By Nora SinclairQuick answer
Fishing pliers are a multi-purpose tool designed for crimping sleeves on leaders, cutting fishing line, and safely removing hooks from fish. Using the correct technique for each task prevents damage to your gear and reduces the risk of injury. Always keep them clean, dry, and easily accessible while fishing.
If you’re learning how to use fishing pliers, you’re unlocking one of the most versatile tools in an angler’s kit. Far more than just a pair of pliers, this specialized tool combines several functions crucial for rigging and landing fish. From securing a wire leader to snipping a tangled line or freeing a deeply set hook, proper technique makes all the difference. Using them correctly not only makes your fishing more efficient but also protects your other gear from damage and helps ensure safe hook removal, especially for catch-and-release. This guide walks through the core functions and the right way to handle each task.
The Three Core Functions of Fishing Pliers
While designs vary, most fishing pliers are built around three primary jobs: crimping, cutting, and hook removal. Understanding which part of the tool to use for each task is the first step. The jaws are typically serrated or smooth for gripping and bending, and they often have a dedicated notch or slot for crimping sleeves. The cutting blades, usually located near the pivot point, are for slicing through line. The long, often angled handles provide leverage and keep your hands at a safe distance from sharp hooks and teeth. Before you use them on the water, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your specific tool’s features by consulting the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Use Fishing Pliers for Crimping
Crimping is the process of permanently securing a metal sleeve onto a wire leader, connecting the hook or lure to the line. This is common in saltwater fishing and for targeting toothy freshwater species. A poor crimp can mean a lost fish, so doing it right is essential.
What to look for
- A dedicated crimping notch: Many pliers have a series of graduated, rounded slots in the jaws designed to match different sleeve sizes.
- Corrosion resistance: Since you’ll be handling metal sleeves, pliers made from materials that resist saltwater corrosion will last longer.
- Comfortable handles: You need a firm, controlled squeeze, so handles that provide a good grip are important.
Here’s the basic technique for a secure crimp:
- Select the Right Sleeve and Notch: Match the diameter of your wire leader to the correct size sleeve. Then, choose the crimping notch on your pliers that corresponds to that sleeve size. It should be a snug fit.
- Insert and Position: Thread the wire through the sleeve and through the eye of the hook or swivel. Bring the wire back through the sleeve, creating a loop. Pull it tight so the hook is seated properly.
- Place in Notch and Squeeze: Place the sleeve squarely into the matching notch on the pliers. Apply firm, even pressure to compress the sleeve completely. Avoid crushing it repeatedly or at an angle, as this can weaken the wire.
- Inspect: Give the crimp a firm tug to ensure it’s secure. The sleeve should be uniformly flattened and hold fast.
For more on assembling terminal tackle, our guide on essential fishing accessories covers the other tools you’ll need.
How to Use Fishing Pliers for Cutting Line
The cutting function is likely the most frequently used. Whether you’re trimming tag ends after tying a knot, cutting away a bird’s nest, or quickly severing line to release a snag, a clean cut is vital. Using the wrong part of the pliers can dull the blades or damage your line.
| Line Type | Cutting Consideration |
|---|---|
| Monofilament & Fluorocarbon | Most pliers cut these cleanly. Ensure the line is positioned in the cutting blades near the pivot for maximum force. |
| Braided Line | Requires very sharp, often serrated or notch-style blades. Dull blades will mash and fray braid instead of cutting it. |
| Wire Leader | Only use cutters specifically designed or rated for wire. Using standard line cutters on wire will permanently damage them. |
Technique: To cut, open the pliers and place the line deep into the cutting blades, close to the joint. Squeeze with a decisive motion. Don’t twist or pry with the blades after the cut. For a dedicated discussion on cutting tools, see our fishing line cutter guide.
How to Use Fishing Pliers for Hook Removal
This is where fishing pliers become a critical safety and fish-handling tool. Removing a hook, especially from a toothy fish or one that has swallowed it deep, can be dangerous for both you and the fish if done incorrectly.
Safety
Always be aware of the hook’s point and the fish’s teeth or spines. Use the length of the pliers to keep your hands away. If a hook is deeply embedded in a fish’s gut or gills, and you plan to release it, consider cutting the line as close to the hook as possible instead of attempting a difficult removal. Studies show many fish can survive with the hook left in, and aggressive removal can cause more harm. For your own safety, if a hook becomes embedded in your skin beyond the barb, do not try to pull it out with pliers. Seek immediate medical attention.
Basic Hook Removal Steps:
- Secure the Fish: For smaller fish, a firm grip behind the gill plate works. For larger or toothier fish, consider using a fish gripper to control the head and protect your hands.
- Grip and Push: Grip the bend or shank of the hook firmly with the pliers’ jaws. If the hook is embedded, you often need to push the hook point slightly forward to disengage the barb before you can back it out.
- Back it Out: Once the barb is free, rotate and pull the hook back along the path it entered. Use steady, controlled pressure.
- Cut if Necessary: If the hook is swallowed and the eye or shank is accessible, you can sometimes cut the hook itself with the pliers’ cutters (if they are rated for hardened steel) to facilitate removal. Our article on types of fishing hook removers explores specialized tools for this tricky job.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Fishing pliers live in a harsh environment. Salt, sand, fish slime, and water will quickly degrade them if not cared for. After each trip, especially in saltwater, rinse your pliers thoroughly with fresh water. Dry them with a towel and open and close the jaws to work out moisture from the pivot point. A very light application of a corrosion-inhibiting lubricant on the pivot and spring (if present) will keep them working smoothly. Store them in a dry place, not left wet in your tackle box. Periodically check the cutting blades for sharpness and the jaws for alignment.
FAQ: How to Use Fishing Pliers
Can I use regular hardware pliers for fishing?
While you could in a pinch, it’s not ideal. Hardware pliers lack the line cutters, the corrosion-resistant coatings needed for fishing environments, and the long handles that provide safe reach for hook removal. They can also damage fishing line and hooks more easily.
What’s the difference between fishing pliers and hemostats?
Hemostats are excellent for fine-tuned hook removal, especially on small-mouth fish, as they lock in place. However, they typically lack the robust cutting blades and crimping notches found on multi-function fishing pliers. Many anglers carry both for different tasks.
My pliers won’t cut braided line cleanly. What should I do?
Braided line is very tough and requires extremely sharp blades. The cutting edges on your pliers may have dulled. Some pliers have replaceable cutter inserts for this reason. Check the manufacturer’s information to see if yours are replaceable or can be sharpened. Otherwise, you may need a dedicated tool for braid.
How do I clean fish slime and grit out of the pivot?
Rinse under warm fresh water while repeatedly opening and closing the jaws. For stubborn grit, you can soak the pivot area in warm, soapy water and work the jaws. After rinsing, dry thoroughly and apply a drop of light lubricant like a reel oil or specific tool lubricant.
Are fishing pliers necessary for catch and release?
They are highly recommended. Proper how to use fishing pliers techniques allow for quicker, safer hook removal, which minimizes handling time and stress on the fish. This increases the fish’s chance of survival after release. Combined with tools like grippers and a measuring tool, they form a key part of a responsible release kit.
References
- Manufacturer manuals and specification sheets: For proper use, maintenance, and capabilities of specific plier models.
- Take Me Fishing: General fishing education and best practices, https://www.takemefishing.org/
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Fish conservation and handling guidelines, https://www.fws.gov/program/fish-and-aquatic-conservation
About Nora Sinclair
Nora has been writing about freshwater fishing tackle on a budget for this site, with an eye on clear explanations, honest trade-offs and options for different needs and budgets.
