Hook Cutters

[MassYak85]

So I fish out of a kayak quite a bit and got to thinking recently I should really have something to cut hooks in the event I get one in my hand 2 miles from the launch and have to paddle back. I do have a small pair of cutters right now but they are pretty rusted out and I don't think they would cut all of my hooks. What do you guys use? Since these are for a worst case scenario...I am looking for something that would be able to cut an Owner St-66 or 12/0 Owner Beast Hook as well as anything smaller. The only ones I have looked at so far are the Cuda 10.5" cutters, which seem reasonably priced as well. 

[bigturtle]

I have these
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Wire-Cutter-Cut-Bolt-Chain-Cable-Heavy-Duty-Hand-Tool-Steel-Mesh-Croppeper-X3W8/162683146293?hash=item25e0abd035:g:OxQAAOSw~o5aXyZf

[Vilas15]

Most musky guys swear by Knipex cutters. Expensive but cut through massive hooks easily. Maybe a bit overkill  but might be worth it when you've got a hook in your hand.

[NHBull]

I carry 6 inch bolt cutters that I got from home depot.  No need to be expensive.  Mine stay in my med kit.  Since your thinking about this, liquid skin has got me out of jams more than once

[WRB]

First you should learn how to remove a hook without cutting it, several vedio's on the string technique. Any good quality compound cutting pliers will work, the Knipex Colbalt looks good with the blade at the tip in lieu of a side cutter.

Tom

[MickD]

Make sure you don't cut the hook close to the skin, or you may end up with the barb + more inside the flesh, which makes it a lot harder to get out.

[MassYak85]

6 minutes ago, WRB said:

First you should learn how to remove a hook without cutting it, several vedio's on the string technique. Any good quality compound cutting pliers will work, the Knipex Colbalt looks good with the blade at the tip in lieu of a side cutter.

Tom

I've seen the technqiue but these are for worst case scenario, like an st-66 is buried in my hand while the lure is still in the mouth of a thrashing 3 foot pike worst case scenario. I have looked at the Knipex and will keep them in mind, definitely a little pricey but if it's truly worth it I'll give it some thought. 

[anderb54]

As a tradesman, I have a lot of tools at my disposal. You can buy something cheap and never have to use it, or you can buy the right thing, and in the event that you do have to use it, you don't have to worry about it not working. Knipex diagonal cutters are the best out there, followed closely by Klein. Both will run about $30.

 

For what it's worth, I have to buy my own tools, and if Knipex makes a tool that I need, I buy it. Worth every penny.

[MassYak85]

52 minutes ago, anderb54 said:

As a tradesman, I have a lot of tools at my disposal. You can buy something cheap and never have to use it, or you can buy the right thing, and in the event that you do have to use it, you don't have to worry about it not working. Knipex diagonal cutters are the best out there, followed closely by Klein. Both will run about $30.

 

For what it's worth, I have to buy my own tools, and if Knipex makes a tool that I need, I buy it. Worth every penny.

Thanks for the suggestion. If it means 30 bucks for something I won't have to replace then by all means, I'd rather pay 30 up front than 10 or 15 only to have to upgrade later on anyways. 

[MickD]

The string technique is not just for worst case scenarios as you describe.  In fact with a struggling fish still on the line, you're just screwed, and the line technique, like anything else offers nothing until you get rid of the fish.  

 

The string technique really is of value for everyday fishing accidents.  I took a big spinnerbait trailer hook out of a partner's hand while fishing a fly-in lake in Ontario, and he was amazed at how well it worked, no pain, no flesh damage, next day could hardly find the spot where it came out.  Saved us a lot of time and trouble getting out to  a doctor.  I used it twice on myself this last season (yes, I know, be more careful).

 

Anyone who fishes should learn it-it is in your interest to do so.

[MassYak85]

Just now, MickD said:

The string technique is not just for worst case scenarios as you describe.  In fact with a struggling fish still on the line, you're just screwed, and the line technique, like anything else offers nothing until you get rid of the fish.  

 

The string technique really is of value for everyday fishing accidents.  I took a big spinnerbait trailer hook out of a partner's hand while fishing a fly-in lake in Ontario, and he was amazed at how well it worked, no pain, no flesh damage, next day could hardly find the spot where it came out.  Saved us a lot of time and trouble getting out to  a doctor.  I used it twice on myself this last season (yes, I know, be more careful).

 

Anyone who fishes should learn it-it is in your interest to do so.

That's what I mean, I'm not going to use that technqiue with a fish attached to me, I'm going to grab cutters and cut the hook, split ring, or the eye of the lure if necessary but I want something I can reach for and know that no matter what hook it is it will cut it with minimal effort. I will be carrying a section of braid for instances where I just accidentally hook myself. 

[A-Jay]

2 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

That's what I mean, I'm not going to use that technqiue with a fish attached to me, I'm going to grab cutters and cut the hook, split ring, or the eye of the lure if necessary but I want something I can reach for and know that no matter what hook it is it will cut it with minimal effort. I will be carrying a section of braid for instances where I just accidentally hook myself. 

I use these - works well, even with your 'weak' hand.

A-Jay

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01018D2CS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[MassYak85]

1 minute ago, A-Jay said:

I use these - works well, even with your 'weak' hand.

A-Jay

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01018D2CS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was looking at those actually, thanks! Do you think they'd cut an St-66? They seem pretty heavy duty. 

[A-Jay]

1 minute ago, MassYak85 said:

I was looking at those actually, thanks! Do you think they'd cut an St-66? They seem pretty heavy duty. 

You're welcome.

 And Yes I do - fairly easily in fact.

A-Jay

[MassYak85]

Just now, A-Jay said:

You're welcome.

 And Yes I do - fairly easily in fact.

A-Jay

I think I'll give those a go then, thanks again!

[Dwight Hottle]

2 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

Most musky guys swear by Knipex cutters. Expensive but cut through massive hooks easily. Maybe a bit overkill  but might be worth it when you've got a hook in your hand.

 

 

X2  I have them handy in my boat. 

[Catt]

[flatcreek]

Kleins on the ready..

[MassYak85]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! The ones A-Jay recommended are on their way! I might do a review when I get them if I feel like sacrificing a couple hooks. 

[Fishinthefish]

Home depot 6 inch bolt and airplane cable cutters from home depot that I have a second pair for work.

[Smalls]

I keep a pair of linesman pliers at the bottom of my bag just in case. 

[BassNJake]

Another use for the hook cutters is when gut hooking a fish

I'll slip a piece of line with a slip knot around the hook and leave it hang outside the fishes mouth.

Then cut the hook, the hook comes out in 2 pieces one tied to my rod the other tied to my short piece of extra line.

 

I have several pieces of line in one of my boxes pre rigged with a slip knot on one end for this purpose.

I dont even mess with trying any other technique as I have found this to be the most effective and least time consuming.

 

 

 

[tander]

7 hours ago, Smalls said:

I keep a pair of linesman pliers at the bottom of my bag just in case. 

Same here. I have a a pair of Kleins 9inch pliers. They are expensive but I know they will cut any hook I need cutting.

[NHBull]

11 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! The ones A-Jay recommended are on their way! I might do a review when I get them if I feel like sacrificing a couple hooks. 

You will be happy you did, as bolt cutters cut far better than most wire cutters, especially for big diameter hooks

[Crow Horse]

Going barbless might eliminate the need for cutters....... (or maybe not. I haven't hooked myself that badly to know for sure).....