Both seasoned anglers and amateurs should know how to remove fish hooks from the fish. It’s one of the basics of fishing whether you want to throw the fish back into the water or in the cooler. You are at the right place.
We are going to review some of the best fish hook remover tools on the market and also provide helpful tips to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive right in!
Best Fish Hook Removers
Here’s a round-up of the best fish hook remover tools on the market after hours of testing and thorough research:
1. Crazy Shark Aluminium Hook Remover
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Crazy Shark Aluminium Hook Remover is beautifully designed and comes in handy even in the harsh conditions. This fish hook remover tool is made with aviation-grade aluminium to provide long-lasting durability and endurance. The hook-securing assembly features a sturdy stainless steel construction which makes it incredibly solid.
Crazy Shark Aluminium Hook Remover additionally features an ergonomic grip that allows the user to apply enough pressure on the hooks. You only need to squeeze hard to clamp on the fishing hook firmly when you want to remove the hook. Put pressure or twist to take off the hook. This fishing hook remover is 9.6 inches long with a rust-proof coating that maintains its original color.
Generally, the fish hook is well made, lightweight, functional and equally durable. It’s one of the best fish hook remover tools on the market ideal for all weather conditions.
Pros
- Features a stainless steel hook
- This fish hook remover comes in a range of colors
- It has an ergonomically designed handle
- It’s easy to use and operate
Cons
- Some anglers find the shaft of the Crazy Shark Aluminium Hook Remover too short
2. RUNCL Fishing Hook Remover
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RUNCL Fishing Hook Remover is one of the most convenient fishing tools featuring a spring-loaded trigger or handle. The best thing about this fish hook remover is that you can use one-hand to remove the hooks. It features a long nose that measures 10.6 inches providing a safer distance between the teeth and mouth of the fish.
RUNCL Fishing Hook Remover is an excellent choice for removing embedded hooks in the mouth of large species. It additionally features a wide ergonomically designed handle with slip resistant rubber strips for better grip especially when your hands are wet.
The core of the handle is hollow, made with premium quality materials including heavy-duty ABS for long-lasting durability. It’s equally lightweight without compromising on longevity.
Pros
- RUNCL Fishing Hook Remover features along nose design
- It features an ergonomic handle
- You can use one hand to operate
- The removal hook is rounded
Cons
- Pulling the trigger is a little hard
3. Booms Fishing R1 Fish Hook Extractor
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Booms Fishing R1 Fish Hook Extractor typically fits the statement – don’t fix it if it’s not broken perfectly well. It’s hands down the best fish hook remover tool as it’s traditionally designed and has been around since time immemorial. It’s as stylish as it is functional. This fish hook remover measures 11.5 inches long and feels rigid thanks to the stainless steel body.
You can operate the robust jaws of the Booms Fishing R1 Fish Hook Extractor using the spring-loaded trigger or handle. Apply the right amount of pressure on the tool to extract the hooks. It’s super easy to use.
Anglers can use it to remove hooks rooted deep inside the mouth of the fish with precision quickly and clearly. The best thing about this fish hook remover is that its highly functional and works remarkably well without hurting both your hands and fingers.
Pros
- Has a longer shaft
- It’s ideal for both fresh water and saltwater fishing owing to its versatility
- It’s incredibly easy to use
- Offers long-lasting durability
Cons
- Is not ideal for smaller fish species
4. PureZoneA Fish Hook Remover
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PureZoneA Fish Hook Remover is best suited for anglers working on a budget as it offers two different extractors for a relatively low price. It’s typically a set of two fish hook removers that is quite handy when it comes to gripping the hooks, shaking and twisting allowing the fish to effortlessly fall off safely. They also help keep your hands and fingers at a safer distance especially from sharper teeth of dangerous and large fish species.
PureZoneA Fish Hook Remover lets anglers dig deeper into the gut of the hooked fish. What’s more, the extractors extend the lifespan of the fish hooks and also helps reduce the possibility of any injuries.
The handle of this fish hook remover is made of plastic that is quite sturdy. The plastic handle doesn’t loosen up or break easily even under pressure. This fish hook remover allows you to have total control over the line or the fish using one hand. You can use the other hand to unhook the fish.
Pros
- Is corrosion resistant
- It’s easy to use as it allows one hand operation
- It falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum ideal for those working on a budget
- It features an anodized aluminium frame
Cons
- Is not quite durable
5. Bubba Hook Extractor
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If you are looking for the best fish hook remover tool that is equally long then the Bubba Hook Extractor is your best bet. You can reach the gut of the fish with ease when using this hook extractor. It features a 12-inch long shaft made of anodized aluminium. The shaft is long enough to help extract hooks from larger toothy snapper species and pike.
