# The Best Forceps and Hemostats for Fly Fishing Source: https://flyfishnest.com/best/best-forceps-and-hemostats Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Fly Fish Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://flyfishnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Forceps do the jobs your fingers cannot: backing a fly out of a trout's jaw quickly, crushing barbs flat, and pinching split shot without using your teeth. Fish handling gets faster and safer with a good pair clipped where you can reach it. Models vary in jaw pattern and precision, locking mechanism, whether scissors are built into the jaws, and the finish that fights rust in perpetually wet pockets. We looked at jaw alignment and grip on small hooks, lock reliability, comfort in cold hands, and corrosion resistance over a season of dunkings. Most trout anglers are best served by a mid-length pair with scissor blades, which covers hook removal and trimming in one tool. Saltwater and streamer anglers should size up for bigger hooks and toothy fish, and barbless-water regulars want smooth, precise tips. ## Picks ### 1. Dr. Slick Clamp, 5 in, Black, Straight Our score: 8.7/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Dr. Slick Clamp, 5 in black straight forceps, a trusted fly fishing clamp from a leading tool brand. Pros: - Dr. Slick is a trusted name in fly fishing tools - 5 in straight design is ideal for trout - Black finish reduces glare on the water Cons: - Single straight clamp, so deep hooks may call for a curved pair too - Costs more than generic forceps that look similar on paper Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B002WRZ2HA ### 2. XTRM CRAFT Fishing Forceps, Kelly Hemostat 5.5 and 6.25 Inches, Straight and Curved Stainless Steel Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) XTRM CRAFT Kelly hemostat fishing forceps, 5.5 and 6.25 inches, straight and curved stainless steel pair. Pros: - Straight and curved pair covers different hook positions - 5.5 and 6.25 inches lengths suit trout and bass - Stainless steel construction resists corrosion Cons: - Two tools may be more than minimalist anglers need - Brand has limited recognition in fishing tools Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B098PCP3XB ### 3. Fly Fishing Serrated Pliers Hemostat Forceps Stainless Steel Catch and Release Tool with Precision Grip Locking, 5.5 in Straight Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Stainless steel fly fishing serrated pliers hemostat forceps with precision grip locking, 5.5 in straight. Pros: - 5.5 in straight design is versatile for trout and bass - Serrated jaws grip hooks firmly - Stainless steel resists rust in wet conditions Cons: - Straight jaws are less handy for deep hooks than curved - Generic brand offers limited durability information Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B0C41ZW1MP ### 4. Locking Scissor Forceps Fly Fishing Hemostat Tool 7.5 in Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Locking scissor forceps fly fishing hemostat tool, 7.5 in, a combined forceps and scissor for hook removal and trimming. Pros: - 7.5 in length reaches deep hooks in toothy or large fish - Scissor blades cut line and trim flies - Locking design holds hooks firmly while unhooking Cons: - 7.5 in size is bulky for small trout vests - Generic listing gives little detail on steel quality Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B000OVPCWQ ### 5. AAProTools 2 x Fly Fishing Hemostat Forceps Set Locking 3.5 in Surgical Premium Quality Gold Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) AAProTools 2 x fly fishing hemostat forceps set, locking 3.5 in in gold, a small, precise pair for trout and tying. Pros: - 2 x set gives spares for vest and tying bench - 3.5 in size is compact and easy to handle small flies - Gold finish makes forceps easier to find in a bag Cons: - Short length does not reach deep-hooked fish well - Gold coating may wear off over time Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B08Z3VNSLR ### 6. SURGICAL ONLINE 2pc 5 Inch Fishing Forceps Set - Stainless Steel, Curved and Straight Hemostats with Serrated Jaws Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) SURGICAL ONLINE 2pc 5 Inch stainless steel fishing forceps set with curved and straight serrated jaws. Pros: - 2pc set includes both curved and straight tips - 5 Inch size is compact for trout fishing - Serrated jaws hold hooks firmly Cons: - Short length may not reach deep hooks in larger fish - Surgical supply brand is not fishing-specific Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B088PBNSWR ### 7. BDeals 5 in Curved Fly Fishing Locking Mosquito Hemostat Forcep Surgical Instruments Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) BDeals 5 in curved fly fishing locking mosquito hemostat forceps, a small curved tool for precise hook removal. Pros: - Curved tip helps reach and grip hooks in fish mouths - 5 in size is compact for vests and chest packs - Locking mechanism holds hooks securely Cons: - Mosquito forceps are thin and may bend on large hooks - Surgical-style steel quality may vary Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B00DSTP1KY ### 8. MFC River Camo Straight Tip Forceps Rainbow Trout Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) MFC River Camo straight tip forceps with rainbow trout artwork, a colorful forceps for trout anglers. Pros: - Rainbow trout artwork adds personality to your tool kit - Straight tip design is useful for most hook removal - Great gift for trout-loving anglers Cons: - Check the listed length before buying - Artwork may wear off with heavy use Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B089D1GNMR As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.