is best for you.
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Find out our winner here:
KastKing Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Pliers
KastKing’s Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Pliers are the best on the market for good reason.
Made from corrosion resistant stainless steel, they are also coated with Teflon coating to ensure the protection.
The stainless steel is 46% tougher than aluminum pliers to ensure its reliability and durability for long term use.
This makes them perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing because they are hard-wearing.
Thanks to the tungsten carbide, these pliers will cut through most difficult materials as well as a side mount to ensure that you have easy access at the highest safety whilst cutting as close to the knot as possible.
The raised surface ensures that your line will be in the cutting zone every time.
With 4.7 stars from over 4,700 reviews, these pliers work for most types of water and materials, making them ideal for beginners and avid fishers alike.
They can be used for all sorts of purposes thanks to their multi-function jaws, making them hugely resourceful thanks to their various features such as crimping slots and serrated jaws.
These are the perfect pliers to go for if you are a serious fisher who wants to ensure that their trip is as successful as it can be.
With easy control thanks to the rubber handle, you can be assured of the safety of the product no matter the weather thanks to the detailed design by KastKing.
OUR TOP PICK
The best pair of fishing pliers are from KastKing’s Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Pliers for good reason.
Functional and practical, these pliers are ideal for any fisher at any ability thanks to the array of features that they boast.
Suitable to use on the majority of materials, these pliers are made from stainless steel, meaning that you can be assured of their durability and reliability in any condition no matter the water you are fishing in or the weather conditions.
The rubber grip allows for steady control when using them, ensuring the safety of the fisher.
With 4.7 stars from over 4,700 reviews, these pliers are among the highest quality and highest rated on the market.
These pliers come with a lanyard so you can fasten them to your belt for easy access.
If you are wanting to go fishing with gear that assures quality and longevity then these are the pliers that you need.
Their brilliant price point is another reason why you should choose them because you don't even have to break the bank.
Pros:
- Suitable to use on the majority of materials
- Made from stainless steel to assure durability and reliability
- Rubber grip allows for steady control
Cons:
- The clip fastener is a little too stiff so the pliers don’t move as freely at first
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second choice is from ZACX and is perfect for those who want fishing pliers that come with a full kit complete with everything you need to maintain your pliers.
The EVA foam handle is made to ensure comfortability for longer periods of time as well as a strong grip which is great if you are fishing in bad conditions.
This set is perfect for those who are starting off on their fishing adventure but also makes a great gift for the avid fisherman in your life.
The pliers can be kept safe in its case to ensure extra safety when not in use and the aluminum finish means that you will have the stability and durability needed for rougher conditions.
With 4.7 stars from over 3,600 reviews, these multifunction pliers are fantastic for those who are starting out in fishing and want pliers that come with everything you need in order to ensure its longevity.
The machine cut aluminum handles reduce the weight making them easier and more convenient to use as well as the high quality spring that keeps the pliers open and ready to use.
These pliers have been designed with the regular fisher in mind so you can be assured of a product that will last a long time in any condition.
Pros:
- Comes with a full kit so you can maintain your pliers
- High quality spring keeps the pliers open and ready to use
- Aluminum material is lightweight for convenience
Cons:
- It can be tricky to get the pliers into the case initially but it will easily fit after much use
BEST VALUE
Our third choice are these Aluminum Fishing Pliers from SAMSFX which are ideal for those who spend a lot of time fishing in saltwater particularly.
Made from aluminum with rust resistance means that you can be assured of the durability and reliability for long term use.
It’s easy to handle and maintain with an easy handle lock that can be locked with one hand for convenience so you can focus on reeling those fish in.
The multifunction features include built in braid line cutter and crimping slots among other things.
These are the perfect pliers for those who like to fish in all sorts of waters and like to use a range of materials.
The sheath and coil lanyard mean you can carry it around easily and allows you to easily maintain the product.
With 4.7 stars from over 900 reviews, these pliers have been popular with those who like to fish in a variety of different waters.
Practical for all fishing scenarios, these pliers are extremely light and the 4 in 1 fishing nipper and zinger retractor can be used for a variety of purposes.
Great for those who like to use mono particularly, these pliers also cut easily through braid lines as well.
These pliers are designed for those who like to go fishing on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Made from rust resistant aluminum for long term use
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Multifunction features that are great for all kinds of fishing scenarios
Cons:
- The connector latch can become a bit loose and may need tightening every once in a while
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate choice is from Piscifun and is made from anti-corrosion aluminum thanks to its aircraft-grade anodized material.
This is ideal for long term and hardwearing use preventing any oxidation or rust on the surface.
Lightweight and durable, these spring loaded pliers open freely and can be used with one hand, making them great for multitasking whilst on the trip.
They come with a split ring tip as well as stainless steel jaws that are coated in titanium for extra protection. You can easily remove hooks, split rings and cut through the majority of materials.
With an average of 4.6 stars from over 3,900 reviews, these pliers are highly reliable and are easy to carry around and maintain thanks to the accompanying sheath and belt loop clasp that come with the pliers.
Not only does this ensure the protection of the pliers but also your safety as well as you can have peace of mind that they won’t get in your way whilst fishing while simultaneously being easily accessible.
