Does anyone carry them? Have you ever had to use them? How well do they work? What are your recommendations?

 

The older I get, the more I realize I probably should carry a pair on board when we are afloat. I usually crimp down the barb on most of my hooks these days. Makes release so much easier and is safer for the fish during CPR. But I suppose I could still get nailed and I'd hate to have it ruin a day on the water. This is why I'm posing this question. Thanks!

There's really only one choice for me - Knipex Hook Cutters.

 

They cost more but they're worth it because they work.

 

Choose a model you can use correctly with your weak / off hand.

 

A-Jay

There's really only one choice for me - Knipex Hook Cutters.

 

They cost more but they're worth it because they work.

 

Choose a model you can use correctly with your weak / off hand.

 

A-Jay

 

X2

Yes I have used them to separate a hooked angler & a big smallie. This is the best hook cutter you can buy based on what the musky guys tout the most. I have used them for a long time. They will save your day & the fishes too.

I've carried a pair of Klein diagonal cutters in the past but never had to use them. They cut through heavy gauge nails and screws without issue so I would imagine hooks would be like soft butter.

I crush all barbs and have been able to get hooks out with forceps or needle nose pliers.

x3 for Knipex.

 

I have a pair of the 8 inch side cutters and they will easily cut through any hook you will be using in freshwater. I picked up mine at Sears a few years ago for $20-$30 I believe. 

 

Edit: My pliers are the high leverage design with the longer handles, which I think makes a ton of difference.

x3 for Knipex.

 

I have a pair of the 8 inch side cutters and they will easily cut through any hook you will be using in freshwater. I picked up mine at Sears a few years ago for $20-$30 I believe. 

 

Sears does have them at a good price.

I   used a Leatherman  Charge to cut the hook stuck in  my leg . Plus the Leatherman  gets used many times throughout every fishing trip .

I use em on deeply/gut hooked fish. As long as you have access to both ends of the hook, cut the hook in half then use needle nose pliers to pull out the other half with ease.

It provides quick release on the fish that need it most. Same goes for any hook near a fishes eye, I don't risk damaging it's sight more then i have to, just cut the hook.

I just this morning purchased a pair of Kobalt 8" bolt cutters from Lowe's. They look just like the Knipex. I'm sure the Knipex are much better, but these cost $12.98. Knipex are $40.00+. I'm sure once I get the hook out of the fish, he'll be just as impressed with my thirteen dollar cutters as your forty dollar cutters.

...lol.

Hootie

I just this morning purchased a pair of Kobalt 8" bolt cutters from Lowe's. They look just like the Knipex. I'm sure the Knipex are much better, but these cost $12.98. Knipex are $40.00+. I'm sure once I get the hook out of the fish, he'll be just as impressed with my thirteen dollar cutters as your forty dollar cutters.

...lol.

Hootie

Fishing alone with a hook in your dominate hand really limits one's options.

 

The Knipex is a powerful tool that can be manipulated to successful clip the largest hook you'll use, with your weak hand only.

 

 Definitely Worth the price of  a few crankbaits.

 

A-Jay

I know you're absolutely right

A-Jay. I tried these out on several hooks including the largest ones I use. Just tried with both hands and I can operate them just fine. Until you mentioned it I hadn't thought of the dominant hand thing. Glad you brought that up.

Hootie

What I have are what I think are called linesman pliers. They'll cut through hooks, and have a 1001 other uses.

I got a pair of mini bolt cutters.  I forget the brand, Crescent I think, because I recall a blue handle.  I that they cost around $20 at Home Depot or Lowe's.   They stay in the boat all the time and I look at them as cheap insurance, i.e. as long as I got a tool that will solve the problem, it might not ever happen.  Prior to purchasing this tool, once I ran a treble hook into the meat of my palm, it wouldn't back out and I had to push it through and cut it off.  A pain, literally and figuratively.   The point about maybe having to use your non-dominant hand is well taken.  When I bought this set of pliers, I made sure that they had enough leverage that I could cut stuff with my non-dominant hand.

I got a pair of mini bolt cutters. I forget the brand, Crescent I think, because I recall a blue handle. I that they cost around $20 at Home Depot or Lowe's. They stay in the boat all the time and I look at them as cheap insurance, i.e. as long as I got a tool that will solve the problem, it might not ever happen. Prior to purchasing this tool, once I ran a treble hook into the meat of my palm, it wouldn't back out and I had to push it through and cut it off. A pain, literally and figuratively. The point about maybe having to use your non-dominant hand is well taken. When I bought this set of pliers, I made sure that they had enough leverage that I could cut stuff with my non-dominant hand.

Sounds like the ones I bought today. Blue handle 8" mini bolt cutters. From Lowe's. Lowe's brand, Kobalt.

Hootie

The knipex cutters are compound cutters making it easier to cut thru a hook with less force.

I know you're absolutely right

A-Jay. I tried these out on several hooks including the largest ones I use. Just tried with both hands and I can operate them just fine. Until you mentioned it I hadn't thought of the dominant hand thing. Glad you brought that up.

Hootie

 

Perfect.

 

A-Jay

I carry a medium tool box every where I go; included in that box is a pair of #9 Klien Lineman pliers, #9 Klien Diagonal Cutters, 8" ChannelLok, & 6" Vicegrips!

Thanks a bunch guys. This really helped me out a lot.

Im with the klein guys. I use them everyday at work and keep a pair of needlenose as my regular hook removers as well as a diag cutter for cutting hooks. I preferred the kleins over others because its just more comfortable and natural for me when its what i use at work on a daily basis. Had to remove a #2 kvd mustad treble about 2 years ago and snipped it no problem.

I think as long as you get a good quality tool you will be fine. Be it klein, knipex, irwin, etc... you will be fine. My theory has always been buying a good tool once is cheaper than buying a cheap one and then a good one when it cant get the job done right.

I learned that some of these hooks are just way too strong for diagonal cutters when cutting swim jig hooks for the a-rig. I picked up some 8" bolt cutters at Lowes. Kobalt brand was around $10.

Right here, Lowe's Kobalt 8" bolt cutters.

 

 

Hootie

What I have are what I think are called linesman pliers. They'll cut through hooks, and have a 1001 other uses.

 

Same thing I've always used for hooks and Split rings.  I've never had the use for them on the water but I do carry a set.

Right here, Lowe's Kobalt 8" bolt cutters.

 

cutter.jpg

 

Hootie

 

Good Looking Tool.

 

A-Jay

Same thing I've always used for hooks and Split rings.  I've never had the use for them on the water but I do carry a set.

I use them on treble and light wire single hooks, but 3X hooks and many jig and swimbait hooks can be a chore to cut through with them.  I carry a set of mini bolt cutters along with them.

There's really only one choice for me - Knipex Hook Cutters.

 

They cost more but they're worth it because they work.

 

Choose a model you can use correctly with your weak / off hand.

 

A-Jay

What model do you recommend, the high leverage diagonal cutters, or the lever action mini bolt cutters? I've always just carried a stainless steel set from Cabela's that came with a diagonal cutter. Thx.