Fisherman on a boat using best fishing pliers for hook removal

Best Fishing Pliers for 2025

Photo of David – Writer & Founder of ProFishingCo

By David H

Don’t waste time with weak or rusty tools. These 5 fishing pliers are strong, easy to use, and great for cutting lines, removing hooks, and setting up your gear.

Best fishing pliers are a must-have tool in every angler’s kit. Whether cutting rough braided lines, picking out great beds, or crimping sleeves, a proper set of pliers makes the work much easier and safer. Such miniature multitools introduce comfort and control to your fingertips, making your fishing experience comfortable and more productive.

Model

Type

Features

Price

ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Best Multi-Function

Combines hook remover and gripper, perfect for fly and ice fishing.

UTA II Fishing Pliers

Best Premium Pliers

Teflon-coated stainless jaws, safety lock, and ergonomic grip.

KastKing SteelStream Tool Kit

Best Value Set

Includes pliers, knife, gripper, scissors, and retractor

Booms Fishing H01

Best Lightweight

Ultra-light stainless steel build, ideal for travel.

Piscifun Saltwater Pliers

Best Saltwater Pliers

Anti-corrosion aluminum, sharp braid cutters, and spring-loaded for one-hand use.

You can not use normal tools when you are out in the water, especially in saltwater conditions. That’s why investing in the best fishing pliers for saltwater is essential. They do not rust easily and provide accurate handling, which means they are durable in all cases and catch.

This guide highlights the best-rated fishing pliers available today, covering everything from premium options to budget-friendly picks. No matter where you go fishing, be it offshore or a flat lake, a good pair of pliers will assist you in coping with the situation.

Best Multi-Function: ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers – Hook Remover & Fishing Tool Set

Specifications

  • ✅ Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
  • ✅ Weight: 4.4 Ounces
  • ✅ Grip Type: Ergonomic
  • ✅ Cutting Width: 1.8 Inches
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Pros

Cons

  • Spring-loaded for fast, one-hand use.
  • Lightweight and durable for all-day comfort.
  • Compact size fits easily in any tackle box.
  • Sharp cutters slice.
  • Lacks a locking latch for safe storage.
  • Gripper may feel small for handling larger species.

Why We Chose It

We chose the ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers because of their clever combination of ease of use and design. They have a superior T-handle that can be held with minimal wrist slippage, which is good when one is on a longer fishing trip. The pliers were good on their own, with aluminium lightweight material that is easy to carry but does not compromise weight.

I noticed the tool’s versatility, whether it is cutting braided lines or removing hooks speedily and accurately. The lanyard it carries and the spring-loaded screen create an element of pure convenience that comes in handy when one has much to handle along the waterline.

This set is a good choice for anglers who want practical and reliable tools that make the process less complicated without being excessively heavy.

Best Premium: UTA II Fishing Pliers (Teflon Coated Locking)

Specifications

  • ✅ Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
  • ✅ Weight: 4.8 oz
  • ✅ Grip Type: Ergonomic
  • ✅ Cutting Width: 1.3 inches
  • ✅ Style: Nylon holster
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Pros

Cons

  • Lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum handle.
  • Corrosion-resistant Teflon-coated stainless steel jaws.
  • Spring-loaded with safety lock.
  • Serrated jaw grips and removes various fish hooks.
  • Precision CNC machining ensures high build quality.
  • Grip may feel less secure for some users.

Why We Chose It

In our experience, these pliers are a blend of beauty and utility. They are made of strong materials that wear out normally under fresh water or salty water conditions. Considering that there is no heavy aluminum handle and a spring-closing mechanism, they can be operated easily with one hand, whether in the middle of a long fishing session.

It has serrated bits and replaceable tungsten carbide cutters for dependable operation on most types of lines and with most hook sizes. It has a nylon holster and a strengthened lanyard, so the tool will always be in position.

This multi-purpose plier is a high-value product that does not compromise quality or life expectancy. It is a reliable all-around supplement to an angler’s tackle box.

Best Value Set: KastKing SteelStream 6pc Fishing Tool Kit

Specifications

  • ✅ Material: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Rubber
  • ✅ Weight: 1.5 lbs (full kit)
  • ✅ Grip Type: Non-slip ergonomic
  • ✅ Design: Compact and corrosion-resistant
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Pros

Cons

  • All-in-one combo with essential tools.
  • Pliers and scissors are rust-resistant.
  • Fillet knife has a strong, sharp blade.
  • Floating fish lip gripper prevents gear loss.
  • Comfortable and solid feel with high usability.
  • Full kit may feel bulky for minimalist anglers.

Why We Chose It

We have selected the KastKing SteelStream kit because it is suitable and quality-made. It gathers all the necessary functions — pliers, scissors, knife, and gripper—in one reliable and convenient combination. Its corrosion-resistant materials render it suitable for saltwater and freshwater excursions, whereas each of the tools is designed carefully to promote practical and safe working. The material is ready when you need it: cutting braid, cleaning your fish when you are on the go and anything in between.

