How many hours have you wasted over the years trying to untangle the fishing line? I dread to think. It’s such a frustrating process, and what makes it worse is when you give up and try to cut the line with inadequate scissors. With this frustration, I set myself a task of finding the best fishing scissors for my next trip out.
This lead to a lot of research and time spent on the internet witch left me with my top 5 best scissors. I did a lot of learning about the humble pair of scissors, so I have put a buying guide to pinpoint some essential items to look out for when you come to purchase.
Boomerang Tool Company SNIP Fishing Line

Have you ever been out on a fishing trip and realized you forgot line cutters? This can be a frustrating experience where you learn just how tough fishing line is to break without the proper tools. Never forget your line cutters again with the Boomerang Tool Company Original Snip Fishing Line Cutter. This is a handy tool that is able to be easily attached to your tackle box, belt, vest, and more to ensure that you never leave home without your line cutters again.
The Boomerang Tool Company Original Snip Fishing Line Cutter is small, easy to pocket and is retractable so you can hook it somewhere and leave it. It has a 36” cable allowing you the space you need to move around and still be able to cut your line. Using durable and sharp 420 stainless steel serrated edges, this cutter has the chops to get through up to 50lbs of line, including today’s most popular brands of braided line.
- Durable, long lasting stainless steel blades
- Small, portable and retractable design
- Can easily cut all fishing line including popular braided lines
SunKinFon Upgrade Fishing Heavy Duty Sharp Braided Line Scissors

The SunKinFon Heavy Duty Sharp Braided Line Scissors are a powerful tool that just works. If you are looking for a new set of line cutters, you can’t go wrong with this pair. Made with high caliber stainless steel and extra sharp blades, these scissors were designed for use on braided line and in saltwater conditions. That means no matter what kind of line you are using, these cutters can get it done.
This is because of the useful notch that has been placed in the blades. This allows you to easily set your line into the notch and get a clean powerful cut every time. You won’t slip while cutting line and your line will be cut evenly and cleanly. These cutters even come with a sheath and carabiner allowing you multiple, safe, ways of carrying and storing these cutters. Take them with you on your belt or hook them into your tackle box or fishing bag and never leave them behind. All of this comes at an extremely affordable price that any angler will love.
- Powerful stainless steel scissors can cut any line
- The handy notched design ensures safe, clean cuts every time
- Comes with a sheath and carabiner for easy transport and storage
Baker 6-1/2-Inch Straight Scissors/Forceps

When you’re in the market for your next pair of line cutters, don’t get a tool that only does one thing, instead get a simple tool that can do multiple jobs. That is what you get with the Baker BSF65 6-1/2-Inch Straight Scissors. Deceptively simple, these stainless steel straight scissors can do a lot when you’re out on the water. The combined scissors and forceps design allows this pair to do more than the competition.
These are not only perfect for cutting line, even the toughest and thickest of modern lines on the market, but they are also reliable hook removers. The PVC coated handles and long narrow design allows you to get maximum grip on pesky hooks and maximum leverage for removing them safely and easily. For the same price as a basic line cutter that won’t remove hooks, get a simple and effective tool that can do both. These have been working for years and will work for you as well.
- A simple elegant scissor design
- Durable stainless steel materials
- Perfect for line cutting and hook removing all in one
Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Stainless Steel Scissors

The SMTENG Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Stainless Steel Scissors are the last pair of fishing cutters you will ever need to buy. This pair of cutters can do it all. Do not buy multiple cheap tools and clutter up your tackle box and pockets when you can get a definitive tool built to do multiple things effectively and won’t bust the budget. These shears are not only extremely effective at cutting, but they also look great and come with a ton of handy features that you are going to love.
These shears are spring loaded meaning each cut is smooth and powerful. The blades are made from high carbon stainless steel making them strong, sharp, and durable. The blade comes with a lock so you can easily set them aside safely whenever they’re not in use. These are the most versatile fishing scissors you could ever buy. They can cut line, any line you throw at it, you can cut thick boat rope, you can remove hooks, you can even cut the fish itself if you want to open and clean your catch right there on the water. The SMTENG Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Stainless Steel Scissors can replace a line cutter, hook remover, and fillet knife all in one convenient package.
- Spring loaded for smooth operation
- Can cut everything, even the fish
- Beautifully designed, not ugly and utilitarian like some tools
Freehawk Multi Function Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers

