One of the essential tools in a tackle box or fishing bag is pliers. Pliers are necessary for removing hooks from fish and other functions when fresh or saltwater fishing in Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina. Hooks become lodged in fish mouths, and the line is challenging to cut without the aid of a sharp device. However, the handheld device is highly beneficial for both situations. Here is what you must know about fishing pliers. 

What Are Fishing Pliers For

Anglers are faced with many challenges beyond casting, setting the hook, and catching fish. Fishing requires a substantial amount of preparation, patience, and determination. 

When fishing, lines are required to but cut and tied to present the best bait or lure based on the situation. Pliers can cut through fishing line with ease compared to gnawing and damaging teeth. 

In addition to cutting lines, pliers are instrumental in removing lodged hooks. Unfortunately, aggressively feeding fish swallow hooks and lodge them deep within their belly or firmly in the lip. Pliers allow the person pulling the hook to pry it free without grasping the sharp point by hand. 

Without the aid of pliers, anglers would be forced to put themselves at risk of injury when removing hooks and cutting lines. 

How Do You Use Fisherman Pliers

Using fisherman pliers is simple, hold the fish or line with one hand and the pliers in the opposite hand. 

Pinch the pliers’ tip on the hook while holding the fish and rotate the sharp point out and away from the mouth. Pliers are essential when dealing with sharp-toothed fish. 

Again, when cutting lines, hold the line with one hand so it does not fall free and the pliers in the opposite. Cut by squeezing the line in the cutters. Retie the fishing line once the cut is complete. 

Can You Use Regular Pliers For Fishing

While mechanical pliers remove hooks from fish similar to fishing pliers, they lack features and are not composed of high quality metals to prevent corrosion. 

Needlenose pliers are often substituted for marine grade pliers but fail in functionality and durability. Marine-grade stainless steel withstands exposure to salt and rain, thus preventing them from rotting. 

In addition to the makeup, mechanical pliers do not contain the same features, including the ability to cut wire, monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line using specialized cutters. 

Lastly, mechanical pliers are seldom paired with holsters or lanyards to prevent the tool from falling overboard and into the water from the shore, boat, pier, bridge, dock, or elsewhere. 

How Do You Maintain Fishing Pliers

Maintenance is essential to prolong the life of pliers used for fishing. The tool is subject to wear and tear from being dropped on boat decks, dirt, or concrete surfaces when in use. We recommend purchasing a holster or tether to prevent damage from drops. 

Fish are coated in slime, and the slime is transferred to the pliers. After use, rinse the tool thoroughly to remove slime and dry it before stowing. 

In saltwater environments, salt accumulation causes corrosion and the inability to open or close the pliers without proper care. After the tool is exposed to salt, rinse, dry, and store. 

When pliers become stiff, apply a liquid lubricant to the rotating hinge. Lubrication will allow the pliers to move freely compared with difficulty or frozen in place altogether. 

Lastly, when pliers are equipped with cutters, avoid attempting to part materials that are thick or incapable of being sliced by the blade. The attempt to cut hard objects will cause damage to the blades. 

How Much Do Fishing Pliers Cost

There is a significant range between low and high-cost options when it comes to pricing. On the low end, expect to pay no less than fifteen dollars. However, flip the coin and set of pliers pushes more than three hundred dollars. 

When deciding to make a significant investment in pliers, first determine how frequently the tool is utilized. When pliers remain stowed for the majority of the purchase, a low-cost option. In the situation the pliers are used one or more times per week, making a more significant easement for the highest quality product. 

For anglers in the southeast, we have reviewed the top 7 fishing brands, including pliers. Check out the top 7 fishing brands for southern anglers.  

Check Out The Best Pliers On The Market For All Budgets

When you’re ready to invest in your first or next set of fishing pliers, check out these three options to suit all budget ranges. 

Best Value

KastKing Cutthroat 7” Fishing Pliers. The set includes the pliers, holster, and tether, making them the best value on the market.

Best Overall

The best overall pliers for fishing are the Premio Danco Premium Titanium 6.5” set with sheath and lanyard. 

Most Premium

Van Stall is notorious for producing high quality equipment that is equally high in cost. The most premium fishing pliers on the market are Van Stall 6” Titanium Pliers With Lanyard And Sheath. 

Know You Know The Benefits Of Fishing Pliers

Don’t consider casting a line without fishing pliers in your vicinity. Pliers are required when removing lodged hooks, parting snags, and cutting lines for retying. A set of pliers is one of the most valuable tools in the fishing box. Make sure you don’t leave fishing pliers behind during your next fishing trip.