Fishing Pliers are one of the necessities in the tackle box of every saltwater fisherman. There uses are many and the harsh realities of a saltwater environment will put your pliers to the test. In reviewing Fishing Pliers we consider all of these to be factors to be evaluated
Price Point
Let's face it. Everyone has a budget so our review is focused on those pliers which won't break the bank and will still give good performance. Offshore fishing has it's own set of requirements and in those use cases it may make sense to go 'high end'. However, for those focused on inshore fishing for most of NJ's popular game fish you really don't need to spend a ton of money for a good product.
Number of uses
In addition to being able to squeeze things, many tackle manufactures are including things like line cutters as part of the product. Cutting braid, cutting mono, crimping, opening split rings, and removing hooks from fishes mouthes are all utilities you will want to get out your new pliers.
Ease of use
For pliers to be effective, they need to feel good in your hand and be easily operated. This may seem like a no-brainer but should not be underestimated. A nice shiny tool does no good if not used.
Durability in Saltwater Use
There is a fundamental truth when fishing in a saltwater environment. Your equipment will rust. The quality of the equipment and how well you maintain it will determine how long before your stuff 'rusts' out.
| Manufacturer | Booms |
Piscifun |
Zitrades |
MadBite |
Suaoki |
| Model |
X1 Aluminum |
Saltwater |
FP-20 |
G6 |
FG-1017 |
| Price Point | $ | $$$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Number of Uses | ***** | *** | ***** | ***** | **** |
| Ease of Use | *** | ***** | **** | ***** | *** |
| Durability | *** | ***** | **** | ***** | *** |
| Thoughts | Decent low end value | Best but lacking some features | Nice pliers but slippery | Excellent value | Good for small hands |
| Rating |  |
|
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Booms
X1 Aluminum
Price Point
These are on the lower end of our pricing scale. They should be under $20.
Number of Uses
Line cutter works well. Able to cut braid and mono with equal adept.
Handles light crimping fine. O-ring tip.
Not heavy enough for 'flipping' off heavier fish like bluefish.
Ease of Use
Lack of a lock for the spring loaded jaws is a bit of a drawback.
Durability
Made with aluminum frame and carbon coated stainless steel jaws to withstand saltwater environment.
The cutter is replaceable so that is a nice feature.
Will show rust if not rinsed and coated with wd40
Overall Thoughts
Decent pliers for the money.
Tendency to rust if not well maintained and lack of lock for spring jaws are the main drawbacks.
Our Rating
3 thumbs up
Piscifun
Saltwater
Price Point
These fall into the upper end of our range price wise. Still they can be had for well under $50.
Number of Uses
Cuts braid and mono well. Does not have a split ring hook or a crimp channel.
Ease of Use
Rubber no slip handle for excellent had feel.
Durability
Machine grade aluminum, stainless steel jaws, replaceable tungsen carbide cutters all help to make these pliers very durable.
Overall Thoughts
Very nice pliers for the money. If you can live without the split ring nose and crimping channel then these are for you.
Our Rating
4 thumbs up
Zitrades
FP-20
Price Point
These fall into the mid-level of our price zone.
Number of Uses
These pliers can perform all of the basic functions you would expect. An O ring tip and crimping channel is included in the design.
Ease of Use
Work quite well in de-hooking fish. Tend to be a bit slippery and would benefit from a rubber handle.
Durability
Aluminum handle and stainless steel jaws with anodized coating ensure corrosion protection. These pliers will last if maintained.
Overall Thoughts
Very good value for the money. Only real drawback is the slippery nature of the pliers. Make sure you have them tethered if working over the side of the boat with them.
Our Rating
4 thumbs up
Madbite
G6
Price Point
These pliers fall into the upper middle range of our reviewed pliers.
Number of Uses
These pliers can do it all. Crimping, cutting, stripping, hook removal and working with split rings.
Ease of Use
Non-slip silicon grip and slightly longer frame make working with hook removals an easier task for sure. Feel very good in your hand.
Locking ability provides capability to keep pliers closed even with spring loaded frame. This is something missing in some competive products.
Durability
Super tough aerospace grade aluminum alloy handle , stainless steel jaws, tungsten carbide cutters and the building blocks of a nice pair of pliers.
Overall Thoughts
Very nice pliers for the money. Only downside seems to be that the screws holding the line cutter tend to come loose often. Our favorites.
Our Rating
5 thumps up
Suaoki
FG-1017
Price Point
On the low end of our considered price scale. You should not pay more than $2o for these.
Number of Uses
These pliers handle all of the standard uses for the pliers. Split ring nose and crimp channel built in. Line cutter is good for braid or mono.
Ease of Use
The pliers are smaller in frame size then some of the others we have reviewed. Seem better suited for smaller hands. Lack of rubber grip is also noticed.
Durability
Made of quality aluminum with stainless steel jaws. Due to configuration of the cutter blade it tends to break and need replacing.
Overall Thoughts
Not as good as some of the other pliers reviewed. Not bad for the money and may be your go to pliers if you have small hands.
