Fishing Scissors Compared

Why Every Angler Needs Fishing Scissors

There are a few items that are essential to add to your tackle box. While many anglers may think that they can use a standard pair of scissors, this is not as effective. Fishing scissors are relatively inexpensive and can be used for many fishing tasks.

The most useful feature of fishing scissors is that you can quickly cut lines. Fishing shears work well for cutting spools and braided line. When you have a tangled mess, it is much easier to quickly cut the line and re-spool.

One benefit of fishing scissors is that you can easily cut fish and bait. Fishing scissors can be used to easily cut the fins off of fish. You can also gut a fish with scissors by slowly slicing through the belly. The scissors help prevent cross-contamination since they have plastic handles. You can effortlessly cut chunks of bait, such as butterfish and menhaden.

Another great advantage of fishing scissors is that you can remove fish hooks. You will find below that I have included a couple of fishing plier reviews as well. Both fishing scissors and pliers are useful for removing hooks.

Buying Guide for Choosing Quality Fishing Scissors

Blade Shape and Size

The two main types of blades available are serrated and smooth. Most fishing shears will have smooth blades, which are ideal for quickly cutting fishing line. Some models will have an upwardly curved blade that allows you to cut through bait and fish skin easier. Keep in mind how big your fishing vest is so that you can get the right size scissors. They should be small and compact.

Durability

Going on fishing excursions can really take a toll on our gear. Especially saltwater fishing since salt corrodes metal surfaces. When choosing a pair of fishing shears, you should always look for a pair that will stand the test of time. The most popular material for fishing scissors is stainless steel. It is lightweight and can withstand the corrosion of salt.

Sharpness and Cutting Ability

Grip Comfort

You want your fishing scissors to be comfortable when you use them. Many scissors come with ergonomic grip features such as rubberized handles and large thumb holes. You should look for a pair of fishing scissors that have nonslip features. It will prevent your hands from slipping when they get wet.

Portability

Fishing scissors should be small and easy to carry when you go out on the water. I recommend buying fishing scissors that will fit in your fishing vest pocket for easy access. Some vests come with a specific velcro pocket for pliers and scissors. Make sure that your fishing scissors will fit snugly.

Price

Everyone loves a great bargain. Most fishing scissors are reasonably priced, so none of them should break the bank. There is a limit on what most people are willing to spend, however. You should set your budget and look for scissors within that range. I have included a pair of fishing shears for every budget below.

1. Rapala Super Line

Many anglers that came here to read this buyer’s guide are searching for the best of the best product. Rapala is a top brand in fishing gear, and these scissors reflect that. The Rapala Super Line scissors are the top pick on the market.

Rapala Super Line scissors feature a stainless steel serrated edge. It will hold on to braided line so that you can get a perfectly clean cut. They are designed with special features that will grip and slice through even 50 lb fishing line. They feature molded plastic handles with an extra-large thumbhole for easy manipulation. These fishing scissors are small enough to fit into most fishing vest pockets.

2. Gerber Neat Freak

Many of my fellow anglers fish in freshwater, like myself. Gerber has us covered with their newly added fishing scissors. The Gerber Neat Freak model is the best fish cutting scissors for freshwater. Gerber has been a pioneer in adventure gear for quite some time.

Their specially designed fishing scissors offer the best quality at a reasonable price. They feature micro-serrated blades that hold onto your braided lines to ensure that they don't slip. The blunt nose tip ensures that they don't poke through your fishing vest pocket. 

This model comes with a bottle opener and lanyard to fasten it to your vest D-ring. They feature a Bearhand ergonomic grip system so that you can hold on to them in wet conditions. Gerber included a precision control paddle that provides extra leverage when cutting through fish.

3. Boomerang Tool Company SNIP

When you are out on your boat, it is nice to have a tool that can cut through multiple types of lines. One common issue for anglers is finding a tool that will cut cleanly through braided line. Boomerang Tool Company SNIP model is the best fishing braid scissors available.

These fishing scissors are unique compared to other brands. They don’t have the standard open and close action that other scissors have. They come with a side click action that opens and closes the scissors with ease. Boomerang has included a retractable tether and carabiner so that you can clip this onto your fishing vest. When you need to clip your fishing line, you pull the scissors, snip, and let them go. They can cut through braided, mono, and fluoro fishing line.

I thought these fishing scissors were among the most innovative to use. I clipped them to my vest while shore fishing, and it was so convenient to have them on the retractable leash. I also liked the side click action to open and close them.

4. Cuda 3 Inch

Everyone enjoys finding exactly what they need at a low price. There’s no need to break the bank for fishing gear. The Cuda 3 Inch is the best cheap fishing scissors on the market. They come in a small package with an even smaller price.