Best Lightweight: Booms Fishing H01 Small Fishing Pliers Scissors Braid Cutters

Specifications

  • ✅ Material: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Rubber
  • ✅ Weight: 9.07 g
  • ✅ Grip Type: Non-slip ergonomic handle
  • ✅ Cutting Width: Compact braid cutter
  • ✅ Style: A: Straight Nose with Lanyard
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Pros

Cons

  • Cuts braid and wire cleanly.
  • Lightweight and compact.
  • Works with small split rings.
  • Durable stainless steel build.
  • Not strong for big hooks.
  • Rusts if not rinsed after saltwater use.

Why We Chose It

We have chosen the Booms Fishing H01 Pliers option because it is a portable, lightweight, and inexpensive tool that can be used by anglers who want to have all the needed functionality but not packing it. It has a stainless steel body that is durable enough to be used in fresh water as well as light saltwater fishing activities and since it is precision cutters it will cut most lines easily.

It is good to have small split rings, so it is easy to adjust the lure or make changes in key rigging. Although it is not designed for heavy hook extraction, the tool does an impressive job given its smaller size and budget price range, so it should become the choice of minimalist set ups or back-up tackle boxes.

Best Saltwater Pliers: Piscifun Fishing Pliers, Saltwater Fishing Pliers

Specifications

  • ✅ Material: Aluminum
  • ✅ Weight: 3.6 oz
  • ✅ Grip Type: Ergonomic
  • ✅ Cutting Width: Precision Micro-Cut (approx. 2–3mm)
  • ✅Style: Nylon Sheath
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Pros

Cons

  • Solid anti-corrosion aluminum body.
  • Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Comfortable grip for all hand sizes
  • Titanium-coated stainless steel tips.
  • Comes with sheath, lanyard, and belt loop.
  • Strong, non-flexing build under pressure.
  • Not suitable for cutting wire trace.

Why We Chose It

In our testing, these pliers were so solid but lightweight that it is unusual to possess such a pair, and we immediately got their attention. We used them to cut and pull out hooks and to cut on tough braided lines, and they never slipped or became soft when pressure was applied.

Its spring-loaded mechanism allowed it to be used single-handed, particularly when dealing with struggling fish. The grip was also good; even after prolonged fishing, it did not become uncomfortable, whether it hung on the backpack or at the belt.

The real thing that elated us was the clean maintenance of the tungsten carbide cutters. They hacked lines through braid, mono and backing lines indifferently. They did not dull even after being used severally.

The sheath, belt loop clasp and coiled lanyard that come with it mean that it can be carried easily without fear of losing it. None of the details seemed random; you could spot that they were designed by anglers with a passion for being effective, strong, and convenient.

Things to Consider While Choosing the Best Fishing Pliers

To choose the best saltwater fishing pliers, here are the most important features to look for:
01) Material Quality

When it comes to rust resistance and strength, we seriously recommend stainless steel or titanium, particularly in saltwater fishing conditions.

02) Line Cutters

Tungsten carbide cutters are long-lasting and very sharp. They easily cut the mono, fluoro and braided lines with no fraying.

03) Grip Comfort

It has non-slippery ergo grips, which are needed during extended sessions. Seek out handles that will remain comfortable and secure when wet.

04) Spring-Loaded Design

A spring-loaded mechanism allows one-handed operation, which proves very handy when handling fish or performing multiple tasks on the boat.

05) Strong Jaws

The jaws on your pliers must be able to grip, twist and crimp without bending or slipping, thus allowing you to control both gear and fish.

Conclusion

Best fishing pliers offer more than convenience—they’re essential for safety, efficiency, and a smooth fishing experience. Whether you use them onshore or at sea, reliable pliers will always save your life when it comes to time and frustration.

Man removing hook and cutting line from fish mouth with best fishing pliers.

Choosing the best saltwater fishing pliers means paying attention to corrosion resistance, grip comfort, and cutting precision. The appropriate pair will leave you more equipped, whether you need to detangle a line or eliminate a hook in confined areas.

From professional-grade tools to affordable favourites, the best-rated fishing pliers in this guide help anglers at every skill level stay ready for whatever the water brings. Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you, fish after fish.

FAQs

Stainless steel and titanium are top materials — both are rust-resistant and built for durability, especially for saltwater use.

Yes, the best fishing pliers for saltwater are corrosion-resistant and built to handle tough marine conditions that damage standard tools.

Not always. The best rated fishing pliers feature tungsten carbide cutters, which slice cleanly through braid without fraying.

Rinse with fresh water after each use, dry thoroughly, and occasionally oil the joints to keep them smooth and rust-free.

 It depends on your fishing frequency. If you fish often, investing in quality pliers will save you money and hassle long-term.