Fly fishing pliers might not be the flashiest tool in your kit, but they quietly handle some of the most important jobs on the water—cutting line, crushing barbs, freeing hooks, sealing knots, and protecting your hands from angry fish with teeth. Whether you're chasing trout, saltwater predators, or something in between, the right plier makes a huge difference in efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Today we’re comparing three of the most popular and well-built pliers on the market:

• Dr. Slick Squall Pliers
• Umpqua RiverRun Big Game Pliers
• Loon Apex HD Pliers

Each shines in different fishing environments. Below is a complete breakdown of specs, strengths, weaknesses, and which one is best for your style of fishing.

1. Dr. Slick Squall Pliers

Best For: Saltwater anglers, tropical destinations, and big freshwater predators

The Squall is the powerhouse of the group: long, strong, corrosion-resistant, and built for tougher fisheries. If you’re dealing with toothy critters like barracuda or triggerfish—or big freshwater predators like pike and muskie—the Squall’s longer reach and beefy cutters make it the safest and most effective option.  This is also a top choice for salmon and steelhead anglers as well as off-shore anglers targeting anything from stripers to tuna.

Specs

• Length: ~7.5" (longest of the three)

• Frame: 6061-T6 anodized aluminum

• Jaws: SUS420 J2 stainless steel (HR 52)

• Cutters: Tungsten carbide, HR 70+

• Cut Rating: Cuts mono, braid, synthetics, and wire up to ~60 lb

• Extras: Included holster, lanyard, replaceable cutters & jaws, spring-loaded handles

Why It’s Great

• Long reach = safer hook removal from big or toothy fish

• Excellent corrosion resistance for saltwater environments

• Cutters handle everything from trout tippet to heavy wire

• Strong, durable build suitable for repeated big-fish encounters

Where It Excels

• Saltwater flats

• Tropical fisheries (barracuda, triggerfish, jacks)

• Pike & muskie

• Any situation where distance from teeth matters

2. Umpqua RiverRun Big Game Pliers

Best For: The all-around angler who wants premium machining without going over the top with price

The RiverRun Big Game is your “mama bear” option—not too big, not too small, and built with excellent machining and thoughtful performance features. If you fish a mix of freshwater and saltwater, or you want one tool that works almost everywhere, this is the perfect middle ground.  This is still a "Big Game" plier as the name says, but the shorter 6.5" length makes it a viable option for many trout fishing scenarios, and a fantastic choice for Alaska or the Great Lakes salmon fisheries.

Specs

• Length: ~6.5"

• Frame: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum

• Jaws: Hardened stainless steel

• Cutters: Replaceable stainless cutters

• Extras: Sheath & lanyard included, spring-loaded handles

Why It’s Great

• Balanced size gives leverage without being bulky

• Premium machining adds smoothness and durability

• Great hook removal across trout, bass, salmon, steelhead, and saltwater species

• Performs well in both freshwater and saltwater environments

Where It Excels

• Mixed fisheries (fresh + salt)

• Anglers who target several species throughout the year

• Steelhead & salmon rigs

• Travelers who want one plier for everything

3. Loon Apex HD Pliers

Best For: Freshwater anglers, especially in high-demand catch-and-release environments

The Apex HD is the compact, premium tool designed for anglers who need quick control and precision—particularly in fisheries where you’re catching and releasing lots of fish. Think salmon runs in Alaska, or trout fisheries with high hook counts.  It is very comfortable, lightweight and easy to use.  Its 5.5" length makes it less viable for toothy critters, but the shorter length makes it the most comfortable for trout anglers.

Specs

• Length: ~5.5" (shortest of the three)

• Frame: High-grade aluminum

• Jaws: Hardened stainless steel, dual-pattern gripping surfaces

• Cutters: Replaceable tungsten-carbide cutters

• Extras: Rubberized sheath, coated steel-core tether

Why It’s Great

• Compact size gives excellent precision for hook removal

• Ideal for repetitive use (great ergonomics)

• Replaceable cutters ensure long-term performance

• Premium materials resist both freshwater and light saltwater corrosion

Where It Excels

• Salmon fisheries or other high-demand scenarios
  

• Boat fishing where compact tools matter

• Anglers who value ergonomics and premium feel

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Dr. Slick Squall if you…

• Need maximum leverage (length) to avoid teeth from muskie, triggerfish, barracuda, etc...
  
• Need pliers for a specific fishery.
• Don't care about weight (they're not heavy, just the heaviest of the 3).
• Don't use pliers for trout fishing.
• Think that the included spare cutting blades and jaws make this a great value.
  

Choose the Umpqua RiverRun Big Game if you…

• Want a premium, well-machined plier that works across freshwater and saltwater.
  
• Appreciate quality craftsmanship and well-designed products
  
• Travel across multiple fisheries.
• Want one plier that will work in the largest range of situations.

Choose the Loon Apex HD if you…

• Are a freshwater-focused angler who needs precision and comfort—especially on high-release days for salmon, bass or trout.
  
• Want the most comfortable, most lightweight plier.
• Are a guide, drift boat angler, and/or you want pro-level construction.

Final Thoughts

All three pliers are excellent—you’re not choosing between “good” and “bad,” but between good, better, and best for your specific fishery.

• Apex HD is the top performer for freshwater and repetitive release situations.  Maybe too small for some toothy critter scenarios, but its the best choice for trout, bass, salmon and steelhead anglers looking for a premium plier.

• Squall is the strongest choice for big fish, saltwater, and abrasion-heavy environments.  Its maybe a bit too big for trout fisheries, but everything else is in play.  These are the pliers that you need for the biggest game.

• RiverRun Big Game is the versatile, premium middle ground that works everywhere for everything. Comfortable and ergonomic, this is an all-around good plier that is as comfortable on a trout stream as it is on the flats.

Pick the one that matches your style of fishing, and it’s a tool you'll trust for years.