The Cuda 3 inch pair of fishing scissors are constructed out of the most durable materials to withstand the elements. The micro-serrated blades are made of stainless steel and then coated with titanium to harden them. They come with oversized finger holes to ensure that you won’t lose your grip. The handles have Cuda’s patented scale pattern to provide extra grip.

The best thing about these fishing scissors is that they are super cheap. I bought a few pairs to put in some of my tackle boxes since they were so affordable. I liked that they were compact. They easily fit into my front vest pocket.

5. KastKing Fishing Line

When it comes to your budget, you want a product that’s low cost but also a great value. The KastKing model is the best fishing line scissors for the money. They pack a ton of features into a reasonably priced package.

The KastKing fishing line scissors are made of the best Japanese stainless steel on the market. They come with durable polyethylene handles that have rubberized finger holes for improved grip. KastKing even included an easy access sheath and lanyard. The sheath connects to the lanyard that you can wear on your neck or fishing vest. The included sheath even includes a hook sharpener.

6. Dr. Slick Mitten

If you are a die-hard fly fisherman, then this is the perfect product for you. The Dr. Slick Mitten is the best fly fishing scissor forceps available. They were perfectly designed to help you tie fishing flies and tippets. This is a great accessory to add to your fly fishing gear.

Dr. Slick Mitten scissors are in a class of their own. They are different from the other models that I reviewed since they operate as scissor forceps. They feature a unique clamp design that allows you to clip off knots on your flies quickly.

The clamp is spring-loaded so that quick clips are easier. It comes with a durable wrist lanyard so that you can keep them close to you at all times. They included a stealth black oxidized finish that’s perfect for saltwater.

7. Gerber Neat Freak Saltwater

8. Booms Fishing X1

The other products that I have reviewed were scissors, but this product is different. The Booms Fishing X1 model is the best fishing pliers on the market. If you are looking for a new pair of fishing pliers, then this is the perfect model for you.

Booms Fishing X1 pliers are designed to withstand both salt and freshwater conditions. The handles are constructed of lightweight aluminum. The serrated jaws are coated with carbon to increase their life. Below the plier jaws, there’s a braid line cutter that will snip line without leaving any frays. These fishing pliers come with a lanyard and sheath to ensure that you don’t drop them overboard.

9. SAMSFX

If you’re one of those anglers that are really tough on your gear, then you need something that can keep up. SAMSFX is the best heavy-duty fishing scissors on the market. These fishing shears are for the roughest angler out there.

The SAMSFX model comes with micro-serrated blades that will grip firmly onto braided line so that you can quickly make snips. They feature a power notch that will help you rip through tangled fishing lines with ease. The TPR handles are comfortable. They include non-slip grips so that you can use them in wet conditions. The included sheath will fit onto a wading belt or fishing vest.

One of the best features of this product is its extreme durability. I tested these out over a long weekend, and I really put them to the test. I used them in saltwater without any corrosive issues or rust. I also drop tested them, and they held up without a scratch. I liked that the sheath fit onto the MOLLE webbing of my fishing vest.

Tips for Cutting Braided Fishing Lines

One of the most frustrating things for most anglers is when their line gets frayed from a bad cut. It will create friction and drag when you attempt to cast. Read the tips and guidelines below to make sure that you know how to cut through braided line efficiently.

How to Maintain Your Fishing Scissors

Fishing Scissor FAQs

How much should I spend on a pair of fishing scissors?

The products that I reviewed above range from $5 - $35. Depending on your needs and budget, the price of your fishing scissors will vary. If you want the top of the line, then you are probably going to spend more than $20. If you are happy with a budget pair, then $5 is reasonable.

Can I use saltwater scissors in freshwater?

Yes. Saltwater scissors are designed with anti-corrosive materials so that they withstand the harsh salt environment. They can still be used in freshwater without a problem.

What causes corrosion in fishing scissors?

Since fishing is a wet sport, you need to maintain your gear. Most corrosion in fishing scissors happens when anglers don’t properly dry them after each use. Another cause of corrosion is saltwater exposure. Rinse off your scissors after each use and dry them thoroughly.

Where is the best place to buy fishing scissors?

I recommend shopping on Amazon for all of your fishing scissors needs and accessories.

Conclusion

In this article, I have reviewed the top brands and the best fishing scissors available. There is a pair that will fit everyone’s needs and budgets. I’m sure you are wondering by now, what is the absolute best pair of fishing scissors on the market?

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the Rapala Super Line Scissors. Rapala is a top-notch fishing brand that is known for making durable gear. These scissors feature comfortable grips and micro-serrated blades for all line types.