Fly fishing is a popular activity that requires skill and patience. It’s no secret that having the right gear can make all the difference in the world. One piece of equipment that is often overlooked but critical to the success of a fly fishing trip is nippers. Fly fishing nippers are small, handheld tools that are used to cut fishing line. They are essential for any angler, as they allow for quick and clean cuts, which can be the difference between a successful catch and a missed opportunity.
When it comes to fly fishing nippers, there are many options available on the market. Some are made of stainless steel, while others are made of aluminum or titanium. The type of material used can affect the durability and weight of the nippers. Additionally, the blade size and shape can vary, which can impact the precision of the cut.
Related: What Are Fly Fishing Nippers? A Beginner’s Guide
Best Fly Fishing Nippers
We know that having the right gear is crucial when it comes to fly fishing, and having a quality pair of nippers is no exception. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best fly fishing nippers on the market. Our team has tested and reviewed these products to ensure that they meet our standards for durability, precision, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, these nippers will make your fly fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient. Check out our top picks below.
Loon Fly Fishing Classic Nipper with Comfy Grip
If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable nipper for fly fishing, the Loon Fly Fishing Classic Nipper with Comfy Grip is a great choice.
Pros
- The straight cutting surface makes it easy to cut through even the thickest lines.
- The eye clearing needle is perfect for removing debris from the hook eye.
- The small attachment lanyard keeps the nipper secure and close at hand.
Cons
- The yellow comfy grip handles may not be to everyone’s taste.
- The nipper may not be as durable as some higher-end models.
- The cutting surface may dull over time with frequent use.
We recently had the chance to use the Loon Fly Fishing Classic Nipper with Comfy Grip on a fly fishing trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The straight cutting surface made it easy to cleanly cut through even the thickest lines, and the eye clearing needle was a handy tool for removing debris from the hook eye. The small attachment lanyard kept the nipper secure and close at hand, which was especially helpful when we needed to quickly change flies.
While we appreciated the comfortable grip of the yellow handles, we can see how some anglers may prefer a different color or material. Additionally, while the nipper performed well on our trip, we can’t speak to its long-term durability compared to higher-end models. Finally, it’s worth noting that the cutting surface may dull over time with frequent use, so anglers who fish frequently may need to replace the nipper more often.
Overall, we would recommend the Loon Fly Fishing Classic Nipper with Comfy Grip to any angler who wants a reliable and comfortable nipper for fly fishing.
Loon Outdoors ROGUE NIPPERS w/ comfy grip
We highly recommend the Loon Outdoors ROGUE NIPPERS w/ comfy grip for fly fishing enthusiasts who want a durable and comfortable tool for cutting their leader and tippet.
Pros
- The comfy grip provides an excellent grip even with cold or wet fingers.
- The stealthy matte black rust-resistant finish ensures that the nippers will last for a long time.
- The stainless steel blades are sharp and cut through the line with ease.
Cons
- The eye cleaning needle is not strong enough and may bend easily.
- The cutting edges are not as sharp as other high-end nippers on the market.
- The nippers may not work well with braided lines.
We found the Loon Outdoors ROGUE NIPPERS to be a reliable and comfortable tool for cutting our leader and tippet while fly fishing. The comfy grip provides an excellent grip even with cold or wet fingers, and the stealthy matte black rust-resistant finish ensures that the nippers will last for a long time. The stainless steel blades are sharp and cut through the line with ease, although they are not as sharp as other high-end nippers on the market.
The eye cleaning needle is not strong enough and may bend easily, but it is still useful for cleaning the fly eye. The nippers may not work well with braided lines, but they are perfect for monofilament lines. Overall, the Loon Outdoors ROGUE NIPPERS w/ comfy grip are a great value for their price and will provide you with a reliable and comfortable tool for your fly fishing adventures.
SAMSFX Fly Fishing Knot Tying Tools Quick Knot Tool for Fishing Hooks
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable fly fishing nipper, the SAMSFX Fly Fishing Knot Tying Tools Quick Knot Tool for Fishing Hooks might be just what you need.
Pros
- The non-slip handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves.
- The multifunctional design includes a hook sharpener, mono line cutter, hook eye cleaner, and quick knot tool combo, making it a great all-in-one tool.
- The retractable zinger allows you to easily attach the nipper to your fly vest, waist, backpack, or fishing tackle bag.
Cons
- The head of the nipper is wider than expected, which can make it difficult to cut through hooks size 16 and smaller.
- It may have a harder time going through 12 lb fluorocarbon knots.
- It won’t cut braided line.
