Fishing Scissors and Pliers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

Fishing scissors and pliers are two of the most useful small tools in a beginner’s tackle bag. Used together, they let you cut line cleanly, tie knots without fumbling, remove hooks without tearing a fish’s mouth, and crimp or split rings without damaging your terminal tackle. This guide walks through what each tool does, how to choose one, and how to use them safely and efficiently on the water.

Why Fishing Scissors and Pliers Belong in Every Starter Kit

Your fingernails and teeth can cut line, but they do it poorly. Braided line in particular will slice skin or simply refuse to break, and frayed mono or fluorocarbon tails snag on guides and tangle in your reel. A pair of dedicated fishing scissors trims tag ends flush so they slide past the eyes of your rod. Pliers handle the jobs your fingers can’t: pinching a barbed hook out of a lip, squeezing the split ring on a lure, or holding a small swivel steady while you tie a knot.

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

The two tools are complementary. Scissors excel at clean, repeated cuts through line of any diameter. Pliers excel at gripping, twisting and pulling. Many anglers carry both on a single lanyard so they never have to hunt through the tackle box mid-session.

Step 1: Know What Each Tool Does Best

Before buying or using either tool, it helps to be clear about its primary job.

• Fishing scissors are designed for cutting monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid. Look for blades with a serrated or hooked edge that grips braid, and a fine point for trimming tight to a knot.
• Needle nose pliers have long, narrow jaws that reach into tight spaces, such as the bend of a hook or the inside of a fish’s mouth.
• Split ring pliers have a small, curved tip that slips between the coils of a split ring so you can open it without straightening the ring.
• Crimping pliers compress copper or aluminum crimp sleeves, which are used to secure leaders and wire.
• Hook remover or de-hooking tools are long-handled, often with a cone or notch at the tip, for backing a hook out without reaching for the fish’s mouth directly.

Some multi-tools combine scissors, pliers and crimpers in one folding body. These are convenient but usually compromise on the size and feel of each function. A dedicated pair of scissors and a separate pair of needle nose pliers often outperform a combo tool for the same money.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size and Material

For most freshwater anglers, a 4.5- to 6-inch pair of pliers and a 4- to 5-inch pair of scissors is a comfortable size. Smaller tools are easier to store in a pocket; larger ones give more leverage when you are pulling a hook from a stubborn spot.

Stainless steel resists corrosion, which matters if you fish near salt, around boats, or in humid conditions. Coated handles improve grip when your hands are wet or cold. Lockable or sheathed designs prevent accidental cuts when the tool is clipped to a vest or lanyard.

Key Factors Compared

Factor	What to Look For	Why It Matters
Blade edge	Serrated or hooked for braid	Cuts braid without slipping
Jaw shape	Long, narrow needle nose	Reaches hooks and tight rings
Material	Stainless steel	Resists rust from water and sweat
Grip	Textured or rubber-coated handles	Stays secure with wet hands
Carry	Sheath, clip or lanyard ring	Keeps tools reachable and safe

Step 3: Set Up Your Tools for Easy Access

Clip your scissors to a lanyard or zinger on your vest so they hang at chest height. Keep pliers in a pocket with a retention cord or in a holster on your belt. Carrying them where you can reach them without looking is the single most effective habit for avoiding lost tools and rushed, sloppy cuts.

Before each trip, check that scissors close cleanly and that the pliers’ jaws meet evenly. Wipe off salt or grit after a day on the water and put a light oil on the pivot. A few seconds of maintenance prevents the sticky, gritty action that makes cutting frustrating.

Step 4: Cut Line Cleanly

Good line cutting protects your knots and keeps your rig free of nicks. Follow these steps:

1. Pull the line taut between your hands so it does not slide off the blade.
2. Place the blade as close to the knot as you can while still leaving a short tail, usually about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut with a single firm stroke rather than sawing back and forth, which frays the end.
4. Inspect the tail. If it is splayed or frayed, trim again.

For braided line, use the serrated section of the blade and cut with a slight rocking motion. Braid can take several passes to sever. For fluorocarbon, a sharp, fine blade gives a smooth end that is less likely to catch on guides.

Step 5: Remove Hooks Safely with Pliers

Hook removal is where pliers earn their place, and where mistakes can harm both you and the fish. Use these steps as a general guide:

1. Keep the fish in the water when possible, or wet your hands before handling it.
2. Grip the hook shank with the pliers, not the point or barb.
3. If the hook is shallow, back it out along the same angle it entered.
4. If it is deep, cut the line and carefully push the barb through, then snip the barb with pliers before pulling the hook out. Barbless hooks make this much easier.
5. Release the fish promptly after handling and avoid squeezing it.

