Best Fishing Pliers and Multitools: Bubba, Dr. Slick, and Gerber Compared
Every angler needs fishing pliers. They remove hooks, crimp barbs, cut braid and mono, bend split rings, and occasionally pry open lure hooks. The difference between quality fishing pliers and hardware store pliers is mostly corrosion resistance — on the water, tools get wet, and saltwater is especially unforgiving. Here's what to carry.
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Bubba 8.5-inch Saltwater Fishing Pliers
Best saltwater fishing pliersFor CT saltwater anglers targeting stripers, bluefish, tautog, and sea bass, the Bubba saltwater pliers are the right investment. Saltwater corrodes standard pliers quickly — within a season, cheap pliers seize or rust. The Bubba's corrosion resistance genuinely holds up with proper rinsing. The long-nose is essential for working deep inside a bluefish or tautog's mouth.
Gerber Controller 8-Inch Fishing Pliers
Best mid-range — freshwater and light saltwaterFor freshwater bass anglers and coastal anglers who don't fish heavy saltwater regularly, the Gerber Controller is excellent value. It does everything fishing pliers need to do at a price that makes losing them in a river less catastrophic. Keep a Gerber in your freshwater tackle kit; if you're going saltwater regularly, upgrade to Bubba or similar.
Dr. Slick Spring Creek Pliers (6-inch)
Best for fly fishing and troutDr. Slick makes tools specifically for fly anglers, and it shows. The Spring Creek pliers are the right size and style for trout fishing — fine enough to grip a size 18 hook but with enough leverage to remove a stuck fly from a bony mouth. Every trout angler should have these or a comparable hemostat in their vest.
Buying Guide
**Corrosion Resistance in Saltwater**
Standard steel pliers from hardware stores will rust and seize after a single saltwater season. Avoid them. Look for: stainless steel, aluminum, titanium-coated, or anodized aluminum construction. Rinse ALL fishing pliers with fresh water after every saltwater session — even quality pliers will corrode if left wet and salty.
**What Fishing Pliers Actually Need to Do**
Must-have features: needle-nose profile for hook removal, line cutter that handles at least 30 lb braid, replaceable cutter insert (most quality pliers have these), comfortable grip with a locking mechanism for storage. Nice-to-have: split ring tool (built into the tip of many fishing pliers), crimping area for crimping sleeves.
**Carrying Options**
A sheath that clips to a belt loop, tackle bag strap, or PFD is better than loose in a tackle box. Pliers you have to dig for are pliers you won't use quickly enough during a release. Many pliers include a sheath — use it. Adding a coiled lanyard from the sheath to your PFD ring ensures you don't lose them if they drop in the water.
**Hemostats for Trout**
Small 5-6 inch hemostats (surgical clamps) are the preferred hook removal tool for trout and panfish. They reach deep, grip small hooks with precision, and work without damaging fish. They cost $8–12 and outlast most cheap pliers. Keep one in every trout and fly fishing kit.
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