Top 5 Best Fish Hook Removers – 5 Tools Reviewed

Good news! You’ve just hooked a fish. 

Celebrate for only a moment, because now you have to get the hook out of the fish’s mouth. With some fish, it’s easy, but with others, that’s far from the case.

Sure, it’s all fun and games when you are removing a hook from the mouth of a fish with a large, toothless mouth. 

But when there are any sharp teeth to contend with (hello, northern pike!), or if the mouth is small, you might not be able to use your fingers or even a set of pliers.

You need a tool that will help you get the job done every time, regardless of how deep the hook is buried in the fish’s mouth. 

This kind of tool will also make it easier for you to remove the hook with as little damage as possible, necessary if you plan on doing any kind of catch and release.

To that end, you need to invest in one of the best fish hook removers.

Here’s what you need to know. 

Our Top Hook Removal Tools: The Easy Short Version

Here are the best fishing hook removers on the market:

Last update on 2024-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top 5 Best Fish Hook Remover Tools 

Here are the top 5 easy fish hook removers

1. Rainmae Portable Stainless Steel Fishing Hook Remover Tool

First on my list is this fish hook remover tool from JSHANMEI. It comes in several different colors and can be purchased in packages of one or two. 

That way, you’ll have a fish hook remover to suit the bill regardless of the setting, hookset, or size of fish you are trying to reel in.

It is sturdy and strong, equipped with a stainless steel hook so you don’t have to cut your line.

Not only that, but its flat, pointed-head design makes it sturdy and easy to access. It’s perfect for removing hooks from deeply-hooked fish.

Easy to operate, this fish hook remover can be powered with just one hand. It is ergonomic and won’t cause any strain to your hand – or any injury to your fish.

Simply put, it’s one of the best fish hook removers around. 

Pros:

• Has a durable aluminum body
• Lightweight, ergonomic design
• Pointed head design helps it access all kinds of fish 

Cons: 

• Might be too big for some fish species

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2. SAMSFX Fishing Loop Tyer & Quick Knot Fishing Hook Remover

If you want a versatile product, look no further than this fishing loop tying tool and fish hook removal from SAMSFX. 

It’s a three-in-one device that can be used to tie a quick knot, tie a loop, and of course, remove a hook. The quick knot tool is particularly effective as it can be used to make several types of knots in mere seconds.

However, you came here for the fish hook remover, so I’ll tell you about that, too! 

It has a stainless steel hook that is perfect at removing hooks from fish’s mouths, even hooks that were swallowed deep.

It also comes with a stainless steel ring and carabiner so you can snap it on to your backpack or fly vest with ease. 

Pros:

• Several colors available
• Handy 3-in-1 design
• Can be used to tie knots and loops too

Cons: 

• Knot tying loop is somewhat small

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3. Eagle Claw Easy Reach Hook Remover

This quick pain-free hook removal tool by Eagle Claw is easily one of the top fish hook removers if you want to keep some space between your hand and the sharp teeth of a fish’s mouth. 

They are manufactured by one of the top names in fishing tackle, Eagle Claw, with products available to more than 40 countries around the world. 

The tool is flawless and easy to use, making grabbing and extracting hooks as simple as a quick pull. 

The T-handle design allows you to exert plenty of control to twist, pull, or push the hook where it needs to go. 

It is perfect for large and small fish alike. 

Pros:

• You can loop a cord through for simple storage
• Thin enough to be used on many types of fish 
• Easy to control one-handed

Cons: 

• The plastic handle isn’t the most durable

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4. Berkley Stainless Steel Fishing Hook Remover

This fish hook remover from Berkley is another one of the best.

It is made out of stainless steel and has sure-grip jaw action to help you safely and effectively remove hooks each and every time.

This tool comes with a lanyard for easy portability – you won’t have to worry about losing your fish hook remover in the waves!

It has a spring-loaded trigger handle to reduce strain to your hand and helps pull hooks with minimal harm to your fish. 

There’s very little not to love when you shop for one of these fish hook removers, and it’s affordable to boot, too.

Pros:

• Has a durable all-metal construction
• Comes with a sure-grip head to avoid slips and injury
• Equipped with an attached carrying strap

Cons: 

• Can be somewhat bulky 

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5. SAMSFX Plastic Fishing Hook Disgorger & Remover Tool

Buy this fish hook remover tool, and you’ll get not just one, but two fish hook removers so you can target both large and small fish species without any delay. 

A slender, lightweight product, it grips tightly to hooks to stop them from sliding around in a fish’s mouth. 

There is one compromise you’ll have to make with this fish hook remover, and that is that the tool is made out of plastic. While that makes it lighter and easier to carry, it’s also easier to break.

