What Are Fishing Pliers Used For? A Beginner’s Guide to Each Job

Updated November 2026

Fishing pliers are used for gripping, twisting, cutting, and releasing, and they make most hook and line tasks faster and safer than using your fingers. If you have ever wondered what are fishing pliers used for, the short answer is that they handle the jobs your hands can’t do well on a wet, slippery boat or riverbank. This guide walks through the main uses, the basic techniques, and the mistakes beginners tend to make.

The Main Jobs Fishing Pliers Handle

Most anglers rely on pliers for four core tasks. Each one solves a problem that comes up on nearly every trip.

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

• Removing hooks. Hooks set in a fish’s jaw, lip, or throat are easier to back out with a firm grip than with bare fingers, which can slip and get pricked.
• Cutting line and wire. Pliers with a cutting edge trim tag ends after a knot, shorten a leader, or snip wire.
• Crimping and crushing. Pliers can close crimp sleeves on wire leaders, or pinch down barbs on lures and hooks.
• Turning and tightening. The jaws grip a hook eye, swivel, or split ring so you can twist it open or closed.

How to Use Pliers to Remove a Hook Safely

Hook removal is where pliers earn their place in the tackle box. A controlled grip protects both you and the fish.

1. Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its slime coat.
2. Grip the bend of the hook with the pliers jaws, then push the hook point slightly further into the flesh so the barb clears the opening.
3. Rotate the hook back along the same path it entered. Never yank it straight out.
4. Hold the fish gently and release it promptly.

For deeply hooked fish or species with sharp teeth, a long-nose tool may give you better reach. Some anglers also keep a set of split ring pliers nearby, since they are designed for opening small rings without bending them out of shape.

Choosing the Right Pliers for Each Task

Not every plier suits every job. Matching the tool to the task prevents damage to your gear and frustration on the water.

Task	What to look for
Hook removal	Smooth, rounded jaws that grip without marking the fish
Cutting line	Sharp, hardened cutting edges
Crimping leaders	Dedicated crimping jaws sized to your sleeve
Opening split rings	Narrow, pointed jaws that slip between coils

Corrosion matters too. Saltwater use is hard on steel, so many anglers look for stainless or coated options when they fish the coast. Pliers are also worth keeping on a lanyard so they don’t disappear overboard. For a detailed walkthrough of attaching one, see Lanyard for Fishing Pliers: How to Choose and Attach One (Beginner Guide).

Caring for Your Pliers Between Trips

Pliers last longer when you rinse them with fresh water after saltwater trips, dry them fully, and apply a light coat of oil to the pivot and jaws. Store them in a sheath or case so the cutting edges stay protected. A leather sheath is one option, and Leather Fishing Pliers Sheath: How to Choose and Use One (Beginner Guide) covers how to pick one that fits.

Common Mistakes

• Using cutting pliers as a hook remover, which can nick the jaws and dull the edge.
• Pulling a hook straight out instead of backing it out along its entry path.
• Gripping a fish too hard, which can damage internal organs or the slime coat.
• Leaving pliers wet in the tackle box, which invites rust on the pivot.
• Skipping a lanyard, then losing the pliers over the side on the first big fish.

Recommended gear

A basic set of stainless pliers with a cutting edge covers most beginner tasks. For fishing with wire leaders, a dedicated crimping tool keeps sleeves tight and consistent. A simple lanyard keeps everything within reach.

• Stainless steel fishing pliers handle hook removal and line cutting in both fresh and salt water. View on Amazon
• Fishing crimping tool closes wire leader sleeves quickly and evenly. View on Amazon
• Fishing pliers lanyard keeps your tool attached to your vest or boat. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can fishing pliers be used on any type of fish?

Yes, though the approach changes with size and species. Small panfish usually need only a gentle grip, while large fish with sharp teeth call for a firmer hold and careful handling.

Do I need separate pliers for cutting and removing hooks?

Not necessarily, but it helps. Using cutting pliers on hooks can dull the edge, so many anglers keep one tool for line work and another for hook removal.

Are fishing pliers safe to use with saltwater gear?

They are, as long as you rinse and dry them after each trip. Saltwater corrodes steel quickly, so regular care matters more than the brand you buy.

Conclusion

Fishing pliers handle hook removal, line cutting, crimping, and turning small hardware, which makes them one of the most useful tools in any angler’s kit. Match the pliers to the job, keep them clean and attached, and handle fish gently. A few simple habits will keep your tools working and your catches healthy.

Related reading

• Plastic Pliers for Fishing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• Ozark Trail Fishing Pliers Compared: 5 Best Picks for Anglers (2026)

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