Bubba Hook Extractor features a long and sturdy anodized aluminium shaft with titanium nitride coating. The composition not only makes it strong but also rust-resistant. The best thing about this hook remover is that it works remarkably well in both fresh water and saltwater.
The scaled, slip-resistant, ergonomically designed plastic handle offers a steady yet comfortable grip for ease of use. What’s more, this fish hook remover can also double up as a handy line cutter. This means that you can comfortably slice through mono, fluorocarbon and braid fishing lines with precision.
Pros
- Has a long shaft
- The titanium nitride coating makes it corrosion resistant
- Can also double up as a handy line cutter
- The plastic handle provides a slip-resistant and comfortable grip
Cons
- Falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
6. Cuda Titanium Bonded Fish Hook Remover
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Cuda Titanium Bonded Fish Hook Remover is an excellent choice for anglers looking for an extremely comfortable and durable option. It’s currently one of the best-selling fish hook removers on the market. This titanium bonded fish hook remover is 8.5 inches long ideal for use on average sized species with hooks buried deep inside the gut.
Cuda Titanium Bonded Fish Hook Remover has t-shaped handles, specially designed with the company’s signature which is the scale pattern of the brand. The t-shaped handles provide a secure grip. This means that the hook remover will securely stay in place even if your hands are wet or slippery.
Pros
- Is easy to use
- Storing this fish hook remover is easy
- It’s corrosion resistant
- Its titanium bonded
Cons
- Needs some assembly
7. Eagle Claw Hook Remover
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Eagle Claw Hook Remover is made of plastic. Some anglers believe that it’s gentle and more friendly to the fish compared to its counterparts with pistol grip. You can try it out if you usually do catch and release.
The hook falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum and is the cheapest fish hook remover on the list. You can always keep one in the boat and another on the tackle box. It features two heads that can comfortably handle more problems with the hooks as compared to one especially when the need of retracting engulfed hooks arises.
Eagle Claw Hook Remover is not only cheap but also simple and works remarkably well.
Pros
- Compact
- It’s relatively cheap and lightweight
- It features two heads
Cons
- Is not long-lasting especially if you are frequent angler
8. Homthia Easy Fishing Hook Remover
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Homthia Easy Fishing Hook Remover is best suited for smaller species. It’s equally short and is a perfect addition to your fishing arsenal which makes it the best fish hook remover tool on the market. It works remarkably well on treble hooks and can be a perfect gift for friends and family who like fishing.
Homthia Easy Fishing Hook Remover features a stainless steel jaw and an aluminium shaft with a t-shaped handle. This fish hook remover tool feels strong and sturdy as it offers long-lasting durability and endurance.
The fish hook is compact and easy to carry around since it comes with a shorter shaft. It provides an enjoyable and safe fishing experience. This fish hook remover can effortlessly unhook hooks buried deep inside the gut of the fish with ease even though its small in size.
Homthia Easy Fishing Hook Remover releases quickly as well to prevent any damage on the fish. If you are doing catch and release, you can rest assured that the fish will fall off unharmed.
Pros
- Is relatively cheap
- It features rounded hooks
- It’s rust-proof
- This fish hook remover has a stainless steel jaw
- It comes with a t-shaped handle with a slip resistant grip
Cons
- Not ideal to use on large species
Choosing the Best Fish Hook Removers
Choosing the best fish hook remover on the market usually depends on three different things including: the fishing environment, the size of the hook and the target fish species and size. Here are some of the things you need to put into consideration when looking for the best fish hook remover tool on the market;
The Length of the Shaft
Fish hook removers usually come in different sizes and lengths. The shortest model is 8 inches long while the longest one is about 13 inches and beyond. Short models are best suited for smaller fish species in fresh water such as bass, walleye and trout.
Long fish hook removers thrive in reaching deeper into the mouth of the fish to remove deeply buried hooks. They are perfect for large species in fresh water such as northern pike, muskie and bowfin. In saltwater you can use it on other species like halibut, wahoo, barracuda and bluefish. One thing you have to bear in mind when choosing the best fish hook remover in terms of length is that the longer models can be a bit awkward when used on small species.
Getting a longer fish hook remover from the backpack can be equally awkward. The fish hook remover can be unwieldy if the shaft is extra long which makes the entire process of unhooking the fish more difficult. If you frequently fish for both large and small species alike, then you can get de-hookers in different sizes for bigger and small fish species.