The Freehawk Multi Function Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers are a versatile and functional fishing tool that you will immediately fall in love with. Small, simple, and efficient, these pliers can do it all for you. With ergonomic comfortable handles, an included sheath for safe storage and transport, and a unique design that makes this tool flexible and effective, you are getting a bargain.
It features all of the best characteristics of a good pair of fishing cutters. It has water resistant stainless steel blades that have a handy line cutting notch already built in. Simply slide the line into the notch for an easy and clean cut every time. The unique nose of the pliers is specially designed to make hook removal as easy as possible. No more using construction grade pliers to do a fisherman’s work. Get a tool made for anglers to be used out on the water.
- High grade materials and components used throughout
- Ergonomic handles make cutting comfortable and easy
- Able to cut any fishing line and remove hooks
Best Fishing Scissors Buying Guide
Fishing scissors are an essential part of most anglers’ fishing kits. It seems surprising that so many of them use fishing scissors when regular scissors are so widely available. However, if one knows how important fishing scissors are, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise.
Why do you need Fishing Scissors?
The main reason anglers use fishing scissors is to cut fishing lines. Here are a few reasons why having fishing scissors is much better than using normal scissors.
- Even though straight fishing lines can be cut with regular scissors, there are often braided lines and spools that aren’t easy to cut with them. Using fishing lines for them can make the process very quick and simple.
- Fishing scissors are often made from corrosion-resistant material unlike regular scissors that can’t stand being exposed to water – and especially saltwater – often.
- Also, these scissors are effective for cutting the fins of fish which makes baiting them and cutting the line easier too. Not only that, but the fish can also be sliced from the belly using them.
- Lastly, fish hooks can be removed when using fishing scissors.
Also, these scissors do not even cost much which is just another reason why they should be with every angler.
What to consider when buying Fishing Scissors?
Since scissors are such a simple and common item, it is slightly confusing to distinguish between average and good quality ones. Luckily, there are quite a few factors that can give a certain fishing scissor an edge over other ones. The following are the most important of them.
Blade Shape
The most common shapes of fishing scissors blades are serrated and smooth. The serrated blade has jaded edges while the smooth one looks quite like that of regular scissors.
Smooth blades are more popular and come in handy to make quick and clean cuts. However, with their upward curve, the serrated blades can be used to expertly cut the bait or the skin of the fish.
Material
Apart from the blade design, the material of the scissors is the most significant part. Not only does the material add or take away from the cutting ability of the blade, but it can also help keep the blade and the scissors safe from rust or corrosion. Some materials are specially designed to not be affected by water and especially saltwater.
The most common and trusted material when it comes to fishing scissors is stainless steel and many of its varieties, such as the Japanese stainless steel, are used to manufacture the scissors.
Blade Size
There is no right size for a fishing scissors blade because it varies as per certain factors. For example, the blade should be able to fit inside the fishing vest. Also, it has to do with the size of the angler’s hands; a blade with a size too small or too large to efficiently handle would be of no use.
Durability
Durable fishing scissors last long not only because they are made from high-quality material and perform their functions well but also due to the fact that they won’t corrode easily. Though scissors should be cleaned regularly and not unnecessarily exposed to water, good scissors would be perfectly fine even if they are covered with saltwater.
Cutting Ability
This is a prime factor to consider because even if the scissors are very durable and designed from the finest of materials, if they don’t cut precisely and neatly, they are useless. The cutting ability of the scissors depends upon the blade shape, blade material, and the blade design.
Also, it is important to know that some fishing scissors are better for certain types of fishing lines. For example, some blades are designed to quickly cut regular lines while others work perfectly for spools and tangled lines.
Grip
In order to make quick and neat cuts, the scissors should be gripped very well. This means that the size of the thumb and finger holes should be just right to comfortably fit one’s thumb/finger. Plus, some scissors have holes covered with different materials, such as rubber, to improve the grip.
Besides this, materials that aren’t slippery even when wet should be preferred as they do not loosen the angler’s grip on the scissors.
Comfort
