Pliers for Kayaking

[goreds.king]

I've found the tool I use the most while kayaking is my pliers. I would like to buy a good set using some Christmas money. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with any of these:

- Boomeramg MiniGRIP pliers
- P-Line Andro Sparrowhawk pliers
- Berkley Floating Needle Nose Hybrid Pliers

Any reviews or input would be very helpful.

[txnative]

I use the gerber fisherman multitool and have loved it for the few years I've had it, but am looking for an additional set of pliers as a back-up or for the times I have someone with me. I would highly recommend a pair with either floating ability or with a lanyard that is retractable. I avoid coil-type lanyards since they seem to tangle on everything. Also, corrosion resistance is not the same as corrosion proof, and due to my penchant for fishing in rough water/rain for fish that seem to throw water everywhere, I wouldn't buy a tool that has a chance of rusting.

Your style of fishing may differ, but I would compare the models and choose a tool that provides insurance against dropping it, has a corrosion proof material, and would be easy to access/use for the fish you chase.


Chris

[bd-]

Since I fish creeks and rivers and almost always wear a fishing vest, it's hard to beat a simple pair of stainless steel hemostats on a retractable pin-on zinger. It's lightweight and always right where I need them when I need to pinch on a split shot or remove a hook. Sometimes less is more - you can get multi-tools that do more, but they're heavy and more unwieldy. When wading or fishing out of a canoe or kayak, having something that's simple, light, and easy to put your hands on means a lot.

bd

[bfish]

I second the hemostats on a zinger attached to the pfd. Pliers on a kayak always seem to go missing or are tangled or get dropped in the water.

[txnative]

You can just buy a zinger and attach pliers to it, kind of a blend of sorts. I have hemostats on zingers and multitools, and I switch back and forth according to location, fishing style (fly, lures, bait, etc) and species. The important thing is to find what works for YOU. Read reviews, try to get some hands-on with the pliers, and pick what you like. Having a set of hemostats on a zinger pinned to your lifejacket is a good idea even if you get pliers. They work better on smaller fish, and are almost impossible to lose if pinned on well.


Chris

[old sailor]

I had a pair of brownings for several years that I really liked; but, unfortunately I decided to drop them over the side. They had a side cutter that cut braid well and the nose would hold small mono and braid for tieing knots well. Run about 50 bucks but I remember getting mine on sale at basspro for 25. regards

[Travis C.]

Originally Posted by bd-

Since I fish creeks and rivers and almost always wear a fishing vest, it's hard to beat a simple pair of stainless steel hemostats on a retractable pin-on zinger. It's lightweight and always right where I need them when I need to pinch on a split shot or remove a hook. Sometimes less is more - you can get multi-tools that do more, but they're heavy and more unwieldy. When wading or fishing out of a canoe or kayak, having something that's simple, light, and easy to put your hands on means a lot.

bd

That is what I use and Academy has the best deal on them. It's around $5 for a pair of them (one straight and one curved).

I have lost more than two or three people's share and cost definitely comes into play for me.