We found that the SAMSFX Fly Fishing Knot Tying Tools Quick Knot Tool for Fishing Hooks is a great addition to any fishing tackle box. The non-slip handle made it easy to grip, and the multifunctional design saved us time and hassle on the water. However, the wider head can make it difficult to cut through smaller hooks, and it won’t cut braided line. Overall, we recommend this nipper for its versatility and durability.
Umpqua Fly Fishing Rivergrip Nipper Black
We highly recommend the Umpqua Fly Fishing Rivergrip Nipper Black for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use tool for their fly fishing needs.
Pros
- The rubberized grip makes it easy to grip and use in wet or cold conditions.
- The included hook eye cleaner is a convenient addition.
- The hole for a clip makes it easy to attach to your gear.
Cons
- The nippers are not the sharpest on the market.
- The longevity of the nippers is still to be determined.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other options.
We found the Umpqua Fly Fishing Rivergrip Nipper Black to be a great addition to our fly fishing gear. The rubberized grip made it easy to hold and use, even in wet or cold conditions. The included hook eye cleaner was a nice touch, and we appreciated the hole for a clip to attach it to our gear.
While the nippers are not the sharpest on the market, they still cut well and got the job done. We haven’t had them long enough to determine their longevity, but they seem to be well-made and durable. The price point is slightly higher than some other options, but we believe the quality and convenience of the Umpqua Fly Fishing Rivergrip Nipper Black justify the cost.
Overall, we were very satisfied with this product and would recommend it to any fly fisherman looking for a reliable and easy-to-use nipper.
Booms Fishing FF2 Fly Fishing Accessories and Tools Kit
If you’re looking for an all-in-one fly fishing tools kit, the Booms Fishing FF2 Fly Fishing Accessories and Tools Kit is worth considering.
Pros
- The stainless steel forceps are sturdy and anti-rust, making them suitable for saltwater use.
- The tie fast combo tool is versatile, allowing you to tie knots, cut lines, clear hook eyes, and untangle tangles.
- The pin-on retractor has a 1.5-ounce/45g retraction force and a 23″/60cm polyester cord, ensuring that you won’t lose your lightweight tools.
Cons
- The glue holding the fly mat on both sides of the box may come loose.
- The eye cleaner on the nippers may break easily.
- The fly box may open too easily, and the leash may stop retracting after a few uses.
We recently tried out the Booms Fishing FF2 Fly Fishing Accessories and Tools Kit and found it to be a decent option for those who need a convenient set of tools for fly fishing. The stainless steel forceps are strong and durable, and the tie fast combo tool is a helpful addition that allows you to perform multiple tasks with just one tool. The pin-on retractor is also a nice touch, and it’s great that it has a strong retraction force and a long cord.
However, we did experience a few issues with the kit. The glue holding the fly mat on both sides of the box came loose after a short while, and the eye cleaner on the nippers broke easily. Additionally, the fly box opens too easily, and the leash on the pin-on retractor stopped retracting after just a few uses.
Overall, the Booms Fishing FF2 Fly Fishing Accessories and Tools Kit is a decent option for those who need an all-in-one kit, but it may not be the most durable or reliable option out there. If you’re looking for something that will last longer, you may want to consider other options.
SAMSFX Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient tool to help you tie knots and cut lines while fly fishing, then the SAMSFX Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool might be worth considering.
Pros
- The tool comes with a hook eye cleaner, making it great for cutting nylon line and leader material.
- The retractable zinger attached to the tool allows you to easily attach it to your fly fishing vest or lanyard for quick and convenient access.
- The tool is made of 420 stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity.
Cons
- The blade is not sharpened upon arrival, so it is recommended to take a little polishing or resharpen before using it.
- The tool is not recommended for cutting braided line.
- The tool may require some polishing and sharpening after repeated use.
In our experience, the SAMSFX Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool does a great job on shank knots and splicing line. The included paper instructions are helpful, but we recommend checking out the instructional video for more knotting methods.
The tool is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you while fishing. The retractable zinger is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly and easily access the tool without having to dig through your gear.
Overall, we recommend the SAMSFX Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool for those looking for an affordable and convenient tool to help them tie knots and cut lines while fly fishing. Just be sure to take a little time to polish and sharpen the blade before using it, and avoid using it to cut braided line.
SAMSFX Fly Fishing Nippers
If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable fishing nipper, the SAMSFX Fly Fishing Nippers might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The stainless steel cutting jaws are capable of biting through any sized tippet, making it a great tool for anglers and fishermen.
- The built-in hook eye cleaning needle is a handy feature that can save you time and effort while fishing.
- The included retractable zinger makes it easy to attach the nippers to your belt loop or fly fishing vest, so you can always keep them within reach.