However, these tools are also priced at ultra-low rates, so you may want to just stock up on several to avoid any frustration. After all, their versatility is well worth that small minor hassle!

These fish hook remover tools are great at removing deep-set hooks and are less likely to hurt your fish than you would be if you were scrambling around in their mouths with your bare hands.

Pros:

• Portable and lightweight
• Two fish hook removers for the price of one
• Comes with two sizes to tackle fish of all kinds

Cons: 

• Made out of plastic

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

How to Choose the Best Fish Hook Removers

Finding the best fish hook remover can be a challenge, but with a few careful considerations kept in mind, you can get rid of those hooks every time. 

Type of Fish

Before you can settle on a fish hook remover to buy, you should probably consider what kind of fishing technique you plan to use – and what kind of fish you are going after.

Generally, this is pretty easy to figure out. If you’re going to be fishing for larger fish species, you’re probably going to need a hook that is a lot longer. 

Large fish often hook themselves way in the back of their deep (often tooth-filled!) mouths, so you’ll want an extra-long and extra-large hook remover to get the job done.

You will also want to consider the fishing technique. For example, if you are fishing for catfish, you might be using baited circle hooks. Therefore, when you hook your catfish, the hook will probably be set in the side of its mouth.

Therefore, you can probably make do with a shorter hook remover – a long one will be overkill. Take these considerations into account when you are shopping.

Length

Fish hook removers come in all shapes and sizes, from shorter eight-inch models to longer ones that can be thirteen inches or more. 

A shorter model will be better for small freshwater species, while longer ones are ideal for bigger fish in both saltwater and freshwater, like barracuda or northern pike.

While you might be tempted to just purchase a large fish hook remover so that you can get to any kind of hook in any kind of fish, try to resist this temptation. 

A longer fish hook remover will generally have a longer shaft that can make it harder to use on small fish species. 

It can also make it awkward and unwieldy, which will make hook removal more of a challenge. 

Fish hook removers aren’t that expensive, so if you fish for a wide variety of species, consider getting a separate hook remover for each species.

Material

Most fish hook removers are made out of materials like stainless steel and anodized aluminum.

Stainless steel is one of the toughest materials you will find, but it’s not necessarily resistant to corrosion. That said, you don’t have to worry about breaking it any time soon.

If durability is what you have in mind, go for stainless steel, but be sure to wipe it down after each use.

Another option is anodized aluminum. This material is corrosion-resistant but won’t be as durable as stainless steel – you are more likely to accidentally snap it in half. 

Grip

In general, a fish hook remover will have either a pistol- or T-style-grip. 

Both are effective and can be used one-handed, but T-grips are more compact and will take up less space in your tackle box.

Pistol grips, on the other hand, tend to be easier to use. 

Spring Loaded

Some fish hook removers, usually those that are on the newer side, have internal springs that activate hook removal components. This makes them easier to use one-handed.

However, if you buy an older model, it will likely be all in one piece.

I recommend going for a spring-loaded fish hook remover even though it might be slightly more expensive – it will not only be more versatile, but it will be easier to use, too.

Bonus Features

A fish hook remover is just that – just a fish hook remover, right?

Not so fast. There are all kinds of bonus features you can shop around for when you are looking for a fish hook remover.

For example, some come with built-in flashlights. These are great for fishing at night. 

Others come with their own lanyards, which can prevent you from losing your remover in a current. 

Safety 

You also need to think about your own personal safety. Most fish hook removers are designed to remove all kinds of hooks, including large treble hooks like those you’d find on crankbait rod rigs or topwater baits. 

A hook remover with all the right features – will help you get those hooks out without allowing them to dig into your hands or cause you any potential injury. 

Tips for Using a Fish Hook Remover

There are all kinds of places you’ll find a hook once it’s lodged itself inside a fish’s mouth. 

Often, a hook catches on the side of the mouth or the edge of a bony lip. This is the ideal hookset since you’ll not only be able to see the hook easily, but you’ll be able to get to it and remove it quickly. 

Your fish will be back in the water in no time and you may not even need to use a fish hook remover to get it out!

No matter where the fish hook is lodged, though, the key to using a fish hook remover is to use it to latch on tightly to the curved portion of the hook. 

Pull it in a direction that will get the point out without yanking, as this can damage the lips of your fish.

The barb may create a bit of resistance – the position you pull it from can make it tricky but in any case, you should be able to gently pull the hook with the remover and get it out. 

Now that you know how to choose the best fish hook remover – and know exactly what makes one of the best fish hook removers – you’re on your way to a successful day on the water. 

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