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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

At a glance
ProductVerdictApprox. priceLinks
Rapala Fishing Pliers 6.5"Best all-around fishing pliers$20-$30Check price
Piscifun Fishing PliersBest budget pliers$12-$18Check price
Cuda Titanium Bonded Pliers 8"Best for saltwater fishing$45-$60Check price
Dr. Slick Scissor Clamp (Hemostats)Best for trout and panfish hook removal$10-$18Check price
Prices are approximate; "Check price" links are affiliate links (commission at no cost to you).

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Rapala Fishing Pliers 6.5"$20-$30
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