Cons
- The nippers are not suitable for cutting braid line, so if you often use this type of line, you might want to consider a different product.
- Some users have reported that the nippers are not as sharp as they could be, which can make it difficult to cut thicker lines.
- The oval retractors might not be as durable as some users would like.
We’ve used these nippers on several fishing trips and found that they work well for cutting mono line and lightweight tippets. The red rubberized finger grip provides a comfortable and secure grip, and the compact size makes it easy to carry them in your pocket or fishing backpack.
The retractable zinger is a nice touch that makes it easy to keep the nippers within reach, and we appreciate the built-in hook eye cleaning needle, which can help us save time and effort while fishing.
Overall, we think the SAMSFX Fly Fishing Nippers are a good value for the price, and they’re a must-have tool for any angler or fisherman.
Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers Satin
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of nippers to add to your fishing gear, Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers Satin might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- These nippers are equipped with super sharp blades that cut through lines with ease.
- The industrial strength hook eye cleaning pin is a great addition for cleaning hook eyes.
- The built-in hook file is a handy tool for sharpening hooks on the go.
Cons
- The nail knot tube attached to the knot-tying models may take some getting used to.
- Some users have reported that the nail knot tool is too small for their liking.
- The instructions for the nail knot tool may be hard to follow for beginners.
We recently had the chance to try out Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers Satin during a fly fishing trip, and we were impressed with their performance. The blades are incredibly sharp and cut through lines smoothly, making them a great tool for snipping tippet tag ends and clipping off flies. The industrial strength hook eye cleaning pin is a helpful addition, as it allows you to clean hook eyes quickly and efficiently.
One of the standout features of these nippers is the built-in hook file. We found it to be a handy tool for sharpening hooks on the go, which saved us the time and effort of having to carry an extra tool in our fishing gear.
The nail knot tube attached to the knot-tying models is a great addition for those looking to attach backing or leader to their fly line. However, we did find that it took some getting used to, and some users may find the tool too small for their liking. Additionally, the instructions for the nail knot tool may be hard to follow for beginners.
Overall, we would highly recommend Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers Satin for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient pair of nippers for their fly fishing gear.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying fly fishing nippers, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the key features to look for when choosing a pair of nippers.
Material
The material of the nippers is an important factor to consider. Most nippers are made of stainless steel or titanium, both of which are durable and corrosion-resistant. However, titanium is generally lighter and stronger than stainless steel, making it a good choice for those who prioritize weight and strength.
Blade Type
The type of blade on the nippers is another important consideration. Straight blades are the most common and are suitable for most fishing situations. Serrated blades are good for cutting through thicker materials like heavy-duty tippet or wire. Some nippers also have replaceable blades, which can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the nippers can also be important factors, especially for those who plan on carrying them in a vest or pack. Lightweight nippers are generally more comfortable to carry and use, but they may not be as durable as heavier models.
Additional Features
Some nippers come with additional features, such as built-in knot tools or retractable lanyards. These features can be useful for some anglers, but they may not be necessary for everyone. Consider what additional features you may need before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best fly fishing nippers for your needs. Make sure to choose a pair that is durable, comfortable to use, and suitable for the type of fishing you plan on doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 4x and 5x tippet?
4x tippet has a breaking strength of 6.5 pounds, while 5x tippet has a breaking strength of 5 pounds. The difference between the two is the thickness of the tippet. 4x is thicker and stronger, while 5x is thinner and more delicate.
What tippet should I use?
The tippet you should use depends on the size of the fly you are using and the fish you are targeting. As a general rule, use a tippet that is one size smaller than your fly. For example, if you are using a size 12 fly, use 4x tippet. If you are targeting larger fish, use a thicker tippet to prevent the line from breaking.
How do you sharpen Abel nippers?
To sharpen Abel nippers, use a sharpening stone or diamond file. Hold the nipper at a 20-degree angle and stroke the file or stone across the blade in a downward motion. Repeat this process until the blade is sharp.
What do you use forceps for when fly fishing?
Forceps are used to remove hooks from a fish’s mouth. They are also used to crimp barbs on hooks or to tie knots in tippet.
Are Yakoda Nippers worth the investment?
Yes, Yakoda Nippers are worth the investment. They are made from high-quality materials and are built to last. They also have a sharp cutting edge and are easy to use.
How do you properly attach a fly fishing nippers lanyard?
To attach a fly fishing nippers lanyard, tie a loop knot in the end of the lanyard. Then, attach the loop to your vest or shirt using a carabiner or clip. Make sure the nippers are securely attached to the lanyard to prevent them from falling into the water.
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Get Fly Fishing