Top 10 Fishing Pliers of 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

We’ve all been there. You’ve just landed a beautiful fish, but it has completely swallowed the hook. You fumble around for your pliers, only to find they’re a rusty, seized-up mess from your last trip. Or maybe you’re trying to cut braided line and your pliers just fray it, forcing you to search for scissors or use your teeth (I’ve been guilty of this, and I don’t recommend it). A good pair of fishing pliers isn’t a luxury; it’s one of the most essential tools an angler can own.

A great pair of pliers makes unhooking fish safer for both you and the fish, cuts through any line with ease, and helps with on-the-water tackle adjustments. They are the multi-tool of the fishing world, and having a reliable pair can save you countless frustrations and let you focus on what matters: catching more fish.

But the market is flooded with options, from cheap gas station models to high-end titanium tools that cost more than some rods and reels. How do you choose? That’s why I’ve put together this guide. I’ve personally tested many of these pliers and spent hours analyzing their construction, features, and real-world user reviews to bring you a list of the absolute best fishing pliers for any angler and any budget.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Fishing Pliers

Before we dive into the top picks, let’s cover the essentials. Understanding these key features will ensure you get a pair of pliers that will last for years.

Key Features to Compare

• Material: This is the most important factor.
  • Titanium: The best of the best. Completely corrosion-proof, incredibly strong, and lightweight. The downside is the high cost.
  • Anodized Aluminum: The sweet spot for most anglers. Very lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant. A great balance of performance and price.
  • Stainless Steel: Heavier and less corrosion-resistant than aluminum or titanium, but very strong and often more affordable. Requires more maintenance (rinsing and oiling) to prevent rust.
• Cutters: The ability to cut line cleanly is a primary function.
  • Tungsten Carbide: The gold standard. These cutters are extremely hard and can slice through braided line, monofilament, and fluorocarbon with ease. They are usually replaceable, which is a huge plus.
  • Hardened Steel: Found on many mid-range and budget pliers. They work well initially but will dull over time, especially when cutting braid.
• Jaws & Tips:
  • Split-Ring Tip: A small, hooked tooth on the end of the jaws designed for opening split rings to change hooks. This is an almost essential feature on modern fishing pliers.
  • Crimpers: Small notches in the jaws used for crimping leader sleeves or split shot.
  • Serrated Jaws: Provide a secure grip on hooks for easy removal.
• Ergonomics and Extras:
  • Sheath & Lanyard: A good pair of pliers should come with a sheath to wear on your belt and a lanyard to prevent them from falling overboard. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
  • Spring-Loaded Handles: This keeps the jaws open, making them easy to use with one hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying Cheap, Uncoated Steel: They will rust and seize within a few trips, especially in saltwater, becoming completely useless.
• Ignoring Maintenance: No matter the material, always rinse your pliers with fresh water after a day on the water (especially in saltwater) and apply a light coat of oil occasionally.
• Using the Wrong Tool for the Job: Don’t use your nice fishing pliers as a hammer or a wrench. Use them for what they were designed for, and they will last.

Editor’s Picks: The Best Fishing Pliers of 2025

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best Overall (Money is No Object)	Van Staal 7″ Titanium Pliers	The absolute pinnacle of fishing pliers. They are incredibly strong, 100% corrosion-proof, and will literally last a lifetime.
Best Value	Piscifun Fishing Pliers	Packed with features like aluminum construction, tungsten cutters, and an included sheath/lanyard for an unbeatable price.
Best Multi-Tool	LEATHERMAN Wave+	More than just pliers, it’s a complete toolbox for the angler who wants to be prepared for anything.
Most Durable Workhorse	Rapala Elite Pliers 7″	A robust stainless steel design with ergonomic grips and strong cutters that can handle serious abuse.

Top 10 Fishing Pliers – Ranked by Quality & Performance

1. Van Staal 7″ Titanium Pliers Kit

🛍️ Best For: The serious saltwater or freshwater angler who demands the absolute best and is willing to pay for it.

My Rating: 5/5

🔍 Overview: Van Staal pliers are legendary, and for good reason. Machined from solid titanium, they are impervious to corrosion, incredibly strong, and surprisingly lightweight. The tungsten carbide cutters are razor-sharp and can be replaced, and the jaws are designed for maximum grip. These come with a high-quality leather sheath and a lanyard. I consider these an investment, not just a purchase. They are the last pair of fishing pliers you will ever need to buy.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Made from solid, corrosion-proof titanium	Extremely high price point
Replaceable tungsten carbide cutters	May be overkill for the casual freshwater angler
Unmatched strength and durability
Includes premium leather sheath and lanyard

📣 Real-World Insights:

Owners of these pliers speak of them in reverent tones. One charter captain said, “I’ve had my Van Staals for 10 years in a harsh saltwater environment, and they still work like new.” Another user simply stated, “Buy once, cry once. Worth every single penny.”

