Best Fishing Pliers: Top 5 Picks For 2023

Best Fishing Plier: Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Pliers

Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Pliers are a mid-range pair of aluminum pliers ideal for all types of anglers.

They feature smooth and durable CNC cut handles, a special anti-corrosion coating that keeps them in top condition and come in two sizes depending on your needs with a 7.1 inch and 7.87-inch option.

There are four different colors to choose from and each comes with a carrying lanyard so they're as practical as they are efficient.

While these are the best fishing pliers for the money, they’re also the smoothest to maneuver.

When you’re out fishing and in quick need of assistance, you don’t want something that’s rusted over or is too tight to open and close.

The Piscifun pliers offer great ease of use and CNC cut handles that are smooth on your hands no matter how hard the job at hand.

The anti-corrosive coating keeps them rust free for saltwater fisherman and further adds to this smoothness.

On the downside though, the cutters weren't as strong as you'd hope for even though they're made of solid tungsten carbide.

If you're planning on using the replaceable cutters that come with these pliers, you'll have to know their limitations first.

It's advised to do some test runs cutting things other than a line to get an idea of what they're capable of, and always bring a backup blade in your tackle box just to be safe.

Another cool feature worth noting is the nylon sheath, belt loop clasp, and coiled lanyard that come as standard with the Piscifun pliers.

You can carry them around easily and securely on your belt or keep them with your other fishing gear so they're always close by and ready for action.

The pliers are spring-loaded for smoothness and incredibly lightweight which further adds to just how easy they are to carry around.

The Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Pliers cost between $20 to $30 depending on the color, style, and size you choose, and they're available to purchase through Amazon.

Although there's no official warranty offered, customers who had issues with their pliers received a free replacement from Piscifun, so even though they're budget-friendly that doesn't mean they don't come from a reliable brand.

As an effective all-purpose fishing tool, our number one choice is the Piscifun Aluminum Fishing Pliers.

Size:	7.1 inches
Material:	Aluminum
Extra Features:	CNC handles, tungsten carbide cutters, anti-corrosion aluminum

Runner-Up:RUNCL Fishing Pliers S1

If you’d prefer a pair of stainless steel pliers for fishing, our next best option is the RUNCL Fishing Pliers.

This affordable option is for anyone who wants to avoid aluminum with their fishing gear and they're a solid 7.2 inches of 420 stainless steel.

These pliers are spring-loaded for ease of use, saltwater rated and have a smooth ergonomic handle so they won't damage your hands even in the toughest conditions.

By far the best thing about these pliers from RUNCL is their strength.

Most fishermen buy pliers hoping they'll last in tough saltwater conditions, only to be let down, but that won't happen here.

The RUNCL pliers are made of 420 stainless steel and have been tested strenuously for saltwater.

With a tough Teflon finish for an added layer of protection, they'll easily last you years even if you take them out every weekend.

For a cheap pair of pliers, these get the job done, but there were some minor changes we'd make to their design if we could.

They're lightweight but maybe a little too light, as when you're relying on them for tougher jobs it doesn't seem as they'll be durable enough to get it done.

The fingers grooves on the PVC coated handle won’t be a perfect fit for everyone either, so this could be more of a hindrance than a help.

Other noteworthy features include the stainless steel textured jaws, a split ring opener, crimping cutouts, carbide cutter, and a weights tuner.

All of these accessories are built into the pliers so it’s more of a multi-purpose tool than a standalone one.

With just this packed in your tackle box, you'll have more than five tools at once and it comes with a pocket sheath and lanyard to keep it close by.

All of the attachments work well and they all serve their purpose, so it’s not like RUNCL just added them in at the last minute and without any thought.

The RUNCL Fishing Pliers are more than just needle nose pliers, with a load of other goods attached that you’ll need when you’re out on the water.

They’re the best saltwater fishing pliers at this price on the market and they’ve been triple protected and tested to last for years.

Priced at just under $20 on Amazon, they’re amazing value, especially for the saltwater angler.

Although there’s no warranty offered, at this price it’s worth taking a risk on the RUNCL Fishing Pliers for something so practical and efficient

Size:	7.2 inches
Material:	Stainless steel
Extra Features:	Spring-loaded, Teflon finish, PVC handle

Alternative: KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fishing Pliers

For a durable pair of fish hook pliers that have been built to last, you can’t go past the KastKing Speed Demon Pro Pliers.