Many people do not consider this but if the hand isn’t comfortable with the scissors, neither would the angler be able to quickly cut the fishing line or properly make cuts in the line or the fish’s body. This is why it is suggested that, after other features are carefully assessed, one should hold the scissors and get a feel of them to make sure they are comfortable enough to use.
Also, some scissors are sold with accessories such as lanyards, etc. to make them easier to carry and use, which makes it easier to keep them close for handy use.
Portability
It is recommended to get those fishing scissors that can easily be carried and stored. Most fishing scissors are designed to fit snugly inside the vest pockets. However, it is very crucial that such scissors come with a protective covering or a sheath to ensure that they don’t accidentally hurt the angler.
Tips For Cutting Braided Fishing Lines
Here’s how one can make the process of cutting fishing lines easier, safer, quicker, and simpler.
The knot or the main line should be held in one hand while the other hand should hold the tag end. By pulling slightly on the tag end, tension would be created in the fishing line. Now the braid can be pulled in between the blades and snipped.
Also, if there is a choice between small or large scissors, smaller ones should be used as they usually give better precision while cutting.
Furthermore, fishing lines aren’t easy to cut when they are spooled or tangled due to decreased tension. This is why it can help to stretch and pull the line a little to create sufficient tension to neatly cut it.
How To Maintain Your Fishing Scissors
With a little attention paid to the maintenance of the fishing scissors, they can last quite long.
- Rubbing a soft cloth towel covered in a small amount of scissors oil can bring back the sharpness of the edges and make them very quick at cutting lines.
- In addition to this, the scissors shouldn’t be randomly placed anywhere when not in use. They should be stored in a box, drawer, or sheath to keep them safe from accidentally bumping into other objects or exposure to moisture.
- Tightening the screws to readjust the tension in the scissors can also make them sharper and more effective.
- Moreover, instead of placing them on a hard surface, placing the scissors on a soft cloth or towel can also prevent them from getting scratches or ruining their blades.
Lastly, it might help to remember that if even good quality fishing scissors are unable to cut the fishing line, perhaps the problem lies in the line which could have been broken down or become brittle due to exposure to too much heat or light.
Best Fishing Scissors Brands
Fishing scissors are very commonly available which means that there are a plethora of brands to choose from. Some of the brands providing high-quality fishing scissors are mentioned below.
Rapala
The Rapala Super Line Scissors come with a serrated blade and weigh 4.8 ounces. The dimensions of these scissors are 4 x 1.2 x 7.2 inches. Made from stainless steel, these are some of the top-quality fishing scissors being manufactured at present.
Users prefer these scissors because of how they hold onto the fishing line so that a neat and accurate cut can be made. Also, with the compact size, they can easily be pocketed. They come highly recommended for cutting regular and braided fishing lines.
Lastly, there are also molded plastic handles for these scissors, which is an additional feature that many users would prefer.
KastKing
The KastKing Fishing Line Scissors are considered one of the best inexpensive fishing scissors. Made from Japanese stainless steel, the size of the scissors is 5.5 x 3 inches. Weighing 4 ounces, the scissors have a micro serrated blade.
Having polyethylene handles, the scissors come with rubberized finger holes which enhance the grip and help make neat cuts. Also, since the scissors can be stored in the sheath they come with, the risk of accidentally getting hurt by them is also eliminated. Furthermore, the hook sharpener and the lanyard are also a nice touch.
Gerber
The Gerber Neat Freak Saltwater Fishing Scissors are 3 x 0.3 x 6 inches in size and have a weight of 2.4 ounces. They are made from stainless steel and have micro serrated blades.
What’s so special about these scissors is that they work extremely well even when exposed to saltwater while most other scissors would be gradually ruined in such cases. This is due to the corrosion-resistant material of the blades. In addition to this, there is an extra little feature in these scissors – a built-in bottle opener!
Conclusion
We have reviewed what I personally find the best fishing scissors that should suit every fisher out there. The perfect pair for you will be determined on price and your style of fishing that you do.
I never like to pinpoint one pair as the best, but if you were to force my arm and I have to pick. It would have to be the Boomerang Tool Company SNIP Fishing Line; these are a handy size and super sharp.
I hope that you found my guide useful and it’s helped you find the best fishing scissors for your needs.
I can only wish you many tight lines on your next fishing trip, and you have a lot better pair of scissors that will cut your line with ease when needed.