2. Piscifun Fishing Pliers

🛍️ Best For: The vast majority of anglers looking for the best possible features for the lowest possible price.

My Rating: 4.8/5

🔍 Overview: Piscifun has absolutely dominated the “best value” category. These pliers are made from anodized aluminum, making them lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They feature replaceable tungsten carbide cutters that slice through braid effortlessly, a split ring tip, and comfortable, spring-loaded handles. The best part? They come standard with a sheath and lanyard. For the price, the performance and feature set are simply unmatched. I recommend these to anyone who isn’t ready to drop hundreds on a premium pair.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Incredible value for the money	The aluminum is not as strong as steel or titanium
Tungsten carbide cutters and split ring tip	Sheath is functional but not as durable as premium options
Lightweight aluminum construction
Includes sheath and lanyard

📣 Real-World Insights:

Users are consistently shocked by the quality for the price. “These pliers have all the features of pairs that cost 5 times as much,” one reviewer wrote. Another said, “I’ve been using them in the salt for two years without any issues. Just rinse them off.”

3. LEATHERMAN Wave+

🛍️ Best For: The angler who loves to be prepared and values versatility above all else.

My Rating: 4.7/5

🔍 Overview: While not a dedicated “fishing plier,” the Leatherman Wave+ is a favorite among guides and serious anglers. It features strong needle-nose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, multiple knife blades, saws, files, and screwdrivers. It’s a complete toolkit that fits on your belt. If you need to fix a reel, sharpen a hook, or cut thick wire, the Leatherman can do it. It’s made of stainless steel, so it requires care, but its versatility is second to none.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Incredibly versatile with 18 different tools	Heavier than dedicated fishing pliers
Very strong and durable construction	Made of stainless steel, so it requires maintenance to prevent rust
Replaceable wire cutters	The plier tips are not ideal for fine split rings
Backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty

📣 Real-World Insights:

“I never leave the dock without my Leatherman,” is a common sentiment. One user said, “It has saved my fishing trip more times than I can count, from fixing my boat to cutting anchor rope.”

4. KastKing Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Pliers

🛍️ Best For: Anglers looking for a durable, corrosion-resistant option that’s a step up from basic models.

My Rating: 4.6/5

🔍 Overview: KastKing, like Piscifun, offers incredible value. The Cutthroat pliers are made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel coated with Teflon for extra protection. They feature tungsten carbide cutters and a serrated jaw with a split ring tip. The rubber handles are comfortable and provide a secure grip even when wet. I’ve found these to be a very tough and reliable pair of pliers, a real workhorse that can handle a lot of abuse.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Tough stainless steel construction	Heavier than aluminum models
Tungsten carbide cutters	Requires rinsing to prevent corrosion over time
Comfortable, non-slip rubber grips
Very affordable for the quality

📣 Real-World Insights:

Users praise the solid, durable feel of these pliers. “They feel much more substantial than aluminum pliers,” one reviewer noted. Another commented, “The cutters are no joke, they snip 80lb braid like it’s nothing.”

5. Rapala Elite Pliers 7″

🛍️ Best For: Anglers who trust the Rapala name and want a robust, well-designed tool.

My Rating: 4.5/5

🔍 Overview: The Rapala Elite Pliers are a premium tool made from tough stainless steel. They feature a unique “Mag-Spring” system that uses magnets to keep the jaws open instead of a traditional spring, which can rust or break. The cutters are strong, the jaws are precise, and the ergonomic handles feel great in the hand. This is a very well-thought-out design from a brand that anglers have trusted for decades.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Unique and reliable magnetic spring system	Higher price point for stainless steel pliers
Strong and durable stainless steel build	Not as corrosion-proof as aluminum or titanium
Ergonomic and comfortable handles
Excellent build quality

📣 Real-World Insights:

Anglers love the magnetic spring feature. “It’s so much smoother than a regular spring, and I know it won’t rust,” said one user. Others praise the overall solid feel and precision of the jaws.

6. Premio 7.5″ Titanium Fishing Pliers

🛍️ Best For: The serious angler who wants the benefits of titanium without the extreme price of Van Staal.

My Rating: 4.8/5

🔍 Overview: Premio offers a fantastic high-end plier that bridges the gap between aluminum and top-tier brands. These pliers are constructed from titanium, making them lightweight and completely corrosion-proof. They have replaceable tungsten carbide cutters located high on the jaws for leverage, and they come with a quality sheath and lanyard. They are a serious investment but provide the lifetime durability and performance of titanium for less than the biggest names in the game.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Full titanium construction	Still a very expensive tool
Lightweight and 100% corrosion proof	Less known brand than Van Staal
Replaceable tungsten carbide cutters
A high-end alternative at a slightly lower price point

📣 Real-World Insights:

Users who have made the investment are thrilled. “All the benefits of titanium without the sticker shock of some other brands. These are incredible,” one reviewer wrote. Another praised the customer service and the quality of the sheath.