These pliers come with a few different options including the 7.5 or 8.5-inch length as well as a split ring nose or straight nose.

Regardless of the option you choose, these pliers are made from corrosion-resistant 420 stainless steel that's been coated with Teflon for extra strength and they work just as well in freshwater or saltwater conditions.

The best thing about these is their strength, and although they cost a little more this is where your money is going.

They’re made with 420 stainless steel that stands up to saltwater amazingly, and according to KastKing they're 46 percent harder than aluminum and with three times the bending strength.

You can use them to remove hooks, cinch knots, tune baits or build leaders, and you'll never have to worry about them being too weak.

Not every part of these pliers is as good as the pliers themselves, so they probably could have done without adding the extras.

Most disappointing is the line cutter which is so dull that it’s virtually useless, even though it was marketed as a dual cutting/bending tool.

Provided you have a backup blade or utensil for cutting line, this shouldn’t be an issue, but considering these pliers cost more than our top-rated picks it is disappointing.

The KastKing Speed Demon Pro Pliers coming in either a bright orange or green design and lanyard and pocket sheath included.

The 2.5-inch serrated jaws give it even more power so you’re able to cinch knots without much effort at all.

Hooks come out with ease and it means a much safer fishing experience for you when you don’t have to rely on your fingers.

They’re ergonomically designed for one-hand use so you'll always have one free and ready for action.

To equip yourself with a pair of the durable KastKing Speed Demon Pro Pliers you can head to Amazon and get them for around $25 to $30.

The larger size is more expensive but may be right for your needs, however, don't expect to get a lot of use out of the line cutter attachment that's included.

For a mid-range set of fishing pliers these are certainly strong, but not as multipurpose as some of the others we've seen.

Size:	7.5 inches
Material:	Stainless steel
Extra Features:	Corrosion resistant, super polymer grip, line cutters included

Alternative: ZACX Fishing Pliers

If you’re after more than just a good pair of fishing pliers, ZACX Fishing Pliers come in a package that also includes a fishing gripper.

The ZACX Fishing Pliers are made with strong and modern aluminum which gives them a super lightweight feel but also means they're strong enough for big jobs.

The EVA foam handle measures 4.3 inches and has ample space for anyone to use, with less fatigue for you and greater hold on whatever you might be working on.

What customers loved the most about these pliers was the versatility of such an affordable tool.

Because they’re lightweight you’ll find it even easier to perform tasks and the ZACX Fishing Pliers can cut and remove hooks, crimp sleeves, crimp leads, and even cut lines.

There's no need for an additional cutter because these pliers can easily get the job done, which means less for you to carry with your fishing gear.

One annoying feature of these pliers is that there’s no closing mechanism on them.

When they’re not in use, they’ll sit in your bag or box fully open which can end causing some premature rusting.

You might need to fashion your own mechanism to keep them closed when you’re not using them, otherwise, they could fail you a lot sooner than you'd hoped for.

The handle is also slightly uncomfortable and made with a hollow design so it can be harder to grip, but it does make it super lightweight.

When you choose the package that comes with both the fishing gripper and the plier, you’ll get other extras like a sheet and lanyard that attaches straight to your belt.

You can use these pliers in both saltwater and freshwater conditions and with a spring-loaded handle, it takes very little effort to grasp.

Everything included means it’s excellent value for money and it’s a neat little package that would make a great gift for another angler in your life.

Overall, these are budget-friendly and simple, without too many complicated parts or features that hold it back.

Although made from aluminum, the ZACX Fishing Pliers are still surprisingly strong, and you can get yourself a pair for less than $20 when you shop on Amazon.

The bonus of the fishing lip gripper and handy sheath gives you plenty of value for money and a tool that you can rely on to work well in all conditions.

Size:	7.28 inches
Material:	Aluminum
Extra Features:	Foam handle, separate lip gripper included, spring-loaded handle

Alternative: Calamus A7 Fishing Pliers

If you're an angler who prefers to travel light and you want fishing pliers that are going to meet the criteria, you'll be interested to find the Calamus A7 Fishing Pliers.

