There are some fishing tools you simply should not hit the water without. One is a knife. It’s almost better to be naked than to be on the water without a knife. Another is a pair of pliers, as pliers (such as split ring pliers) can do double and triple duty. They can be used to add and replace split rings and hooks, bend hooks back to shape, remove hooks, and much, much more.
More specialized fishing tools, like fish grippers, disgorgers, and hook hones also offer a great deal of value on the water.
Another pair of tools, line nippers and line cutters, fill similar roles, and they can be valuable fishing tools, but they both do things a bit differently.
Line Nippers
Line nippers consist of two opposing blades that the user needs to squeeze together in order to cut line.
They can be very effective at shortening tag ends and trimming line, and while not quite as versatile as a fishing tool as a knife is, they are also much more precise. In addition, line nippers are also safer, especially on board a boat and in a chop, than a knife would be for that application.
Line nippers also tend to have other fishing tools integrated into them, which can offer additional value. For instance, many line nippers have a small hone integrated into one side, which makes it easier to touch up hooks as needed.
Most line nippers also have a small eyelet punch, which is basically a small awl, integrated into the joint where the two springs for the blades come together. Typically, this eyelet punch is used to clear out the paint from jig heads, but they can be used for clearing hook eyes, as well as for other similar applications.
Some line nippers even have other niche functions or tools built into them; for instance, some are made with knot-tying tools, although that’s more of a feature you’d find on nippers designed for freshwater fishermen (specifically for the fly guys).
Line nippers, as long as the blades on the jaws are kept sharp, are pretty versatile and effective, especially at shortening small lengths of monofilament or fluorocarbon. One potential shortcoming of line nippers is that they have a nasty habit of tearing braid rather than cutting it cleanly.
With adequate pressure, you can snip right through braid, especially thicker braid, but thinner braids tend to just fray, and in some cases it’s actually quite tough to get through the line.
Line Cutters or Scissors
Line cutters, or generic line scissors, are a potential alternative to line nippers, and though they perform basically the same function, there are a few nuanced differences.
One of the main things about line scissors is that it can be a little more difficult to get a nice flush cut against a knot than it is with nippers, especially if the knot is cinched down against a spool. With small scissors, it’s rarely a problem, though.
The one big advantage that line scissors have over line nippers is that scissors are far better at cutting braid. A good pair of line scissors, especially a pair with a mild serration in the jaws, will slice cleanly through braid without fraying it.
Line cutters like scissors tend to have fewer features than line nippers, though this is not always the case. Be that as it may, it can give some line nippers a small advantage.
Another good thing about line scissors is that their utility is not relegated to trimming line. They can also be used to trim paper, thread, fabric and other materials in a pinch, making them overall the more versatile of the two options.
An alternative to line scissors that will carry the main advantages that they offer is to get a pair of pliers that have cutting jaws built into the design. Some are made with special jaws that can open split rings, make crimps for tying leaders, and also cutting through fishing line.
For instance, a pair of split ring pliers like these Accurate Piranha pliers contains jaws that can open split rings as well as a separate line cutter outside of the jaws that can be used to easily and effectively make clean cuts in both mono and braid. Plus, they boast construction from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum, making them ideal for use on the water, especially in marine environments.
Ultimately, a fishing tool with multiple functions, like this one, offers the most value, all things considered.
Is One Better Than the Other?
At the end of the day, it’s hard to make a statement that either one of these fishing tools is better than the other.
To summarize, line nippers:
- Cleanly cut mono
- Can make easy flush cuts
- Often have other features worked into the design
- But can rip rather than cut braid.
Whereas line cutters and scissors:
- Are good with both braid and mono
- Are not as effective at making flush cuts
- Generally don’t have the same features as nippers
- But are sometimes incorporated into the design of pliers
Rather than saying that one is better than the other, a better statement would be to prepare your tackle bag (or vessel) with both. Keep to the maxim that “one is none and two is one,” and you’ll always be prepared with the proper fishing tools when you need them.
Stock Up on These and Other Fishing Tools Here
Whether you’re here for a pair of line scissors or some other fishing tool like a high-quality pair of rust-resistant aluminum split ring pliers, we have what you need for success on the water.
Take a closer look at our catalog and stock up on what you need, then prepare with some redundant spares. You can never be too prepared with fishing tools once you’re away from port.