Pros:
- Made from aircraft-grade anodized anti-corrosion aluminum to prevent rust
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with an accompanying sheath and belt loop clasp for easy access and protection
Cons:
- Unsuitable for cutting braid lines
RUNNER UP
Our final choice is another from KastKing and are their Intimidator Fishing Pliers.
With an array of multifunctional features, these are the best option for those on a tighter budget but don’t want to compromise high quality.
These pliers can cut through mono, fluorocarbon and braid easily and the stainless steel material means that they are extremely sturdy and cannot be bent or broken.
Made for hardwearing conditions and long term use, you can be assured that you will get many trips’ worth of use from these pliers.
Like most of the recommendations in this article, these pliers have a variety of handy features such as crimp split slot and build leaders as well as lightweight and accessible to use with one hand.
With 4.6 stars from 1,500 reviews, these pliers are the perfect starting point for beginners who want to try out different types of materials to see which ones they prefer.
The stainless steel body ensures extra protection and prevents any rust damage.
With easy access thanks to the side mounted anvil cutters, you can cut as close to the knot without obstructions whilst ensuring that the knot retains intact.
Ideal for freshwater environments, you can be assured of its performance if freshwater fishing is something you do regularly.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Can cut through mono, fluorocarbon and braid easily
- Made from stainless steel material means that they are extremely sturdy and durable
Cons:
- The spring action is not the strongest but you will get used to it
Best Fishing Pliers for Freshwater or Saltwater Buying Guide
When it comes to purchasing your fishing gear, you want to make sure you’re investing in quality items that are going to endure whatever conditions you are fishing in.
When looking for which pliers to purchase, you have to consider various factors before making your final decision.
Although pliers don’t cost that much money overall, this will save you any inconvenience in the long run to avoid any further cost.
Researching fishing pliers doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. If you’ve read our recommendations and are still unsure, fear not.
We’ve curated this Buyers Guide with everything you need to know when carrying out your own research.
When looking up various pliers, always consider the material, durability and features.
Once you’ve given these aspects serious consideration, you’ll be able to come up with a fully informed decision and purchase the pliers that are going to be best for your needs.
Material
The first thing that is the most important to consider is the material that the pliers are made from.
Aluminum and steel are the best materials to have as they can withstand the tough conditions that will come your way when fishing.
Steel provides more security and flexibility than aluminum but aluminum is highly durable and best for those on a budget.
All of the recommendations in this article are made from stainless steel or aluminum so whether you like to fish in saltwater or freshwater, there are pliers that are suitable for you.
With protective titanium coating, this provides extra security meaning that the material will remain in top condition for many fishing trips to come.
Not only is the material of the pliers themselves important but also consider the materials of the lines that you’ll be using as you want to ensure that the pliers can cut through them successfully.
Most of the pliers can cut through the majority of lines but with braided lines particularly, you want to ensure that the pliers can cut through the thicker stranded materials before purchasing.
Durability
Following on from the material of the pliers, you want to make sure that your pliers are durable and can withstand the harsh conditions commonly found in saltwater and freshwater environments.
The durability will be tested by how often you use the pliers and what kind of lines and other materials you use them on in the long term.
Not only will this mean that your pliers will be able to provide top notch performances every trip, but you’ll also be saving money in the long run as you won’t have to constantly purchase new pliers every month or so due to damage that low quality pliers face in saltwater and freshwater environments.
Durability is important because when it comes to saltwater and freshwater, low quality pliers won’t last more than a couple of fishing trips in the conditions.
Therefore, when thinking about whether aluminum or stainless steel is the best material for you as mentioned above, also check whether they have an extra coating for protection such as titanium.
This means that your pliers will last even longer which is ideal in any circumstances, especially if you fish regularly.
Having pliers that are reliable and durable means that you can be assured that they will consistently provide a great job on any trip.
Features
Next, consider the features of the pliers and what comes with them.
Most of the pliers in our recommendations have a variety of practical uses such as different types of cutting edges depending on the materials, fastening clips with springs for easy access and serrated jaws among others.
When you consider the conditions that you’ll like be fishing in and the materials that you will be using such as the line material, then you’ll have an idea of what features will be the most beneficial to you.
Most of the recommendations on our list come with a sheath case and belt loop clasp meaning you will have easy access to the pliers and can be used with one hand so you don’t have to worry about getting tangled amongst your tools.
If you’re a beginner then you may want to ensure that your pliers are able to cut through most materials when you’re trying out different lines to see which one is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need pliers for fishing?
Fishing pliers are hugely important because you will need them to cut the hooks and lines.
If you don’t take them with you then you may not be able to solve any issues you face on your trip should you have some trouble with the line.
As well as cut, you can also remove hooks, bend wires and change split rings. Whatever fish you are trying to catch, it’s always advised to take a high quality pair of pliers with you.
Most experienced fishers always ensure that pliers are hooked on their person at all times during their trip.
How do you open fishing pliers?
Firstly, make sure that you are holding your pliers with a firm grip. Then you must slide the hook around the ring until it gets out of the split ring’s open end.
Once this happens, you should be able to pass the old hook through and slide the newer hook in its place.
Which fishing pliers are best?
The fishing pliers that are the best for saltwater and freshwater are the ones that boast a strong material such as steel and aluminum as stated in our Buyers Guide.
This is because saltwater and freshwater can bring the harshest conditions for fishers and you need to have tough pliers that can handle a lot of hard use.
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