These are extremely lightweight thanks to their E-coated aircraft aluminum design and shorter size of 7 inches.

Although not much less than most on the market, the compact feel does make them easier to carry around.

They feature a corrosion-resistant coating and can be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, and have a spring-loaded lock for ease of use.

One of the most helpful features of these pliers is the PVC grip which is soft and comfortable.

Unlike other pliers that have finger grooves built into their handle, these do not, which ends up working in their favor.

Even in slippery conditions, they're easy to hang onto, which is pretty common in fishing when you're working in the heat of the moment and trying to remove a hook from a wet fish.

However, there are a few features that need improving, even for a cheaper pair of pliers like this.

Mainly, its ability to cut was lackluster, despite this being on their major marketing points.

The pliers are great for other jobs like removing hooks and cinching down knots, but when it comes to cutting line it falls short.

This may be due to the vanadium used to make the cutters, which doesn’t seem to perform as well as stainless steel.

These pliers come in a range of bright colors so you don’t lose them, and with the option of either a straight nose or split ring nose, both measuring 7 inches in total.

The sheath that’s included with the Calamus A7 pliers matches the color that you choose and will look great hanging from your belt or tucked away neatly with your other fishing gear.

There’s also a safety lock for peace of mind and the option to keep them closed shut when they’re not in use.

Overall, these are pretty impressive pliers for their cost.

The Calamus A7 Fishing Pliers are the perfect multipurpose tool to add to your fishing gear and thanks to their unique coating they're great for both saltwater and freshwater outings.

Priced at less than $20 when you shop with Amazon, they're cheap enough to purchase a backup but strong enough to last you for many years.

Size:	7 inches
Material:	Aluminum
Extra Features:	Rubber handle, vanadium cutters, serrated jaws

Fishing Pliers FAQ

Whether you’re a beginner angler and building up your fishing equipment box from scratch or an experienced fisherman looking for new gear, your pliers will be a crucial piece to consider.

A good pair of pliers can remove hooks, crimp, clamp, and even cut, so you want them to be up to the task.

We’ve answered some common questions related to fishing pliers so you know why they’re so important and the many ways you can put them to use.

Why Do You Need a Pair of Fishing Pliers?

In your collection of fishing gear that’s kept in your tackle box, you’ll want a pair of fishing pliers along with other essential items like hooks, bait, line, and a knife.

Fishing pliers are adept at removing hooks from fish so you don’t have to use your hands, but they’re also good for cutting line, straightening a bent rod, change split rings, and even removing a fish hook that’s become lodged in your skin.

What Are Fishing Pliers Used For?

Fishing pliers are made just like a standard pair of pliers and they’re capable of doing many different jobs.

Fishing pliers are predominantly made to be an all-purpose tool but there are specific types like long-nose pliers or hook removing pliers.

Every angler will rely on their pliers for different jobs so it's an individual choice whether you want an all-purpose style or something specialized.

What Are Split Ring Pliers?

A split ring is a small ring with a split in it, commonly found in craft practices and on keychains, but also common with fishing gear.

Split ring pliers are designed to be able to adjust these rings so they open and close, allowing the angler to change whatever is on their fishing line as required without doing any damage.

Fishing pliers can usually change split rings otherwise you can purchase pliers specifically for this purpose.

A Simple Tool With a Lot of Purpose

Any fisherman with a bit of experience will remember a time when a pair of the best fishing pliers would have come in handy.

Although often overlooked, pliers are an essential piece of gear to have in your tackle box, regardless of your skill level and whether or not you think you’re going to use them.

Thankfully, a quality pair of fishing pliers isn’t expensive, but they can bring a whole lot of value to your next fishing trip.

Whether you want them for straightening or removing hooks, changing split rings, or just as an all-purpose tool, it’s worth your effort to find a pair that will be able to do all of this and more.

Judging by the pliers we’ve found and their reasonable price tags, it’s pretty easy to find something that’s going to do your fishing gear proud.

A good set of fishing pliers will be a godsend many times during a fishing trip, so investing in one today will have you prepared for anything.

You might also be interested in: Best Fishing Backpack: Carry All Your Fishing Gear