7. Gerber Gear LineDriver

🛍️ Best For: The technical angler who values efficiency in line and knot management above all else.

My Rating: 4.3/5

🔍 Overview: The Gerber LineDriver is a unique tool. It’s less of a traditional plier and more of a dedicated line management multi-tool. It features pliers at the tip, but its main functions are a spinning hook threader, a hook eyelet cleaner, and multiple tools for tying knots and clearing bird’s nests. It’s a niche tool, but for anglers who change lures often or struggle with tying knots with cold fingers, I have found it to be incredibly useful and a real time-saver.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Excellent set of tools for line and knot management	Pliers are small and not suited for heavy-duty hook removal
Very compact and lightweight	Not a replacement for a full-size pair of pliers
Makes tying knots and threading hooks much easier
Innovative and useful design

📣 Real-World Insights:

“I didn’t know I needed this tool until I got it. Now I can’t fish without it,” said one user. Another praised it for “making on-the-water re-tying so much faster and less frustrating.”

8. Berkley XCD Fishing Tools

🛍️ Best For: Anglers looking for a reliable, no-frills tool from a major brand at a good price.

My Rating: 4.1/5

🔍 Overview: The Berkley XCD pliers are a solid, entry-level option made from carbon steel for strength, with a corrosion-resistant coating. They feature a classic design with comfortable grips and jaws that are suitable for most freshwater applications. While they lack the fancy features of more expensive models, they are a dependable tool for hook removal and other basic tasks. They represent a safe and affordable choice for the casual angler.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Very affordable	Carbon steel will rust if not maintained
Strong and durable construction	Cutters are not tungsten carbide and will dull over time
Comfortable, ergonomic grips	No split ring tip on the base model
From a well-known, trusted brand

📣 Real-World Insights:

Users find these to be a good value for basic use. “A simple, tough pair of pliers that gets the job done,” one reviewer commented. Another said, “Great for the tackle box in my freshwater boat.”

9. Rapala Long Reach Pliers 11″

🛍️ Best For: Anglers targeting fish with sharp teeth or needing to remove deeply set hooks.

My Rating: 4.4/5

🔍 Overview: Sometimes, you need to keep your hands far away from the business end of a fish. That’s where these long-reach pliers from Rapala excel. At 11 inches long, they provide plenty of distance for safely unhooking pike, musky, bluefish, and other toothy critters. They are also invaluable for reaching hooks that are deep in a fish’s throat. Made of nickel-plated carbon steel, they are strong but require maintenance. This is a specialized tool that every serious angler should have in their boat.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Extra-long reach for safety and for deep hooks	Too large and cumbersome for general use
Strong and powerful jaws	Requires diligent maintenance to prevent rust
Co-molded grips for leverage
An essential tool for toothy fish

📣 Real-World Insights:

“If you fish for pike, you need these. Period,” stated one user. Another said, “They’ve saved my hands from getting shredded by bluefish and have made releasing deeply hooked fish much easier.”

10. Piscifun Fishing Pliers Stainless Steel

🛍️ Best For: Anglers who prefer the solid feel of steel but want the value and features of the Piscifun brand.

My Rating: 4.5/5

🔍 Overview: This is the stainless steel cousin to the popular aluminum Piscifun pliers. It offers many of the same great features—tungsten carbide cutters, split ring tip, sheath, and lanyard—but in a stronger, heavier stainless steel package. For anglers who are hard on their gear and want a more robust tool, this is an excellent choice. You sacrifice the light weight of aluminum but gain the ruggedness of steel, all while keeping the price incredibly low.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Very strong and durable stainless steel construction	Heavier than the aluminum version
Includes tungsten carbide cutters and split ring tip	Will require more maintenance to prevent rust compared to aluminum
Excellent price point
Comes with sheath and lanyard

📣 Real-World Insights:

Users who chose this model over the aluminum version praise its solid feel. “I like the extra weight and knowing that I can’t break these,” one reviewer wrote. Another commented, “All the great features of their other pliers, but in a tougher package. Can’t go wrong.”

Read more: Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures in 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

A reliable pair of fishing pliers is a fundamental piece of gear that will make your time on the water more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable. From the lifetime durability of the Van Staal Titanium Pliers to the unbelievable value of the Piscifun Pliers, there is a perfect option on this list for your needs and budget.

Investing in a quality pair and taking care of them will pay dividends for years to come. You’ll spend less time fumbling with gear and more time with your line in the water. Choose the pair that’s right for you, and say goodbye to rusty, frustrating tools for good.