Always keep your face and fingers clear of the hook point, and never use pliers to yank a hook through tissue. If a hook is lodged deeply, or the fish is bleeding heavily, consult a veterinarian or wildlife professional for guidance.

Step 6: Open and Close Split Rings

Use split ring pliers to open a ring by inserting one tip between the coils and twisting outward. This opens the gap without deforming the ring. Slide the hook or lure onto the ring, then close the gap by reversing the twist. Standard needle nose pliers can also work, but they tend to spread the ring and can weaken it over time.

Common Mistakes

• Cutting line too short. A tail under 1/16 inch can slip out of a knot. Leave a little more than you think you need.
• Using scissors on hooks or wire. Hardened hook steel and wire will dull or chip a blade. Use pliers or a dedicated wire cutter.
• Gripping the hook point. This is the fastest way to get pricked. Grip the shank.
• Ignoring rust. Corrosion stiffens pivots and can break a blade. Rinse and dry after saltwater use.
• Storing tools loose in the tackle box. They get lost, dull and jammed. Keep them on a lanyard or in a sheath.

Tips for Getting More from Your Tools

• Carry a spare pair of scissors in your boat or vehicle so you are never without one.
• Use barbless hooks whenever regulations and your target species allow. They are easier to remove with pliers and cause less injury.
• Practice knot tying at home with a short length of line before you need the skill on the water. This is covered in more depth in Knot Tying Fishing Line: 5 Essential Knots Every Beginner Should Know.
• If you are choosing between line types, Mono Fishing Line vs Fluorocarbon: Which Should You Choose? explains how each cuts and handles differently.

Recommended gear

These are general tool types that most beginners will find useful. Choose the size and features that suit your fishing style.

• Stainless steel fishing scissors with a lanyard ring cut monofilament and braid cleanly and stay accessible on your vest. View on Amazon
• Stainless steel needle nose fishing pliers reach into hook bends and tight spaces for hook removal and ring work. View on Amazon
• Split ring pliers open and close rings without deforming them, which protects your lure hardware. View on Amazon
• Fishing pliers and scissors combo with sheath keeps both tools in one holster for a compact, all-in-one carry. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use regular household scissors for fishing line?

You can, but they are rarely ideal. Household scissors are often too large to trim tight to a knot and may not cut braid cleanly. Dedicated fishing scissors have finer points and better blade edges for line.

Do I need both scissors and pliers?

Most anglers benefit from both. Scissors handle cutting and trimming, while pliers handle gripping, hook removal and ring work. A combo tool can cover basics, but separate tools usually perform better.

What size pliers are best for beginners?

A pair in the 4.5- to 6-inch range is versatile for most freshwater fishing. Smaller pliers suit trout and panfish; larger ones give more leverage for bass and bigger species.

How do I keep my pliers from rusting?

Rinse them with fresh water after saltwater use, dry them thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to the pivot and jaws. Store them somewhere dry.

Are barbless hooks easier to remove with pliers?

Yes. Without a barb, the hook slides out with less resistance and less risk of injuring the fish or you. Check your local regulations, since some waters require barbless hooks.

Can I use pliers to crimp line sleeves?

Yes, but only with pliers designed for crimping. Standard needle nose pliers do not compress crimp sleeves reliably. Use a dedicated crimping tool or a tool with a crimping notch.

What should I do if a hook is deeply embedded?

Do not force it. Cut the line, try to push the barb through and snip it, or seek help from a professional. Deeply embedded hooks can cause injury to you or the fish if handled carelessly.

Conclusion

Fishing scissors and pliers are simple tools with a big impact on how smoothly your day goes. Choose a pair of scissors that cuts braid and mono cleanly, and pliers that reach hooks and rings easily. Keep them on a lanyard, maintain them after each trip, and practice safe hook removal. With these habits, you will spend less time fixing tackle and more time fishing.

Related reading

• 7 Best Van Staal Fishing Pliers for Anglers in 2026
• 6 Best Long Nose Pliers Fishing Tools for Anglers (2026)
• 5 Best Long Needle Nose Pliers for Fishing (2026)
• 4 Best Needle Nose Pliers for Fishing in 2026: Hook Removers Compared

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