KastKing Cutthroat Fishing Pliers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

KastKing cutthroat fishing pliers are a practical, all-in-one tool for beginner anglers who need to cut line, grip hooks, and handle fish safely. This guide explains what the tool is good for, how to use each function, and how to keep it working well. By the end, you will know how to use kastking cutthroat fishing pliers without damaging your line, your hooks, or your fingers.

What the KastKing Cutthroat Pliers Are Built to Do

Like most fishing pliers, the cutthroat style combines a gripping jaw, a line-cutting edge, and a hook-removal function in one hand tool. Manufacturers generally describe pliers in this category as suited to freshwater and light saltwater use, with the cutting edge positioned near the pivot for clean snips. Before you use any new tool, read the packaging and manual for the specific load limits and any warnings about saltwater cleaning.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Van Staal Titanium Fishing Pliers for Saltwater and Freshwater.

For a broader look at the job each tool handles, see What Are Fishing Pliers Used For? A Beginner's Guide to Each Job.

How to Use KastKing Cutthroat Fishing Pliers Step by Step

1. Cut line cleanly. Slide the line into the cutting notch near the pivot, not the tip. Close the handles with a steady squeeze. Pulling the line sideways can dull the blade.
2. Grip the hook. Clamp the jaw on the bend of the hook, not the point. Twist gently to back the hook out along its original path.
3. Remove a lure or fly. Hold the eye of the hook with the jaw and rotate the lure away from the fish’s mouth. Keep your other hand clear of the hook point.
4. Crimp or open rings. If the tool has a split ring or crimp function, place the ring or sleeve in the correct groove before squeezing. Forcing a ring at an angle can bend the jaws.
5. Rinse and dry. After each trip, rinse the tool in fresh water and dry it completely before storing.

Choosing the Right Technique for Each Task

Using the right part of the tool for each job keeps the jaws aligned and extends service life. Hook removal and line cutting use different surfaces, so match the function to the task rather than forcing one jaw to do everything. Beginners often try to cut heavy braid with the same notch they use for monofilament, which can leave a ragged end. For another angle, check out 25 Best Fishing Pliers.

If you plan to crimp leaders or sleeves, the technique differs more. The steps are covered in How to Use Crimping Pliers for Fishing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.

Tasks and Tool Surfaces

Task	Use this part	Avoid
Cutting monofilament or fluorocarbon	Cutting notch near pivot	Cutting with jaw tips
Cutting braided line	Cutting notch, sharp edge	Twisting while cutting
Removing a hook	Smooth jaw on hook bend	Gripping the point
Opening split rings	Jaw tips, straight pull	Prying sideways

Caring for Your Pliers So They Last

Saltwater and sweat both corrode pivots and springs. Rinse the tool after every outing, open the jaws, and add a light coat of corrosion-resistant oil to the pivot. Store it dry in a case or on a holder rather than loose in a tackle box where it can rub against hooks and dull the cutting edge. Check the pivot screw before each trip and tighten it if you feel play.

If you are shopping for a tool that resists rust from the start, Fishing Pliers That Won't Rust: How to Choose and Care for a Pair That Lasts covers the materials to look for.

Common Mistakes

• Cutting line with the jaw tips instead of the notch, which dulls the edge.
• Gripping the hook point, which can injure your hand.
• Leaving the tool wet in a sealed box, which speeds corrosion.
• Prying split rings sideways and bending the jaws.
• Skipping the pivot check, letting a loose screw wear the tool unevenly.

Recommended Gear

A lanyard keeps the pliers from sinking into deep water if you drop them from a boat or bank. View on Amazon

A sheath protects the jaws and your gear from tangling in the tackle box. View on Amazon

A small corrosion-resistant lubricant helps keep the pivot moving smoothly after saltwater trips. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use KastKing cutthroat pliers on braided line?

Yes, but use the dedicated cutting notch and make a single firm squeeze. Braid can dull blades faster than monofilament, so inspect the edge regularly.

How do I remove a deeply set hook without hurting the fish?

Grip the bend of the hook with the jaw, then back it out along the curve of the hook. Work slowly and keep the fish wet, and consult a local fisheries guide if the hook is lodged in a sensitive area.

How often should I oil the pliers?

Rinse and dry after each saltwater trip, and oil the pivot about once a month or whenever the action feels stiff. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidance for your specific model.

Conclusion

Using KastKing cutthroat fishing pliers well comes down to matching each job to the right part of the tool. Cut with the notch, grip hook bends rather than points, and rinse and dry after every trip. A few minutes of care keeps the tool sharp and the jaws aligned for seasons of use.

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