Material
The best fish hook remover tool is usually made of anodized aluminium or stainless steel. Those made with anodized aluminium are fairly lightweight, corrosion resistant and robust. They are ideal for using in saltwater since they can’t corrode and are equally rust-proof. However, anodized aluminium is not the toughest and sturdiest of materials used in fish hook removers. Avoid using it as a makeshift prybar.
Stainless steel is not entirely rust-proof but makes tough and substantial fish hook remover tools. You can throw and even abuse a fish hook remover tool made of stainless steel and its lifespan will not be compromised since it offers long-lasting durability and endurance. Ensure you wash stainless steel fish hook removers with fresh water after use to prevent them from rusting.
The entire mechanism around fish hook removers usually gravitates around stainless steel. However, fish hook removers are also available in other different models including those made of titanium. The fish hook removal mechanism in titanium models is fully corrosion resistant. The only challenge is that they are quite pricey so you need to brace yourself to dig deeper into your pockets.
Hook Size
The size of the hook is equally important. Most fish hook removers are ideal for removing medium sized to large hook from the mouth of the fish. The spring mechanism is usually robust and can be too abrasive for small hooks which makes it more susceptible to damage and break. Fishing pliers will come in handy when removing smaller hooks.
Grip
The best fish hook remover tool usually features t-style or pistol grip. Both grips allow for a one hand operation and they work perfectly well. The choice always narrows down to personal preference and taste when it comes to grip.
The t-style grip is more compact and smaller as compared to its counterpart. This typically means that a fish hook remover tool with a t-style grip occupies less space when you place it inside the tackle box.
However, some anglers believe that a fish hook remover with a pistol grip tends to offer a higher precision level. The sentiment is neither proven nor tested so at the end of the day choosing between the two grips narrows down to personal preference and taste.
Spring-Loaded or Solid Piece
Advanced fish hook removers usually use internal springs to activate the hook removal mechanism to allow one hand operation. It also makes the operation a bit easier. The older models, on the other hand, use longer metal rods featuring carved hooks at the tip.
The hooks are designed to allow you to remove the hooks manually. Fish hook removers with internal spring-loaded mechanism are more versatile and easier to use and operate.
Other Extra Features
Some fish hook removers come with other different impressive features that are usually handy during the fishing trip or adventure. Some of these features include in-built LED flashlights for high visibility on poor light conditions and when fishing at night. Most fish hook remover tools also feature a lanyard that lets you lash them with ease to life vests or waders.
Color
Color doesn’t really matter when it comes to the best fish hook remover tool as long as its highly functional and effective in unhooking fish. Color is usually more of aesthetics and style. On the flip side, a brightly colored fish hook remover is easy to see in the tackle box.
What’s more, you can easily spot it when the box is outside in at night or in a place with poor lighting conditions. Bright colors are highly visible as compared to their darker counterparts.
Color is not an important consideration like the other factors you need to put in mind when looking for the best fish hook remover tool. However, its something you should give a thought when shopping.
Price
Most fish hook removers are usually reasonably priced which means they fall on the lower side of the pricing spectrum. However, just like any other fishing gear and essentials that you purchase, you need to factor in the cost before making your final decision. Always buy something that is within your budget.
You have a variety to choose from when it comes to the best fish hook removers which means there’s something for everyone. You will find one to suit your needs in an accommodative price range.
When shopping for the best fish hook removers, always ensure you go for durable one. Long-lasting durability not only guarantees value for money but also an extended lifespan even after several uses over the years. Most anglers are usually prepared to spend a fortune on fish hook removal tools instead of investing on cheaper options to save them the hassle of replacing after every year.
Brand/ Manufacturer
Some anglers are more concern about the manufacturers/brands of the fishing gear. This is because it’s much easier and safer to buy from a renowned manufacturer/brand of fishing gears since you know what to expect in terms of pricing and quality.
There are brands that are known to sell premium quality and durable products so making a purchase from the is worthwhile.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that smaller brands and manufacturers make low-quality products. You can still find a good fish hook remover from an unknown brand that serves you better than that from a reputable brand.
Conclusion
Fish hook remover tools are simple and reasonably priced. The Crazy Shark Aluminium Fish Hook Remover stands out from the rest since it’s convenient and easy to use. This makes it the best fish hook remover tool on our list. It allows one hand operation and strikes a perfect balance between performance, durability, price and longevity.
