Accessories

Titanium Pliers Survive a Season on Long Island Sound — Steel Ones Rust by August

April 1, 2025· 5 min read· Top pick: Rapala Fishing Pliers 6.5"

Quick verdict

Best all-around: Rapala Pliers 6.5" / Best budget: Piscifun Fishing Pliers / Best saltwater: Cuda Titanium

Steel fishing pliers left in a boat's rod locker after a trip through Long Island Sound typically show rust spots within two to three weeks, even with a fresh-water rinse, according to reports from anglers fishing out of Milford Harbor and the Housatonic River mouth through the 2025 season. Pliers are the tool anglers reach for on every catch — removing hooks, cutting line, crimping leaders. Cheap pliers rust out after a season of saltwater use and have jaws that slip on small hooks. Good pliers last years, hold a sharp cutter, and make it easier to unhook a fish that's flopping around in low light.

Some links are affiliate links — we disclose them and earn a small commission at no cost to you. We never accept payment for favorable coverage. If something isn't worth your money, we say so.

Rapala Fishing Pliers 6.5"

Best all-around fishing pliers

Approx. $20–$30

Pros

✓Stainless steel construction — handles saltwater use with proper rinsing

✓Built-in line cutter handles mono, fluoro, and light braid cleanly

✓Non-slip handle grip works wet

✓Needle-nose jaw removes deep hooks effectively

✓Spring-loaded — stays open between uses without fighting the spring to close

✓Sheath included for belt or tackle bag attachment

Cons

✗Not titanium — will rust if stored wet repeatedly without rinsing

✗Light braid cuts cleanly; heavy braid (50+ lb) requires a dedicated braid scissors

Best all-around fishing pliers

Check price on AmazonAffiliate link · commission at no cost to you

Piscifun Fishing Pliers

Best budget pliers

Approx. $12–$18

Pros

✓Aluminum construction — lighter than steel, handles occasional saltwater exposure

✓Tungsten carbide cutter handles braid cleanly — unusual at this price

✓Split ring tool built in — essential for swapping treble hooks on lures

✓Lanyard hole and sheath included

✓Excellent value for the features provided

Cons

✗Aluminum is softer than stainless — jaw tips can deform under heavy use

✗Spring mechanism is less refined than higher-end pliers

Best budget pliers

Check price on AmazonAffiliate link · commission at no cost to you

Cuda Titanium Bonded Pliers 8"

Best for saltwater fishing

Approx. $45–$60

Pros

✓Titanium bonded blades are corrosion-resistant in full saltwater immersion

✓8-inch length gives better leverage on deeply embedded hooks in large fish

✓Replaceable cutter blades — when they dull, replace the cutting element, not the whole plier

✓Heavy-duty construction for big fish, heavy hooks, and constant saltwater exposure

✓Sheath and lanyard included; belt-mount ready

Cons

✗$45–$60 is significant for a pair of pliers

✗Heavier than aluminum options — some anglers find the weight tiring over long sessions

Best for saltwater fishing

Check price on AmazonAffiliate link · commission at no cost to you

Dr. Slick Scissor Clamp (Hemostats)

Best for trout and panfish hook removal

Approx. $10–$18

Pros

✓Locking mechanism holds the hook while you back it out — essential for deep-hooked fish

✓Much smaller and more precise than standard pliers for small hooks

✓Straight or curved jaw options

✓Clips to vest or lanyard with a simple ring

✓A tool fly fishers have relied on for decades, especially for small-hook precision work

Cons

✗Not suitable for large hooks or heavy saltwater use

✗Chrome plating can rust if left wet

Best for trout and panfish hook removal

Check price on AmazonAffiliate link · commission at no cost to you

Wayfinder · Captain

Got the gear? Now plan the trip.

Wayfinder builds a custom fishing plan from live buoy, gauge, weather, tide, and report data — for the exact water and day you're heading out.

Plan a trip free →Free to start

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING

Weekly fishing intelligence

Nationwide conditions, what's biting, and honest gear deals. One email, no noise.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Titanium Pliers Survive a Season on Long Island Sound — Steel Ones Rust by August

Rapala Fishing Pliers 6.5"

Piscifun Fishing Pliers

Cuda Titanium Bonded Pliers 8"

Dr. Slick Scissor Clamp (Hemostats)

Got the gear? Now plan the trip.

Weekly fishing intelligence

More gear reviews